Human Genome Sciences has announced that Novartis has completed enrollment and initial dosing in a Phase 2b clinical trial, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Albuferon (albinterferon alfa-2b). The trial involves monthly administration in combination with ribavirin in treatment-naive patients, with genotypes 2 and 3 chronic hepatitis C.
Albuferon is being developed by HGS and Novartis under an exclusive worldwide co-development and commercialization agreement.
Mani Subramanian, Executive Director of Clinical Research of Infectious Diseases, HGS, said: “Novartis has made excellent progress in advancing the study of albinterferon alfa-2b dosed every four weeks. This dosing regimen of albinterferon alfa-2b, with a total of six injections, could offer an important treatment option if it demonstrates safety and efficacy comparable to peginterferon alfa-2a dosed once every week with a total of 24 injections.”