Replies to post #106649 on Biotech Values

[mcbio]

Re: GILD/HCV

Update on GILD’s HCV program from today’s 3Q10 CC: Surprisingly in view of the prior results (#msg-52470566, #msg-46036072), GILD is plowing ahead with plans to test the 4-drug regimen of GS9290+GS9256+SoC in a phase-2b trial with 16- and 24-week regimens, possibly with Telaprevir+SoC as the control arm. The trial is expected to start in 2011 with data available in 2012.

Although there are no specific plans to announce yet, GILD’s CSO Norbert Bischofberger strongly believes that an all-oral 3- or 4-drug cocktail will be able to cure HCV in most patients. GILD is discussing in-licensing deals for the components of such a cocktail with multiple parties.

Interesting. Thanks Dew. I assume you mean GS9190, not GS9290, right? So, they're looking to combine their own PI and non-nuke with other in-licensed HCV compounds I take it. I think I can then continue to safely rule out GILD as a potential partner for ACHN's ACH-1625 PI as I assume by plowing ahead into the aforementioned trials, GILD likely isn't interested in another PI at this time. (I still continue to think that Roche now makes the most sense for 1625 assuming continued good results in the clinic.) I would imagine this means that GILD is shopping for a nuke and/or NS5A inhibitor. The former puts VRUS and IDIX squarely in GILD's crosshairs, while the latter option would presumably include IDIX and ACHN, although the NS5A inhibitors are obviously much further behind in development.

[oc631]

Although there are no specific plans to announce yet, GILD’s CSO Norbert Bischofberger strongly believes that an all-oral 3- or 4-drug cocktail will be able to cure HCV in most patients. GILD is discussing in-licensing deals for the components of such a cocktail with multiple parties.

Norbert would better serve GILD's shareholders if he withheld comment until after he signs a deal. GILD is the polar opposite of Roche when it comes to volunteering information.