Replies to post #110882 on Biotech Values

[mcbio]

VRUS starts phase-2 trial of PSI-7977 + ribavirin w/o interferon in genotype-2/3:

I realize VRUS already diluted not so long ago at $29/share but, given the continued run-up to almost $50 now, I think they'd be wise to do another offering. I put EXEL in the same camp (especially given that EXEL has a very poor balance sheet).

[mcbio]

VRUS starts phase-2 trial of PSI-7977 + ribavirin w/o interferon in genotype-2/3

DD, I was looking at potential HCV nuke competition for VRUS and most of the competition just appears to be non-nukes at earlier stages. I did see you listed ABT-333 as a nuke in Phase 1b/2a on your "HCV: Most Likely to Succeed" list. But, from the second message you posted on the list regarding ABT-333, it actually appears that the drug is a non-nuke. Is that right? Assuming so, I think we can pretty safely say that VRUS has a clear lead in the HCV nuke race (the 1Q11 data on the 7977/938 combo will be key). And, any specific reason why you think so many companies have been focused on non-nukes compared to nukes? It sounded pretty clear from fairly recent IDIX presentations that at least IDIX considered nukes to be superior to non-nukes in HCV treatment.