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Replies to #85787 on Biotech Values
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jellybean

11/04/09 11:57 AM

#85788 RE: dewophile #85787

The ALT increases at 1.5 microg/kg were most likely due to dosing. Liver toxicity also shows up at the highest dose of 3 micrg/kg, but can be resolved by decreasing the dose. Yes, it is likely to pop back up in larger studies. but the concern is lessening as data rolls out.

from the ZGEN presentation:

Grade 3/4 events occurred in 3 subjects
2 treated at 1.5 microg/kg QW + ribavirin
• Grade 3 hepatotoxicity and increased serum lipase/amyalse without
signs of pancreatitis, probably related to PEG-IFN-lambda;
– Occurred after dosing in violation of protocol (DLT criteria met)
• Grade 4 adverse drug reaction to meperidine (ARDS) in a subject with
history of migraine headaches and COPT, unrelated to PEG-IFN-lambda;

In addition:
6 of 56 (11%) subjects experienced increases in ALT/AST that met protocol-defined criteria for DLT or withholding a PEG-IFN-lambda dose
Phase 1b protocol did not allow for dose reduction
Reversible after study drug discontinuation

I will also add that in healthy patients DL liver toxicity was seen at 7.5 microg/kg. Suggesting that HCV patients have fragile livers....duh!



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iwfal

11/04/09 12:08 PM

#85789 RE: dewophile #85787

ZGEN - As you point out this then brings into question whether to believe the RVR data. Can they even check to know how the other patients were dosed? Did they do the check? ...

it may explain some of the better than expected efficacy data, but on the whole is tremendously reassuring if in fact this was the cause of the liver AEs



Unless/until they can state for sure that the RVRs weren't caused by this... I am not sure this is a net positive.