Replies to post #76530 on Biotech Values

[iwfal]

rib isn't expected to add much to early viral load declines, so i don't think you can say there is a negative drug ineraction or even lack of synergy ...

Ok, apparently I have more homework to do on early vs long term effects of rib/ifn combo vs ifn alone?

Question: what do they do next? Try another cohort at 1.5 (the arms are so small there is a 10-20% (WAG) chance that the excess SAEs were a fluke)? Try an intermediate dose (e.g. 1.10)? Try 3.0 combo? (I'd be surprises if they did the latter without duplicating the 1.5).

[tony111]

Dewo,

From my knowledge, Rib should add much to early viral load declines. Many more patients achieve RVR on week 4 when Rib is added. I personally think there is a lack of synergy or even additive effect when Rib is combined with Lambda. It does come back to the idea that Rib's synergistic effect is mainly due to shifting Th2 to Th1. Indeed, given Lambda itself can shift the axis towards Th1, Rib might be redundant in reducing viral load. I do agree monotherapy will likely get beaten by relapse, Lambda's only chance is to get added the INFORM cocktail given its clean monotherapy profile. The AE when combined with Rib at 1.5mg Lambda is just unacceptable (50% flu-like symptom basically kills the drug). I think Lambda should now focus on HBV rather than HCV given Ribavirin doesn't add anything to HBV seroconversion. If I saw the data before market opens, I would have sold my position at the open when there was a 10% price spike. I am surprised the stock price didn't tank given such underwhelming data though.