Dynavax starts early stage trial of HBV drug

The trial will evaluate the safety of the therapy at two dosing schedules. Results are expected in the second half of 2007.

“The trial represents the first evaluation of this therapeutic approach in humans. In addition to verifying safety, we will measure subjects’ T-Cell responses to evaluate whether the vaccine demonstrates the same pharmacologic effects as those seen in animal models, namely the induction of virus-specific cellular immune responses,” according to Dr Eduardo Martins, VP, Clinical Development.

Dynavax indicated that the hepatitis B therapy trial is the second of several trials slated to enter the clinic with funding from Symphony Dynamo. In April, 2006, SDI committed $50 million to Dynavax to advance its cancer program and both its therapies for chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C into human clinical trials.

Current treatment for hepatitis B involves lengthy cycles of antiviral medication or injected interferon-alpha and rarely results in resolution of the infection.