Hepatitis C Study Increases Interest in SCV-07
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2-SciClone hepatitis C drug shows promise in trial
Mon Sep 22, 2008
By Esha Dey
Sept 22 (Reuters) – SciClone Pharmaceuticals Inc (SCLN.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said its drug candidate for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) showed antiviral activity in a mid-stage trial for patients who had relapsed after responding to prior treatments. The drug, SCV-07, was tested in a trial that evaluated its effect on hepatitis C viral load, a measure of the severity of a viral infection, and other measures of immune response.
The trial enrolled 34 patients who were infected with the difficult-to-treat genotype 1 strain of HCV and had previously responded to treatment but subsequently relapsed. SCV-07 demonstrated antiviral activity in some treated patients in the higher dosage groups, and the decrease in viral load in these patients was accompanied by an increase in an immunological biomarker usually associated with response against HCV.
“SciClone plans to investigate further SCV-07’s potential to prime the human immune system against HCV and plans to discuss with regulators the initiation of a follow-up Phase II-B trial,” Chief Executive Friedhelm Blobel said in a statement.
BWS Financial analyst Hamed Khorsand said the company could start the follow-up study in 2009.
“A partner for SCV-07 could be found now that there is some Phase II data under the drug’s belt. However, we think SciClone would move forward with a Phase II-B trial before seeking a partner,” Khorsand added. He has a “buy” rating on the stock.
SciClone said the follow-up trial could be used to determine whether SCV-07 is capable of replacing or improving the response to the current standard-of-care treatment. A combination of an enhanced form of interferon and ribavirin is currently the standard therapy for chronic hepatitis C.
Susquehanna Financial Group analyst Jason Kolbert said it’s too early for a partnership as the company needs more data on SCV-07. The analyst has a “neutral” rating on the stock.
SciClone shares, which have shed 38 percent of their value since the start of the year, were trading flat at $1.27 in midday trade on Nasdaq. They touched a high of $1.38 earlier. (Editing by Anthony Kurian, Himani Sarkar;)
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http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssHealthcareNews/idUSBNG15855320080922
