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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
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- 4.54 log10 median reduction in HCV RNA after 7 days of dosing; ALS-2200 was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events and no discontinuations due to adverse events -
- Vertex moving forward with multiple Phase 2 trials in early 2013 exploring all-oral combinations, including VX-135 with GSK2336805 and with simeprevir (TMC435) -
BOSTON-- Vertex 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 log10reduction (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 γ) 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 genotypes, 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 Tanabe Pharma. Vertex has rights to commercialize telaprevir in North Americawhere 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®.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
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.
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.1Though many people with hepatitis C may not experience symptoms, others may have symptoms such as fatigue, fever, jaundice and abdominal pain.1Unlike HIV and hepatitis B virus, chronic hepatitis C can be cured.2 If treatment is not successful and a person does not achieve a viral cure, they remain at an increased risk for progressive liver disease.3,4
More than 170 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C.5 In the United States, up to 5 million people have chronic hepatitis C and 75 percent of them are unaware of their infection.6,7 Hepatitis C is four times more prevalent in the United States compared to HIV.7 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.8 Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplantations in the United States and is reported to contribute to 15,000 deaths annually.9,10 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.11
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
Vertex's press releases are available at www.vrtx.com.
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, the statements of Dr. Kauffman, Dr. Marcellin and Dr. Blatt and statements about Vertex's expectations regarding the timing and structure of multiple Phase 2 studies exploring all-oral treatment regimens that include VX-135 in combination with GSK2336805, TMC435, ribavirin or INCIVEK. While the company 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 Phase 2 studies of VX-135 may be delayed or prevented, outcomes from any future studies of VX-135 may not be favorable and the other risks listed under Risk Factors in Vertex's annual report and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available through Vertex's website atwww.vrtx.com. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available.
(VRTX-GEN)
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 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).
4 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.
5 Ghany MG, Strader DB, Thomas DL, Seeff, LB. Diagnosis, management and treatment of hepatitis C; An update. Hepatology. 2009;49 (4):1-40.
6 Chak, E, et. al. Hepatitis C Virus Infection In USA: An Estimate of True Prevalence. Liver Intl. 2011;1096 -1098.
7 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.
8 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.
9 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.
10 Ly KN, et al. The Increasing Burden of Mortality From Viral Hepatitis in the United States Between 1999 and 2007. Ann Intern Med. 2012;156:271-278.
11 Pyenson B, Fitch K, and Iwasaki K. Consequences of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Costs of a Baby Boomer Epidemic of Liver Disease. Milliman, Inc. May 2009. Available at: http://www.vrtx.com/assets/pdfs/MillimanReport.pdf
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Media:
Erin Emlock or Dawn Kalmar, 617-444-6992
mediainfo@vrtx.com
or
Investors:
Kelly Lewis, 617-961-7530
or
Michael Partridge, 617-341-6108
Source: Vertex Pharmaceuticals
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