Novel Antiviral Agent Shows Efficacy in Hepatitis C Virus Infection

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Novel Antiviral Agent Shows Efficacy in Hepatitis C Virus Infection

CME

By Martha Kerr

WASHINGTON, DC (Reuters Health) May 25 - An antiviral agent, in a new

class, significantly decreases HCV viral loads when given in

combination with peg-interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin, according to a

study reported this week at Digestive Disease Week.

Dr. D. Kaita, of the University of Manitoba, reported results

of a phase 2 study of 57 chronic HCV-infected patients refractory to

previous anti-HCV agents. The study drug was celgosivir, described

as " a potent inhibitor of alpha-glucosidase-1, a host enzyme required

for viral assembly and release. "

Patients were randomized to either celgosivir 400 mg a day plus peg-

interferon and ribavirin, celgosivir 400 mg plus peg-interferon alone

or placebo plus peg-interferon and ribavirin daily for 12 weeks.

Ribavirin and peg-interferon alfa-2b doses were calculated according

to standard weight-based algorithms.

Median HCV RNA levels were 6 log10 at baseline. Patients with a

history of nonresponse to previous therapy had a reduction of 1.2

log10 in HCV RNA and 0.4 log10 for those with a previous partial

response.

Early viral response was achieved by 33% of patients on triple

therapy and by 10% of patients on any two-drug regimen.

" This study is the first demonstration that celgosivir in combination

with peg-interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin results in a clinically

significant decrease in HCV viral loads in patients highly resistant

to current standard treatment, " Dr. Kaita told meeting attendees.