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news.Pharmasset is to receive a milestone payment from Incyte Corporation after the developmental anti HIV compound, Reverset, exceeded its target in a mid phase clinical trial.
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In the trial the drug, discovered by Pharmasset and licensed to Incyte, exceeded the contractually-defined goal of a 90% reduction in HIV viral load in the bloodstream.
Results of this study also indicate that 200mg of Reverset given orally, once-daily was generally well tolerated, and provided antiviral suppression in patients with a wide variety of HIV mutations, such as M184V and multiple thymidine analog mutations. Based on the positive results of this study, Incyte has stated that it intends to meet with the FDA to propose phase III studies of the drug.
According to Schaefer Price, Pharmasset’s president & CEO, “The data from this study support second-line and later use of Reverset for HIV patients who have developed resistance to other NRTIs, such as those contained in Combivir and Truvada. Currently, physicians have limited options for patients once the M184V mutation appears. If Reverset is ultimately approved for marketing, physicians will have a new prescription alternative to combat resistant viral strains with true drug potency.”
In 2003, Pharmasset and Incyte Corporation announced a collaborative license agreement to develop and commercialize Reverset. Under the terms of the agreement, Incyte paid Pharmasset for in-process R&D, and Incyte has agreed to fund all future clinical development of Reverset.