ZymoGenetics, Bristol-Myers Squibb Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial For PEG-Interferon lambda

ZymoGenetics has initiated phase 2 clinical trial of PEG-Interferon lambda (IL-29) and ribavirin in treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (EMERGE study). The first patient has been dosed in the study, triggering a $70m milestone payment to ZymoGenetics from Bristol-Myers Squibb, pursuant to the terms of a previously announced collaboration agreement.

Eleanor Ramos, senior vice president and chief medical officer of ZymoGenetics, said: “In the Phase 1b clinical trial, PEG-Interferon lambda demonstrated robust antiviral activity and was well tolerated in patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C. Because PEG-Interferon lambda binds to a unique receptor, it has the potential to treat HCV without many of the treatment-limiting side effects associated with current interferons.”

The EMERGE study is an international, randomised multi-center clinical trial that will enroll approximately 50 patients in the first, open label portion that will explore a wide range of doses to be tested in the second part of the study. The second part of the study is designed to enroll approximately 500 patients. Weekly subcutaneous doses of PEG-Interferon lambda will be administered for up to 48 weeks.

The study will assess the safety and antiviral efficacy of PEG-Interferon lambda compared to PEGASYS. All patients will also receive daily ribavirin. The primary endpoint of the trial is the proportion of patients who achieve undetectable levels of HCV RNA after 12 weeks of therapy (cEVR). Sustained virological response (SVR) defined as undetectable levels of HCV 24 weeks after treatment will also be assessed.