Development of HCV Drug Candidate Ends
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ViroPharma, Wyeth end development of hepatitis C drug
Philadelphia Business Journal
www.bizjournals.com
Thursday, April 17, 2008
ViroPharma Inc. and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals have decided to discontinue the development of HCV-796, their new drug candidate being developed as a potential treatment for hepatitis C.
The companies said Wednesday night the decision was based on a previously announced safety issue — an increased risk of liver damage — that emerged during phase-II testing of the compound.
“Clearly, this is a disappointing outcome for patients suffering from this difficult disease,” said Vincent Milano, president and CEO of ViroPharma (NASDAQ:VPHM) of Exton, Pa. “Significant activities were undertaken to determine a clear path forward for HCV-796; however, the risk associated with potential hepatotoxicity ultimately posed too high of a hurdle to merit further development.”
ViroPharma and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals of Collegeville, Pa., a division of Madison, N.J.-based Wyeth (NYSE:WYE), said they do not expect to continue to collaborate on future development of hepatitis C treatment candidates.
