Avid Bioservices Inc (CDMO)

[keep_trying]

Alvaroc2, the Pharmasset/Gilead experience with this trial, where eight of nine patients that were treated with Gilead's experimental new drug had an HCV relapse, is an important reinforcement of how there is still a need to find an effective substitute for pegylated interferon, IMO.

The two protease inhibitor related, "triple treatment" options approved in May of 2011 (Incivek/Telepravir or Bocepravir) both function in combination with the SOC pegylated interferon and ribavirin to achieve improved SVRs (approaching 80% for some genotypes). Yet, pegylated interferon exerts negative side effects that cause a large percentage of patients to halt treatment. In the case of Gilead's new drug, it is still not known whether prolonged treatment in combination with ribavirin would accomplish desired SVRs without interferon, but the researcher is acknowledging that the interferon role still needs to be displaced/replaced.

Thanks for sharing the article.

KT