Gilead, Achillion Discontinue Development of HCV Candidate

Gilead Sciences and Achillion Pharmaceuticals have discontinued the development of GS 9132, also known as ACH-806, for the treatment of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. Preliminary data from the Phase Ib/II trial indicated that the compound demonstrated antiviral activity, validating the novel anti-HCV mechanism that involves inhibition of a viral protein called NS4A. However, based on small elevations of serum creatinine (a marker of kidney function), the two companies have elected to shift their focus to the evaluation of other NS4A antagonists developed by Achillion to identify a lead candidate for development.

“GS 9132 has demonstrated antiviral activity in patients with genotype 1 HCV infection. Even at the low dose studied, we observed significant reductions in hepatitis C viral load. This validation of the mechanism of action is encouraging as we evaluate next-generation compounds for potential development,” said Norbert Bischofberger, Ph.D., executive vice president, R&D, Gilead Sciences. “We look forward to our continued collaboration with Achillion.”

“As part of our collaboration with Gilead, we have worked diligently to generate a number of compounds belonging to a different chemical class that demonstrate the same mechanism of action and similar in vitro potency to GS 9132. One of the most promising of these has been designated by Achillion as ACH-1095, and we are evaluating this and other compounds in preclinical studies to determine if one has the right profile to advance into clinical development,” stated Milind Deshpande, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Achillion. “Our goal is to develop a novel, efficacious and safe therapeutic for HCV, and the data indicate that candidates with this mechanism may be complementary to both protease and polymerase inhibitors, as well as interferon therapies.”