ZymoGenetics Begins Clinical Trial of Pegylated Interferon Lambda

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ZymoGenetics Begins Clinical Trial of Pegylated Interferon Lambda

Interferons are natural proteins that stimulate immune function, and genetically engineered versions are used to treat diseases ranging from chronic hepatitis B and C to certain types of cancer.

Given that the current standard therapy for chronic hepatitis C -- pegylated interferon-alpha (Pegasys or PegIntron) plus ribavirin -- is difficult to tolerate and does not produce a cure in a substantial portion of patients, researchers have explored the use of other varieties of interferon.

ZymoGenetics, Inc., a biotechnology company based in Seattle, announced this week that it has started a study of pegylated (PEG) interferon-lambda, also known as IL-29. Below is an edited excerpt of the company's recent press release:

PEG-Interferon Lambda as Potential Treatment for Viral Infection New Treatments Needed for Patients With Hepatitis C

SEATTLE, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ZymoGenetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:ZGEN) today announced that the company has initiated a Phase 1 safety and pharmacokinetic study of PEG-interferon lambda (IL-29) in healthy volunteers. The Phase 1 study is part of a clinical development program designed to evaluate PEG-interferon lambda as a potential treatment for patients with hepatitis C and other viral diseases.

"This clinical trial highlights the breadth of our pipeline and reflects our intense commitment to finding new treatments for patients. ZymoGenetics' development programs now encompass hemostasis, cancer, autoimmune and viral diseases," said Bruce L.A. , PhD, president and CEO of ZymoGenetics. "We believe PEG-interferon lambda could serve as an effective alternative in providing therapy for viral infections such as hepatitis C, with the potential for fewer side effects than the current standard of care."

The native human protein interferon lambda is generated by the immune system in response to viral infection. It mediates anti-viral activity through a receptor that is distinct from that used by interferon alpha and is generally present on fewer cell types within the tissues of the body. Receptors for interferon lambda are present on several important sites of viral infection, most notably cells of the lung and liver. ZymoGenetics' product candidate, recombinant PEG-interferon lambda, has shown in vitro anti-viral activity against several viruses, including hpatitis C.

About ZymoGenetics

ZymoGenetics creates novel protein drugs with the potential to significantly help patients fight their diseases. The company is developing a diverse pipeline of potential proprietary product candidates that are moving into and through clinical development. These candidates span a wide array of clinical opportunities that include bleeding, autoimmune and viral diseases and cancer. ZymoGenetics intends to commercialize these product candidates through internal development, collaborations with partners, and out-licensing of patents from its extensive patent portfolio. For further information, visit http://www.zymogenetics.com.

02/01/07

SourceZymoGenetics (via PRNewswire). PEG-Interferon Lambda as Potential Treatment for Viral Infection. Press release. January 30, 2007.

http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2007/020207_c.html