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Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals Completes Single Dose Safety Trials for Anti-Hepatitis C Treatment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced the completion of single dose safety trials for its anti-Hepatitis C ribozyme, LY 466700. The study, conducted by development partner Eli Lilly and Company, has found the drug to be well tolerated in normal volunteers. The next phase of the trial, designed to study safety and assess the effect of the compound on HCV viral RNA levels, has begun, with approximately 20 chronic Hepatitis C patients set to receive the treatment via daily subcutaneous injection. The treatment has the potential to offer a significant step forward in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C, a disease that affects millions worldwide and carries significant side effects with current treatments.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals has completed single dose safety trials for its anti-Hepatitis C ribozyme, LY 466700.
  • The drug was found to be well tolerated in the first cohort of normal volunteers.
  • Administration of LY466700 to chronic Hepatitis C patients has begun, with approximately 20 patients set to receive the treatment via daily subcutaneous injection.
  • The study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the treatment, as well as its impact on HCV viral RNA levels following a 28 day dose-response regimen.
  • The unique mechanism of action of LY466700 offers the possibility for a significant step forward in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C.
  • Ribozymes are synthetically engineered to act as "molecular scissors" capable of cleaving target RNA in a highly specific manner.
  • RPI is partnered with Chiron Corporation for the development and commercialization of ANGIOZYME(TM), an anti-angiogenic ribozyme designed to inhibit the growth of new blood supplies to tumors.
  • RPI is also partnered with Elan Corporation PLC for development and commercialization of HERZYME(TM), an anti-HER-2 ribozyme for treatment of breast and other cancers.

Statistics:

  • Over 125 million individuals worldwide are infected with Hepatitis C, according to the World Health Organization.
  • Approximately 20 patients are set to receive LY466700 in the next phase of the trial.
  • The treatment will be administered via daily subcutaneous injection for a 28 day period.
  • Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals is the acknowledged leader in ribozyme therapeutic development.

Sources:

  • Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals' press release, May 10
  • Eli Lilly and Company's development agreement with Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals
  • World Health Organization statistics on Hepatitis C infection rates worldwide.

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