Roche, Ascletis to jointly develop investigational Hepatitis-C drug in China

Roche’s investigational protease inhibitor Danoprevir is a potent Hepatitis-C Virus (HCV) therapeutic active against HCV genotypes 1 and 4.

Roche Pharmaceuticals Asia Pacific head Luke Miels said, "The decision to develop danoprevir based on its promising profile in HCV Genotype 1b, and to do this via collaboration with our partner Ascletis represents another example of this strategy in action."

As per the terms of the deal, Ascletis will carry out danoprevir development, regulatory and manufacturing activities in greater China, including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Both the companies will jointly carry out clinical development and the commercialization activities.

Roche will make certain development and commercial milestone payments in addition to royalties to Ascletis.

Ascletis president and CEO Jinzi Wu said presently there are no marketed direct antiviral agents (DAAs) available for hepatitis C in China.

"Roche is a global leader in the development of innovative Hepatitis C therapies, and we are pleased to be collaborating with Roche to develop and eventually commercialize this much needed medicine for Chinese patients," Wu added.

"Furthermore, we are very encouraged by the clinical data that have emerged to date and looking forward to bringing this novel DAA to patients in need."