Initial Data and Efficacy
Atea Pharmaceuticals Inc AVIR unveiled initial data from the first 52 patients in the lead-in cohort of its Phase 2 combination eight-week study of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir (RZR) for hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Impressive Results
The company’s data from the Phase 2 combination eight-week study showed a 98% sustained virologic response at week four (SVR4). This exceeded the company’s efficacy criterion of >90% for continuing the study. Additionally, all 60 patients achieved viral load below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) at the end of the treatment.
Rapid Kinetics and Safety
Very rapid kinetics were observed in all 60 patients across genotypes, with viral load reaching near or below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) at four weeks of treatment. Furthermore, the combination of bemnifosbuvir and RZR was found to be generally safe and well tolerated, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of an effective treatment for HCV.
Significance of the Study
Approximately 280 treatment-naïve HCV-infected patients are expected to be enrolled in the Phase 2 study, with the trial’s second part anticipated to enroll 220 patients across all genotypes. This research is closely watched as full enrollment of the study is expected to be completed by mid-2024, with topline results in the third quarter of 2024.
Adapting to the Market
All 60 patients achieved viral load below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) at the end of the treatment. The combination was generally safe and well tolerated.
Market Potential for Atea
William Blair emphasized that although there is a noticeable increase in public indifference towards COVID-19, the market potential for COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments continues. This presents a significant opportunity for Atea due to factors such as declining immunity, the emergence of new virus variants, and reduced reliance on vaccines.
Atea Pharmaceuticals shares are up 9.02% at $3.38, demonstrating the positive market sentiment towards the company’s advancements. The future looks promising with the potential for groundbreaking treatments for HCV and COVID-19.
