Hepatitis C Interferon-free Combo - J&J Acquires Rights to NS5A inhibitor from GlaxoSmithKline

J&J buys GSK Hep C compound, BI completes trial enrollment

 

Deborah Weinstein
October 08, 2013

GlaxoSmithKline sold its investigational hepatitis C NS5a replication complex inhibitor to Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen. The J&J unit said in a statement it plans to use Phase II GSK2336805 in interferon-free combinations with its in-house drug simeprevir and its non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitor known as TMC647055. Simeprevir is expected to go before an FDA advisory panel later this month.

This mix-and-match drug approach is common to the space, and competitor Gilead's investigational nucleotide hep. C virus polymerase inhibitor is set to go before an FDA committee one day after J&J's contender gets a thumbs-up or down.

As Boehringer Ingelheim noted in a statement Tuesday, an interferon-free hep. C treatment is an innovation of need, because around 50% of patients cannot take the infusion drugs. This is in addition to patients who are turned off by side effects and the amount of time it takes to complete a course of interferon therapy.

Boehringer's patient-perception walk-through was part of a larger HCV announcement, which was that it had completed enrollment for its all-oral Phase IIa treatment that combines BI's protease inhibitor faldaprevir, its non-nucleoside NS5B polymerase inhibitor deleobuvir, and Presidio Pharmaceutical's pan-genotypic NS5A inhibitor, PPI-668 with and without ribavirin. BI and Presidio's collaboration dates to March, with each company holding on to the rights of their respective compounds. A Phase IIIb faldaprevir-deleobuvir study showed strong efficacy among hepatitis C genotype 1 patients without interferon. Genotype-1 is the most difficult hep. c variation to treat.
 

http://www.mmm-online.com/jj-buys-gsk-hep-c-compound-bi-completes-trial-enrollment/article/315390/

 

Press Release: 

Janssen Acquires Investigational NS5A Inhibitor for the Treatment of Hepatitis C from GlaxoSmithKline

 

TITUSVILLE, N.J., Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Janssen) announced today the acquisition of the investigational compound GSK2336805, an NS5a replication complex inhibitor in Phase 2 development for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, from an affiliate of GlaxoSmithKline plc. Janssen has acquired all rights to develop and commercialize GSK2336805, including in combination with other drugs. Financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

 

Janssen plans to initiate Phase 2 studies to evaluate the use of GSK2336805 in interferon-free combinations with the investigational protease inhibitor simeprevir (TMC435) and TMC647055, Janssen's non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitor, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in adult patients with compensated liver disease.

 

"We're excited to add GSK2336805 to our existing portfolio of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). This addition will broaden our clinical development program as we continue to look for new investigational interferon-free treatment combinations to combat the hepatitis C virus," said Gaston Picchio, Hepatitis Disease Area Leader, Janssen. "Janssen is dedicated to working with the hepatitis C community to investigate our portfolio of DAAs in a number of different treatment combinations and hepatitis C patient populations."  

 

About GSK2336805
GSK2336805 is an investigational once-daily NS5a replication complex inhibitor in Phase 2 development for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in adult patients with compensated liver disease, including all stages of liver fibrosis.

 

About Simeprevir
Simeprevir is an investigational NS3/4A protease inhibitor jointly developed by Janssen R&D Ireland and Medivir AB for the treatment of genotype 1 and genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C in adult patients with compensated liver disease, including all stages of liver fibrosis. Simeprevir works by blocking the protease enzyme that enables the hepatitis C virus to replicate in host cells.

Janssen is responsible for the global clinical development of simeprevir and has acquired exclusive, worldwide marketing rights, except in the Nordic countries. Medivir will retain marketing rights for simeprevir in these countries. Simeprevir has been submitted for regulatory approval in the United States, Canada and Europe, and was approved in September 2013 in Japan. To date, more than 3,700 patients have been treated with simeprevir in clinical trials.

 

Additionally, simeprevir is being studied in combination with several DAAs with different mechanisms of action, with and without ribavirin, as part of interferon-free regimens. These include:
 

• The Phase 2 COSMOS study of simeprevir and Gilead's nucleotide inhibitor sofosbuvir (GS-7977) in treatment-naive and previous null-responder genotype 1 hepatitis C patients, including patients with cirrhosis; 
• A Phase 2 study of simeprevir and Bristol-Myers Squibb's NS5A replication complex inhibitor daclatasvir in treatment-naive and previous null-responder genotype 1 hepatitis C patients;  and
• The Phase 2 HELIX-1 study of simeprevir and Idenix's once-daily pan-genotypic NS5A inhibitor samatasvir (IDX719) in treatment-naive genotype 1b and genotype 4 hepatitis C patients.

For additional information about simeprevir, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

 

About Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C, a blood-borne infectious disease of the liver and a leading cause of chronic liver disease, is the focus of a rapidly evolving treatment landscape. Approximately 150 million people are infected with hepatitis C worldwide – including approximately 3.2 million people in the United States – and 350,000 people per year die from the disease globally. When left untreated, hepatitis C can cause significant damage to the liver including cirrhosis. Additionally, hepatitis C may increase the risk of developing complications from cirrhosis, which may include liver failure.

 

About Janssen
At Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs of our time in infectious diseases and vaccines, oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop innovative products, services and healthcare solutions to help people throughout the world. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Janssen R&D Ireland are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Please visit http://www.janssenrnd.com for more information.

 

(This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events.  If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., any of the other Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and/or Johnson & Johnson.  Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; economic factors, such as interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approvals; challenges to patents; impact of business combinations; changes in behavior and spending patterns or financial distress of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to governmental laws and regulations and domestic and foreign health care reforms; trends toward health care cost containment; and increased scrutiny of the health care industry by government agencies.  A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Exhibit 99 of Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012.  Copies of this Form 10-K, as well as subsequent filings, are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson.  None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertake to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.)

 

Media Contact: Daniel De Schryver 
Mobile: +49 173 76 89 149

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Investor Contact: Stan Panasewicz 
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Investor Contact: Louise Mehrotra 
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SOURCE Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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AASLD- ALS-2200 (VX-135), Vertex's Oral Nucleotide Analogue in Development for Hepatitis C

Data from Viral Kinetic Study Showed Rapid Reduction of HCV RNA with ALS-2200 (VX-135), Vertex's Oral Nucleotide Analogue in Development for the Treatment of Hepatitis C

BOSTON --(Business Wire)--
Vertex (News - Alert) Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced that data on ALS-2200 (VX-135), an oral medicine Vertex is developing for the treatment of hepatitis C, are being presented for the first time at The Liver Meeting^®, the 63rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD).

There was a median 4.54 log₁₀ reduction (range -3.81, -5.08) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA after seven days of dosing with ALS-2200 (200 mg) once daily in people with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C who were new to treatment (n=8). Similar reductions in HCV RNA were seen in a seven-day viral kinetic study of once daily ALS-2200 (200 mg) in combination with ribavirin (n=8). ALS-2200 was well-tolerated in this study, with no serious adverse events and no discontinuations due to adverse events.

Based on these data, and to further characterize the medicine's safety and efficacy profile, Vertex plans to begin multiple Phase 2 studies of 12-week all-oral regimens in people with genotype 1 hepatitis C in early 2013, pending discussions with regulatory authorities. These studies will include combinations of VX-135 with GSK2336805 and separately with simeprevir (TMC435). Upon the start of Phase 2 studies, ALS-2200 will be known as VX-135. Screening in the first study, which will evaluate VX-135 in combination with ribavirin, is expected to begin in the coming weeks.

"We're working quickly to evaluate multiple all-oral treatment regimens with VX-135 and expect to have a significant amount of data from several Phase 2 studies by the end of 2013," said Robert Kauffman, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Vertex. "Our goal is to proceed to pivotal development with one or more regimens that have the greatest potential to offer doctors and the people they treat a more tolerable, short-duration therapy with high viral cure rates for hepatitis C."

Seven-day viral kinetic data showed that when once-daily ALS-2200 (200 mg) was dosed in combination with ribavirin, there was a median 4.18 log₁₀ reduction (range -3.6, -5.2) in HCV RNA in people with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C who were new to treatment (n=8). Five patients achieved HCV RNA levels below the limit of quantification (< LOQ = < 25 IU/mL), and two of these five achieved HCV RNA levels below the limit of detection (Roche COBAS Taqman HCV test, Version 2) after seven days of dosing. Similar to the data from the monotherapy cohort, ALS-2200 in combination with ribavirin was well-tolerated, no patients discontinued due to adverse events and there were no serious adverse events.

"The early antiviral activity and tolerability of this nucleotide analogue are very promising as we seek to develop new interferon-free treatment regimens," said Patrick Marcellin, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Hepatology at the University of Paris and Head of the Viral Hepatitis Research Unit in Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy. "The data suggest VX-135 could be a core component of all-oral regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C."

"Preclinical characterization of ALS-2200, a potent nucleotide polymerase inhibitor for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C."
Poster presentation #1882
November 13, 2012, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST
Preclinical data on ALS-2200 will be presented at AASLD that support the Phase 1 viral kinetic study and further clinical development plans. In preclinical studies, ALS-2200 was shown to be a potent, selective, specific, and pan-genotypic nucleotide analogue that inhibits the HCV NS5B polymerase. Specifically, there was no in vitro inhibition of non-HCV viruses, human DNA (ß or ?) or RNA (II) polymerases, or mitochondrial protein synthesis. The studies also showed that ALS-2200 retains potency in vitro against a panel of HCV variants resistant to NS3/4A, NS5A and non-nucleoside NS5B inhibitors.

"Analysis of ALS-2200, a novel potent nucleotide analog, combination drug interactions in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) subgenomic replicon system."
Poster presentation #1887
November 13, 2012, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST
Combination studies with ALS-2200 were performed in vitro to determine whether interactions with other drugs were additive, synergistic or antagonistic. Combination of ALS-2200 with either telaprevir or VX-222 demonstrated a synergistic effect, and combination with ribavirin resulted in an additive response. No significant cytotoxicity or antagonism were observed at any concentration of the combinations tested. Combinations of ALS-2200 and 18 other compounds were also tested, including simeprevir, which showed significant synergy with ALS-2200.
"We're pleased with the strength of our collaboration with Vertex and how it may lead to advances in the treatment of hepatitis C," said Lawrence M. Blatt, Ph.D., Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alios BioPharma. "We're looking forward to seeing the results of several studies evaluating various all-oral combinations including VX-135."

VX-135 Phase 2 Trials
Vertex recently announced that it has entered into two non-exclusive agreements to conduct Phase 2 proof-of-concept studies of VX-135 in combination with simeprevir (TMC435), a protease inhibitor being jointly developed by Janssen R&D Ireland and Medivir AB, and with GSK2336805, an NS5A inhibitor in development by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The studies with GSK2336805 and simeprevir are expected to begin in early 2013, pending discussions with regulatory authorities. Screening is expected to begin in the coming weeks for a Phase 2 study of VX-135 and ribavirin. Vertex also plans to begin a study of VX-135 and telaprevir, the company's approved protease inhibitor marketed as INCIVEK^®(telaprevir) tablets for people with chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C, in early 2013, pending discussions with regulatory authorities. All of these Phase 2 studies will evaluate safety, tolerability and viral cure rates (SVR12; undetectable hepatitis C virus 12 weeks after the end of treatment) using 12-week combination regimens.

About VX-135 (ALS-2200)
VX-135 (ALS-2200) is a uridine nucleotide analogue pro-drug that appears to have a high barrier to drug resistance based on in vitro studies. It is designed to inhibit the replication of the hepatitis C virus by acting on the NS5B polymerase. In vitro studies of the compound showed antiviral activity across all genotype, or forms, of the hepatitis C virus, including genotypes more prevalent outside of the United States.

Vertex gained worldwide rights to ALS-2200 through an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement signed with Alios BioPharma, Inc. in June 2011. The agreement also includes a research program that focuses on the discovery of additional nucleotide analogues that act on hepatitis C polymerase. Vertex has the option to select additional compounds for development emerging from the research program.

About INCIVEK
INCIVEK^® (telaprevir) tablets is an oral medicine that acts directly on the hepatitis C virus protease, an enzyme essential for viral replication. INCIVEK has been prescribed to more than 50,000 patients in the United States. Approximately three out of four U.S. patients who are prescribed a direct-acting antiviral for the treatment of genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (HCV) receive INCIVEK combination therapy.

In Phase 3 clinical studies, 79 percent of people who had not previously been treated for HCV achieved a viral cure following treatment with INCIVEK combination therapy, compared with 46 percent of those who received pegylated-interferon and ribavirin (P/R) alone. Among people who were treated previously but did not achieve a viral cure, in the Phase 3 studies: 86 percent of relapsers achieved a viral cure with INCIVEK combination therapy compared to 22 percent with P/R alone; 59 percent of partial responders achieved a viral cure compared with 15 percent with P/R alone; and 32 percent of null responders achieved a viral cure compared with 5 percent with P/R alone. In addition, many people are eligible to complete treatment with INCIVEK combination therapy in 24 weeks - half the time required for P/R alone.

INCIVEK was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2011 and by Health Canada in August 2011 for use in combination with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin for adults with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C with compensated liver disease (some level of damage to the liver but the liver still functions), including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). INCIVEK is approved for people who are new to treatment, and for people who were treated previously with interferon-based treatment but who did not achieve a sustained viral response, or viral cure (relapsers, partial responders and null responders).

Vertex developed telaprevir in collaboration with Janssen and Mitsubishi (News - Alert) Tanabe Pharma. Vertex has rights to commercialize telaprevir in North America where it is being marketed under the brand name INCIVEK (in-SEE-veck). Janssen has rights to commercialize telaprevir in Europe, South America, Australia, the Middle East and certain other countries. In September 2011, telaprevir was approved in the European Union and Switzerland. Telaprevir is known as INCIVO^® in Europe. Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma has rights to commercialize telaprevir in Japan and certain Far East countries. In September 2011, telaprevir was approved in Japan and is known as Telavic^®.

Continue reading @ http://technews.tmcnet.com/news/2012/11/10/6715418.htm

Vertex Joins Glaxo, J&J in Testing Hepatitis C Combos

Vertex Joins Glaxo, J&J in Testing Hepatitis C Combos
By Meg Tirrell on November 01, 2012

Source - Bloomberg

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRTX), maker of the hepatitis C drug Incivek, said it agreed to test one of its experimental therapies for the disease with other drugs from Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and GlaxoSmithKline Plc. (GSK)

The drug, VX-135, will be tested with J&J’s simeprevir and Glaxo’s GSK2336805 in separate 12-week trials to determine whether the combinations help rid patients of the virus, Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Vertex said in two statements today. The companies will split development costs with Vertex.

Vertex Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Leiden said in an interview last month that the company had been drawing collaborator interest for VX-135, one of the last viable experimental therapies in a class called nucleotides thought to be an important part of combination therapy to treat hepatitis C. The disease affects an estimated 170 million people worldwide, and drugmakers have been rushing to bring to market next-generation therapies that don’t require injections.

“We view this as a best case path forward for Vertex, as it allows the company to explore VX-135 with two different classes, partnered with major pharmaceutical companies who are fairly dependent on the success of these respective combinations to remain competitive in the all-oral hepatitis-C virus race,”Brian Abrahams, an analyst with Wells Fargo Securities, wrote in a research note today.

The drug combinations will be tested in the second of three stages of clinical trials generally required for regulatory approval. J&J’s drug, partnered with Sweden’s Medivir AB (MVIRB), is in a class of therapies called protease inhibitors, which includes Incivek, also known as telaprevir. Glaxo’s drug is in a class called NS5A inhibitors.

Combination Therapy
Combinations of different kinds of drugs are thought to be the most effective way to combat hepatitis C because they strike at the various ways the virus infects the body. Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD), Abbott Laboratories (ABT) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (BMY) are among other drugmakers testing therapies for the disease.

Vertex rose 3.5 percent to $49.98 at 9:48 a.m. in New York trading, after increasing 45 percent this year through yesterday. The shares of New Brunswick, New Jersey-based J&J, which has a partnership with Vertex already on Incivek, gained less than 1 percent to $71.07. Glaxo rose 0.3 percent to 1,391 pence in London.

Vertex also plans to test VX-135 in combination with its own therapies, Incivek and the experimental medicine VX-222, Leiden said last month. The company licensed VX-135 from Alios BioPharma Inc. along with another nucleotide, ALS-2158. Vertex discontinued development of the second compound in September for lack of efficacy.

“This is a good move for Vertex and should help quell concerns from some investors that the company wanted to prioritize Incivek combo regimens,” Mark Schoenebaum, an analyst with ISI Group in New York, wrote in a note to clients today. “Recall, however, that there is very little data available for Vertex’s nuc at this point - thus development risk remains high.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Meg Tirrell in New York at mtirrell@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Reg Gale at rgale5@bloomberg.net

Source - Bloomberg

Related -Hepatitis C: Vertex Enters Agreement with GlaxoSmithKline - Phase 2 All-Oral Study of VX-135 and GSK2336805

 Hepatitis C: Vertex Announces Collaboration with Janssen - Phase 2 All-Oral Study of VX-135 and Simeprevir (TMC435)

Hepatitis C: Vertex Enters Agreement with GlaxoSmithKline - Phase 2 All-Oral Study of VX-135 and GSK2336805

Vertex Enters Agreement with GlaxoSmithKline for Phase 2 All-Oral Study of VX-135 and GSK2336805 for the Treatment of Hepatitis

November 1, 2012

-Companies to evaluate two-drug combination of Vertex's investigational nucleotide analogue VX-135 and GSK's investigational NS5A inhibitor GSK2336805-

 

-Phase 2 proof-of-concept study to begin in early 2013 to evaluate safety, tolerability and viral cure rates of 12-week treatment regimen-

 

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced it has entered into a non-exclusive agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to conduct a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study of an all-oral regimen for the treatment of hepatitis C containing Vertex's nucleotide analogue hepatitis C virus (HCV) polymerase inhibitor VX-135 and GSK's NS5A inhibitor GSK2336805. Vertex and GSK plan to initiate the study in early 2013, pending discussions with regulatory authorities. The study is expected to evaluate safety, tolerability and viral cure rates using a 12-week combination of VX-135 and GSK2336805. The companies will jointly fund costs associated with the study. There are no up-front or milestone payments associated with the agreement. VX-135 is an investigational uridine nucleotide analogue pro-drug designed to inhibit the replication of the hepatitis C virus by acting on the NS5B polymerase. GSK2336805 is an investigational NS5A replication complex inhibitor being developed by GSK for the treatment of hepatitis C.

  

"This agreement underscores our broad commitment to develop all-oral treatment regimens for people with hepatitis C using medicines within our own pipeline and by working in collaboration with other companies like GSK who share our commitment to further improve treatment of this disease," said Robert Kauffman, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Vertex. "We are focused on the development of new all-oral treatments for hepatitis C that have the potential to provide a high cure rate with only 12 weeks of treatment, and we look forward to the start of this study with GSK."
  
Clinical Development Plans
The Phase 2 proof-of-concept study is expected to begin in early 2013, pending discussions with regulatory authorities, and will enroll people who have chronic non-cirrhotic genotype 1 hepatitis C and have not previously been treated (treatment-naïve). The study will be conducted in the U.S. by Vertex, and costs associated with the study will be split equally between the two companies. The goals of the study will be to evaluate safety, tolerability and viral cure rates (SVR12; undetectable hepatitis C virus 12 weeks after the end of treatment) of multiple 12-week combination regimens of VX-135 and GSK2336805, with and without ribavirin. Additional information on the Phase 2 study will be provided upon initiation of the study. Further clinical development activities beyond the Phase 2 proof-of-concept study are not covered as part of this agreement.
  
About VX-135
VX-135 (ALS-2200) is a uridine nucleotide analogue pro-drug that appears to have a high barrier to drug resistance based on in vitro studies. It is designed to inhibit the replication of the hepatitis C virus by acting on the NS5B polymerase. In vitro studies of the compound showed antiviral activity across all genotypes, or forms, of the hepatitis C virus, including genotypes more prevalent outside of the United States.
  
Earlier this year, Vertex announced the first 7-day viral kinetic data for VX-135. Based on these data, the company plans to initiate multiple all-oral, Phase 2 proof-of-concept studies, including a study of VX-135 and ribavirin and a study of VX-135 and telaprevir, the company's approved protease inhibitor marketed as INCIVEK for people with chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C. Vertex is on track to initiate the study of VX-135 in combination with ribavirin by the end of 2012, followed by the study with telaprevir in early 2013. The studies will evaluate safety, tolerability and viral cure rates (SVR12; undetectable hepatitis C virus 12 weeks after the end of treatment) of 12-week combination regimens in people with chronic non-cirrhotic genotype 1 hepatitis C who have not previously been treated (treatment-naïve).
  
Vertex gained worldwide rights to VX-135 through an exclusive licensing agreement signed with Alios BioPharma, Inc. in June 2011. The agreement also includes a research program that will focus on the discovery of additional nucleotide analogues that act on hepatitis C polymerase. Vertex has the option to select additional compounds for development emerging from the research program.
  
About Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus, which is spread through direct contact with the blood of infected people and ultimately affects the liver.¹ Chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious and life-threatening liver problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.¹ Though many people with hepatitis C may not experience symptoms, others may have symptoms such as fatigue, fever, jaundice and abdominal pain.¹

Unlike HIV and hepatitis B virus, chronic hepatitis C can be cured.² However, approximately 60 percent of people do not achieve SVR,^3,4,5 or viral cure,⁶ after treatment with 48 weeks of pegylated-interferon and ribavirin alone. If treatment is not successful and a person does not achieve a viral cure, they remain at an increased risk for progressive liver disease.^7,8

More than 170 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C.⁶ In the United States, up to 5 million people have chronic hepatitis C and 75 percent of them are unaware of their infection.^9,10 Hepatitis C is four times more prevalent in the United States compared to HIV.¹⁰ The majority of people with hepatitis C in the United States were born between 1945 and 1965, accounting for 82 percent of people with the disease.¹¹ Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplantations in the United States and is reported to contribute to 15,000 deaths annually.^12,13 By 2029, total annual medical costs in the United States for people with hepatitis C are expected to more than double, from $30 billion in 2009 to approximately $85 billion.¹⁰

About Vertex
Vertex creates new possibilities in medicine. Our team discovers, develops and commercializes innovative therapies so people with serious diseases can lead better lives.
Vertex scientists and our collaborators are working on new medicines to cure or significantly advance the treatment of hepatitis C, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other life-threatening diseases.
Founded more than 20 years ago in Cambridge, Mass., we now have ongoing worldwide research programs and sites in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. Today, Vertex has more than 2,000 employees around the world, and for three years in a row, Science magazine has named Vertex one of its Top Employers in the life sciences.
  
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR INCIVEK
Indication
INCIVEK® (telaprevir) is a prescription medicine used with the medicines peginterferon alfa and ribavirin to treat chronic (lasting a long time) hepatitis C genotype 1 infection in adults with stable liver problems, who have not been treated before or who have failed previous treatment. It is not known if INCIVEK is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.
  
Important Safety Information:
INCIVEK should always be taken in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. Ribavirin may cause birth defects or death of an unborn baby. Therefore, a patient should not take INCIVEK combination treatment if she is pregnant or may become pregnant, or if he is a man with a sexual partner who is pregnant. Patients must use two forms of effective birth control during treatment and for the 6 months after treatment with these medicines. Hormonal forms of birth control, including birth control pills, vaginal rings, implants or injections, may not work during treatment with INCIVEK.
  
INCIVEK and other medicines can affect each other and can also cause side effects that can be serious or life threatening. There are certain medicines patients cannot take with INCIVEK combination treatment. Patients should tell their healthcare providers about all the medicines they take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
INCIVEK can cause serious side effects including skin reactions, rash and anemia that can be severe. The most common side effects of INCIVEK include itching, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anal or rectal problems, taste changes and tiredness. There are other possible side effects of INCIVEK, and side effects associated with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin also apply to INCIVEK combination treatment. Patients should tell their healthcare providers about any side effect that bothers them or doesn't go away.
  
Please see full Prescribing Information for INCIVEK including the Medication Guide, available at www.INCIVEK.com.
  
References:
¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis C Fact Sheet: CDC Viral Hepatitis. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/PDFs/HepCGeneralFactSheet.pdf Updated June 2010. Accessed September 21, 2012.
² Pearlman BL and Traub N. Sustained Virologic Response to Antiviral Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Cure and So Much More. Clin Infect Dis. 2011 Apr;52(7):889-900.
³ Manns MP, McHutchison JG, Gordon SC, et al. Peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin compared with interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin for initial treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a randomised trial. Lancet. 2001;358:958-965.
⁴ Fried MW, Shiffman ML, Reddy KR, et al. Peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C virus infection. N Engl J Med. 2002;347:975-982.
⁵ McHutchison JG, Lawitz EJ, Shiffman ML, et al; IDEAL Study Team. Peginterferon alfa-2b or alfa-2a with ribavirin for treatment of hepatitis C infection. N Engl J Med. 2009;361:580-593.
⁶ Ghany MG, Strader DB, Thomas DL, Seeff, LB. Diagnosis, management and treatment of hepatitis C; An update. Hepatology. 2009;49 (4):1-40.
⁷ Morgan TR, Ghany MG, Kim HY, Snow KK, Lindsay K, Lok AS. Outcome of sustained virological responders and non-responders in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) trial. Hepatology. 2008;50(Suppl 4):357A (Abstract 115).
⁸ Veldt BJ, Heathcote J, Wedmeyer H. Sustained virologic response and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C and advanced fibrosis. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2007; 147: 677-684.

⁹ Chak, E, et. al. Hepatitis C Virus Infection In USA: An Estimate of True Prevalence. Liver Intl. 2011;1096 -1098.

  

¹⁰ Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Hepatitis and liver cancer: a national strategy for prevention and control of hepatitis B and C. Colvin HM and Mitchell AE, ed. Available at: http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Hepatitis-and-Liver-Cancer-A-National-Strategy-for-Prevention-and-Control-of-Hepatitis-B-and-C.aspx Updated January 11, 2010. Accessed September 21, 2012.
¹¹ Smith, BD, et al. Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Prevalence, Correlates and Predictors among Persons Born from 1945 through 1965, United States, 1999-2008. AASLD 2011 Annual Meeting.
¹² Volk MI, Tocco R, Saini S, Lok, ASF. Public health impact of antiviral therapy for hepatitis C in the United States. Hepatology. 2009;50(6):1750-1755.
¹³ S.D. Holmberg, K.N. Ly., et.al. The Growing Burden of Mortality Associated with Viral Hepatitis in the United States, 1999-2007. AASLD 2011 Annual Meeting.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, Dr. Kauffman's statements in the second paragraph of the press release and statements regarding Vertex's expectations with respect to the timing and structure of a Phase 2 study evaluating the combination of VX-135 and GSK2336805 and other planned all-oral Phase 2 studies with VX-135. While Vertex believes the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, there are a number of factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that the initiation of planned studies may be delayed or prevented, that the outcomes of Vertex's planned clinical studies may not be favorable and other risks listed under Risk Factors in Vertex's annual report and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available through the company's website at www.vrtx.com. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available.
  
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Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
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or
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Source: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

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