Benitec discovers possible clinical candidate for hepatitis C

The company has already begun efficacy and safety studies of its RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutic treatment in anaimals models to facilitate its FDA application. Benitec believes it is on track to commence phase I trials to treat the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the second half of 2006.

Benitec’s HCV drug will consist of three RNAi sequences targeting the HCV RNA genome that will be delivered intravenously to hepatitis C patients. Each component of the drug has individually shown potent inhibition of hepatitis C virus derivatives in both tissue culture and rodent models.

Benitec therefore expects the three-in-one drug combination to be extremely effective against HCV and reiterates the importance of a multi-targeting approach to prevent drug resistance, which is a major problem with both approved and developing small molecule drugs.

Propelled by the news, Sara Cunningham, CEO of Benitec stated, “The identification of Benitec’s HCV clinical candidate represents a significant milestone in our short but eventful history and positions us to reach the clinic with a highly promising drug to meet a significant unmet clinical need. We believe development of the HCV program in conjunction with our other programs will continue to enhance shareholder value.”

Benitec will collaborate with Dr Robert Lanford of the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research and a Benitec scientific advisory board member to complete the safety and efficacy studies in marmosets.