ENTA was founded in 1995; its mission from the start has been to discover small-molecule drugs for infectious diseases. Hiring the best available scientists was (and is) an integral part of the business plan.
By 2006, ENTA had sufficient expertise in HCV to trigger a fairly lucrative pre-clinical-stage deal with Abbott (#msg-15492225).
ENTA’s track record is not blemish free, however. Its antibacterial program failed. Even with great scientists, you need some luck to be successful in the drug business.
p.s. ENTA’s NASH program is the company’s first foray outside of infectious diseases.