Valeant reports encouraging results of Phase IIb hepatitis trial

[Guest guest]

Valeant reports encouraging results of Phase IIb hepatitis trial

18th March 2008

By Staff Writer

Valeant Pharmaceuticals has reported positive results at the treatment week 12

analysis point for the Phase IIb clinical trial for its antiviral compound,

taribavirin, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in conjunction with a

pegylated interferon.

The Phase IIb trial is a US multi-center, randomized, parallel, open-label study

in 278 treatment-naive, genotype 1 patients evaluating taribavirin at 20mg/kg,

25mg/kg, and 30mg/kg per day in combination with pegylated interferon alfa-2b.

The control group is being administered weight-based dose ribavirin

(800/1000/1200/1400mg daily) and pegylated interferon alfa-2b.

The 12-week early viral response (EVR) data from the Phase IIb study showed

comparable reductions in viral load for weight-based doses of taribavirin and

ribavirin. The anemia rate was statistically significantly lower for patients

receiving taribavirin in the 20mg/kg and 25mg/kg arms versus the ribavirin

control arm.

Pearson, Valeant's chairman and CEO, said: " We are encouraged that these

data suggest that weight-based dosing with taribavirin at higher doses may have

a role in the treatment of patients infected with hepatitis C while continuing

to produce lower anemia than ribavirin. We will use these data to explore the

best options for taribavirin's continued role in our portfolio, including

consideration of partnering options. "

_________________________________________________________________

Shed those extra pounds with MSN and The Biggest Loser!

http://biggestloser.msn.com/

[Guest guest]

Valeant reports encouraging results of Phase IIb hepatitis trial

18th March 2008

By Staff Writer

Valeant Pharmaceuticals has reported positive results at the treatment week 12

analysis point for the Phase IIb clinical trial for its antiviral compound,

taribavirin, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in conjunction with a

pegylated interferon.

The Phase IIb trial is a US multi-center, randomized, parallel, open-label study

in 278 treatment-naive, genotype 1 patients evaluating taribavirin at 20mg/kg,

25mg/kg, and 30mg/kg per day in combination with pegylated interferon alfa-2b.

The control group is being administered weight-based dose ribavirin

(800/1000/1200/1400mg daily) and pegylated interferon alfa-2b.

The 12-week early viral response (EVR) data from the Phase IIb study showed

comparable reductions in viral load for weight-based doses of taribavirin and

ribavirin. The anemia rate was statistically significantly lower for patients

receiving taribavirin in the 20mg/kg and 25mg/kg arms versus the ribavirin

control arm.

Pearson, Valeant's chairman and CEO, said: " We are encouraged that these

data suggest that weight-based dosing with taribavirin at higher doses may have

a role in the treatment of patients infected with hepatitis C while continuing

to produce lower anemia than ribavirin. We will use these data to explore the

best options for taribavirin's continued role in our portfolio, including

consideration of partnering options. "

_________________________________________________________________

Shed those extra pounds with MSN and The Biggest Loser!

http://biggestloser.msn.com/