Replies to post #95933 on Biotech Values

[mcbio]

Re: TMC435/ACHN

The phototoxicity signal with TMC435 is not new, but the existence of the trial spotted by ghmm confirms that the problem is real. You mentioned TMC435’s possible phototoxicity six months ago in #msg-43712907:

Right, I recall discussing the phototoxicity issues before. All told, the continued safety issues surrounding TMC435 bode well for ACHN and ACH-1625, and obviously the 3rd gen PIs, given that perhaps BI 201335 is now the main threat to ACH-1625 among the 2nd gen PIs. Obviously, BI 201335 is much further along.

Have there been any safety signals to date with respect to the BI compound? After taking a quick review of your links under the "Most Likely To Succeed" table, it looks like the side effects to date have been mostly attributable to peg-interferon.

[WID]

Did anyone listen to the IDIX presentation today in UK?

For some reason, I could not find it on the company website.

Thanks!
WID

[ghmm]

Is it odd that one of comparators is looking at a side effect of an approved drug?

I can't recall seeing other (HCV) companies go back to Phase 1 to check out a safety signal.

I am guessing part of it may be that companies see the bar being raised for 2nd to market compounds. But I wonder if J&J really feels strongly about this compound or if they just don't have anything else far enough along (aside from their Vertex x-US deal).