Arrow advances hepatitis C drug

Originating from Arrow’s focused chemical library and optimized in-house, the compound has shown potent activity in the replicon assay and has an excellent therapeutic index and good pharmacokinetic properties, as well as displaying a novel mechanism of action targeting the NS5a protein.

Phase I trials on the compound are planned for the second half of 2006, by which time a further compound from Arrow’s second Hepatitis C programme (also targeting the NS5a protein) is expected to enter preclinical development.

There are an estimated 170 million hepatitis C sufferers worldwide. The current treatment (Pegylated Interferon + ribavirin) has a poor side effect profile, is very expensive and is only effective in around 50% of patients.

We regard NS5a as an excellent target, and these inhibitors should find an important place as constituents of combination regimens. The entry of the first program into full preclinical development is an exciting step in the development of a novel therapy,” said Arrow’s CEO, Ken Powell.