Gilead and Achillion discontinue development of treatment for hepatitis C viral infection
Gilead Sciences and Achillion Pharmaceuticals announced their decision to discontinue the development of GS 9132, also known as ACH-806, for the treatment of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection, based upon preliminary data from a Phase 1b/2 trial. Preliminary data from the first cohort of the Phase 1b/2 trial indicated that the compound demonstrated antiviral activity, validating the novel anti-HCV mechanism that involves inhibition of a viral protein called NS4A, which binds to a portion of HCV protease. However, based on small elevations of serum creatinine (a marker of kidney function), which were reversible after completion of dosing, Gilead and Achillion have elected to shift their focus to the evaluation of other NS4A antagonists developed by Achillion to identify a lead candidate for development.
The GS 9132 Phase 1b/2 trial was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled dose-escalation study initiated in 2006. The goal of the trial was to evaluate the antiviral activity, safety and pharmacokinetics of GS 9132 in patients with HCV genotype 1 infection. Gilead and Achillion are continuing to analyze the data from this trial.
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