Arrow Therapeutics Announces Lead Hepatitis C Compound Enters Full Pre-Clinical Development

Strategic Insights -

Arrow Therapeutics, a London-based antiviral drug discovery and development company, has announced that its lead Hepatitis C compound, A-831, has entered full pre-clinical development, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the disease. The compound has shown potent activity in the replicon assay and has an excellent therapeutic index and good pharmacokinetic properties. With the current treatment options having a poor side effect profile, being very expensive, and only effective in around 50% of patients, Arrow's compound aims to address the urgent need for novel Hepatitis C inhibitors. The value of the Hepatitis C market is expected to grow substantially, from approximately $3 billion in 2004 to over $6 billion in the next 5-7 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Arrow Therapeutics' lead Hepatitis C compound, A-831, has entered full pre-clinical development, showing potent activity in the replicon assay and excellent therapeutic index and pharmacokinetic properties.
  • The compound targets the NS5a protein and is expected to enter Phase I trials in the second half of 2006.
  • A second Hepatitis C program from Arrow is anticipated to enter pre-clinical development by the end of 2006.
  • The current Hepatitis C treatment has a poor side effect profile, is expensive, and is only effective in around 50% of patients.
  • Arrow's CEO, Ken Powell, believes that the company's compounds have a novel mechanism and will find an important place in combination regimens.
  • The Hepatitis C market is expected to grow significantly, from approximately $3 billion in 2004 to over $6 billion in the next 5-7 years.

Statistics:

  • The Hepatitis C market is estimated to have 170 million sufferers worldwide.
  • The current cure rate for Hepatitis C is around 50% using Pegylated Interferon + ribavirin.
  • The value of the Hepatitis C market was approximately $3 billion in 2004.
  • The market is expected to grow to over $6 billion in the next 5-7 years.
  • Phase I trials for A-831 are planned for the second half of 2006.

Sources:

  • Arrow Therapeutics Ltd. (n.d.). Arrow Therapeutics Announces Lead Hepatitis C Compound Enters Full Pre-Clinical Development. PRNewswire-AsiaNet.
  • Arrow Therapeutics Ltd. (n.d.). About Arrow Therapeutics. Retrieved from http://www.arrowt.co.uk/ourstory_home.html
  • Atlas Venture. (n.d.). Atlas Venture Completes Latest Funding Round for Arrow Therapeutics. Retrieved from http://www.atlasventure.com/press_releases/arrow_therapeutics_uk/