Human Genome Sciences' experimental hepatitis C drug Albuferon met its primary endpoint of non-inferiority to Pegasys in a Phase III trial. The drug was effective in treating patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C, and earlier trials demonstrated that Albuferon also treated genotypes 2 and 3. The experimental therapy was found to be as effective as the current standard of care, but with fewer injections. However, the bad news is that patients on Albuferon experienced more serious adverse events, and the drug discontinuation rate was higher for Albuferon than Pegasys. HGS is developing the drug with Novartis.
"We look forward to the filing of global marketing applications in fall 2009, following discussions with regulatory authorities. Assuming licensure, we believe Albuferon could become a market-leading treatment for chronic hepatitis C," said said H. Thomas Watkins, President and CEO of HGS.
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