New Haven drug developer Achillion Pharmaceuticals Inc. says one of its potential treatments against hepatitis C has shown efficacy in a small sample of trial patients.
In mid-July, Achillion began “proof of concept” trial dosing of ACH-2928, a small-molecule drug for treating the hepatitis C virus. The U.S. trial involves 48 healthy volunteers 20 patients infected with the liver disease.
The compound demonstrated good safety and tolerability both in healthy volunteers and in patients with chronic hepatitis C, said Achillion CEO Michael Kishbauch.
Achillion’s ACH-2928 and other compounds under development in its drug pipeline effectively block the ability of the hepatitis C virus to replicate.
Achillion said its new candidate, designated ACH-3102, is second-generation treatment that targets and disrupts the blood-borne virus’ NS5A gene, neutralizing the germ.
Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver failure in the U.S., many of which require transplants. It can be spread by sharing needles or having sex with an infected person, authorities say.
