ZymoGenetics begins PEG-Interferon lambda Phase 2b clinical trial in hepatitis C

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ZymoGenetics begins PEG-Interferon lambda Phase 2b clinical trial in hepatitis C

EquityBites - Jun. 02, 2010

Biopharmaceutical company ZymoGenetics Inc (NASDAQ:ZGEN) stated on Wednesday

that the company has commenced the second part of a Phase 2 clinical trial with

PEG-Interferon lambda (IL-29) and ribavirin in treatment-naive patients with

chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

The company said it is developing the investigational compound PEG-Interferon

lambda in partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY).

According to the partnership, the Phase 2 EMERGE study is an international,

randomised multi-centre clinical trial. Three highest doses of PEG-Interferon

lambda were selected for the trial, namely 120 mcg, 180 mcg and 240 mcg.

This Phase 2b study will enroll approximately 600 patients with genotypes 1- 4

chronic HCV infection. The primary endpoint of the trial is the proportion of

patients who achieve undetectable levels of HCV RNA after 12 weeks of therapy,

said the partnership.

PEG-Interferon lambda (IL-29) is a novel interferon in development for hepatitis

C. The product is a member of the Type III lambda interferon family, which

includes IL-28A, IL-28B and IL-29, stated the partnership.

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