Pharmaceutical Business review

Janssen seeks FDA approval for Simeprevir to treat genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C

The company submitted a new drug application to FDA based on Phase 3 data in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients with compensated liver disease.

Application is filed for administration of the investigational NS3/4A protease inhibitor simeprevir, as a 150mg capsule on daily basis with pegylated interferon and ribavirin against genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C.

Janssen development, infectious diseases and vaccines global head Wim Parys said Hepatitis C is a complicated disease and especially genotype 1 hepatitis C can be difficult to cure.

"Given the complexity and diversity of the patient population, physicians need multiple options to provide their patients a chance at treatment success," Parys added.

"The U.S. filing represents an important step forward in bringing simeprevir to market and in helping to battle this challenging disease."