Human Genome’s Albuferon demonstrates antiviral activity

The results demonstrate that Albuferon (albumin-interferon alpha) exhibits more antiviral activity at clinically achieved serum levels than standard interferon alpha or the modified interferons, Roche’s Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) and Schering-Plough’s Peg-Intron (peginterferon alfa-2b).

The data show that at peak blood levels Albuferon exhibited greater antiviral activity than either Pegasys or Peg-Intron. Albuferon showed similar anti-HCV (anti-hepatitis C virus) activity in the human liver cells and non-liver cells, suggesting that the anti-HCV activity is not limited to hepatic cells. The magnitude of interferon-stimulated gene expression at six hours and 48 hours was comparable for all three modified interferons at the drug concentrations evaluated.

David Stump, executive vice president of drug development for Human Genome Sciences, said: “Approximately half of genotype 1 HCV patients fail to respond to treatment regimens based on the pegylated interferons, and chronic hepatitis C represents a significant unmet medical need. It is our hope that Albuferon will one day help address this need.”

Clinical and preclinical results to date demonstrate that Albuferon is well tolerated and exhibits robust antiviral activity, with a pharmacokinetic profile that supports dosing at intervals of two to four weeks.