Biotech Values

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Abbott says hepatitis C combo may be a blockbuster

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/21/us-abbott-hepatitis-idUSTRE79K4VF20111021

The two Phase II trials of previously untreated patients combined the antiviral drug ritonavir with Abbott's ABT-450 -- a protease inhibitor from the same class as the Vertex and Merck drugs -- one of two Abbott polymerase inhibitors, ABT-333 or ABT-072, and ribavirin.

All patients who remained in the studies achieved an early virologic response at 12 weeks, meaning the virus was undetectable in the blood, Abbott said, with no virus rebounds occurring during therapy.

Of the 10 patients so far who were tested 24 weeks after completing the 12 weeks of therapy, nine had achieved a sustained virologic response, or SVR, the company said.