US20110236351A1 - Therapeutic Regimen Comprising PEG-Interferon, Ribavirin and VX-950 for the Treatment of Hepatitis - Google Patents

Therapeutic Regimen Comprising PEG-Interferon, Ribavirin and VX-950 for the Treatment of Hepatitis Download PDF

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US20110236351A1
US20110236351A1 US13/070,991 US201113070991A US2011236351A1 US 20110236351 A1 US20110236351 A1 US 20110236351A1 US 201113070991 A US201113070991 A US 201113070991A US 2011236351 A1 US2011236351 A1 US 2011236351A1
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weeks
peginterferon
administered
ribavirin
week
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Robert S. Kauffman
Cyrill Jean Camille Titeux
Ramon Polo
Rudolf Peter Gerhardt Van Heeswijk
Maria Gloria Beumont
Gaston Rafael Picchio
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Janssen Pharmaceutica NV
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
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Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
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Assigned to VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED reassignment VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KAUFFMAN, ROBERT S.
Assigned to JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICA NV reassignment JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICA NV ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BEUMONT, MARIA GLORIA, POLO, RAMON, TITEUX, CYRIL JEAN CAMILLE, PICCHIO, GASTON RAFAEL, VAN HEESWIJK, RUDOLF PETER GERHARD
Publication of US20110236351A1 publication Critical patent/US20110236351A1/en
Priority to US13/718,608 priority patent/US8871812B2/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • A61K38/16—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K38/17—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
    • A61K38/19—Cytokines; Lymphokines; Interferons
    • A61K38/21—Interferons [IFN]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • A61K38/16—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K38/17—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
    • A61K38/19—Cytokines; Lymphokines; Interferons
    • A61K38/21—Interferons [IFN]
    • A61K38/212—IFN-alpha
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/70—Carbohydrates; Sugars; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K31/7042—Compounds having saccharide radicals and heterocyclic rings
    • A61K31/7052—Compounds having saccharide radicals and heterocyclic rings having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. nucleosides, nucleotides
    • A61K31/7056—Compounds having saccharide radicals and heterocyclic rings having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. nucleosides, nucleotides containing five-membered rings with nitrogen as a ring hetero atom
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • A61K38/04—Peptides having up to 20 amino acids in a fully defined sequence; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K38/07—Tetrapeptides
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P1/00—Drugs for disorders of the alimentary tract or the digestive system
    • A61P1/18—Drugs for disorders of the alimentary tract or the digestive system for pancreatic disorders, e.g. pancreatic enzymes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P31/00—Antiinfectives, i.e. antibiotics, antiseptics, chemotherapeutics
    • A61P31/12—Antivirals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P31/00—Antiinfectives, i.e. antibiotics, antiseptics, chemotherapeutics
    • A61P31/12—Antivirals
    • A61P31/14—Antivirals for RNA viruses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P31/00—Antiinfectives, i.e. antibiotics, antiseptics, chemotherapeutics
    • A61P31/12—Antivirals
    • A61P31/20—Antivirals for DNA viruses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods for treating Hepatitis C virus infections.
  • HCV Hepatitis C virus
  • the HCV genome encodes a polyprotein of 3010-3033 amino acids.
  • the HCV nonstructural (NS) proteins are presumed to provide the essential catalytic machinery for viral replication.
  • the NS proteins are derived by proteolytic cleavage of the polyprotein.
  • the HCV NS protein 3 contains a serine protease activity that helps process the majority of the viral enzymes, and is thus considered essential for viral replication and infectivity. It is known that mutations in the yellow fever virus NS3 protease decreases viral infectivity.
  • the first 181 amino acids of NS3 (residues 1027-1207 of the viral polyprotein) have been shown to contain the serine protease domain of NS3 that processes all four downstream sites of the HCV polyprotein.
  • HCV NS3 serine protease and its associated cofactor, NS4A helps process all of the viral enzymes, and is thus considered essential for viral replication. This processing appears to be analogous to that carried out by the human immunodeficiency virus aspartyl protease, which is also involved in viral enzyme processing. HIV protease inhibitors, which inhibit viral protein processing are potent antiviral agents in man, indicating that interrupting this stage of the viral life cycle results in therapeutically active agents. Consequently it is an attractive target for drug discovery.
  • PEG polyethyleneglycol.
  • the current standard of care is a treatment regimen lasting 24-48 weeks, depending on prognostic factors such as HCV genotype and demonstration of initial response to therapy.
  • the majority of HCV genotype-1 patients do not achieve sustained virologic response (SVR) after a 48-week regimen of pegylated interferon-alfa-2a/2b and ribavirin.
  • SVR sustained virologic response
  • retreatment of prior PR non-responders (null and partial responders) and relapsers with pegylated interferon and ribavirin achieves SVR rates of less than 10% and 30%, respectively.
  • the prospects for effective anti-HCV vaccines remain uncertain.
  • HCV and other diseases and disorders are associated with liver damage. There is also a need for therapies and appropriate dose regimens for treating liver damage.
  • the present invention provides a treatment for Hepatitis C virus infections.
  • the present invention is directed to a therapeutic regimen comprising administering to a patient peginterferon and ribavirin with VX-950 in an initial phase and administering peginterferon and ribavirin over a secondary phase, wherein the secondary phase occurs after the initial phase, and wherein VX-950 is administered in an amount of 1125 mg twice per day, peginterferon is administered in an amount of 180 micrograms per week and ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 to 1200 mg per day.
  • the present invention is directed to a therapeutic regimen comprising administering to a patient peginterferon and ribavirin with VX-950 in an initial phase and administering peginterferon and ribavirin over a secondary phase, wherein the secondary phase occurs after the initial phase, and wherein VX-950 is administered in an amount of 1125 mg twice per days, peginterferon is administered in an amount of 1.5 micrograms per kilogram per week and ribavirin is administered in an amount of 800 to 1200 mg per day.
  • FIG. 1 depicts the C208 study design.
  • FIG. 2 depicts the mean change in log 10 HCV RNA levels over time (NC ⁇ F).
  • FIG. 3 depicts the virologic response rate at week 4.
  • FIG. 4 depicts the % of patients with undetectable HCV RNA ( ⁇ 10 IU/mL).
  • VX-950 is described in PCT Publication Numbers WO 02/018369, WO 2006/050250 and WO/2008/144072, with reference to the following structural formula, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:
  • VX-950 can be found in PCT Publication Numbers WO 07/098,270 and WO 08/106,151.
  • one embodiment of this invention provides a therapeutic regimen comprising administering to a patient VX-950 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • the amount of VX-950 in these pharmaceutical compositions can be from about 100 mg to about 1500 mg, from about 300 mg to about 1500 mg, from about 300 mg to about 1250 mg, about 450 mg, about 750 mg, or about 1250 mg.
  • Each of these pharmaceutical compositions can be administered, e.g., once, twice, or three times per day.
  • Each of these compositions can be in one or more dosage forms (e.g., ampule, capsule, cream, emulsion, fluid, grain, drop, injection, suspension, tablet, powder).
  • Each of these pharmaceutical compositions can be administered by one or more routes (e.g., orally, by infusion, by injection, topically, or parenterally) as considered appropriate by a skilled person in the art and depending on the dosage form.
  • Another aspect of this invention provides a method for treating or preventing HCV infections of a patient which includes administering to the patient VX-950.
  • the amount of VX-950 is at least about 300 mg (e.g., at least about 450 mg, at least about 500 mg, at least about 750 mg, at least about 1250 mg, or at least about 1500 mg). In some embodiments, the amount of VX-950 is no more than about 1500 mg (e.g., no more than about 1250 mg, no more than about 750 mg, no more than about 450 mg, no more than about 500 mg, or no more than about 300 mg).
  • VX-950 is administered in an amount from about 300 mg to about 1250 mg or from about 300 mg to about 1500 mg.
  • VX-950 is administered in an amount of about 450 mg. In other embodiments, VX-950 is administered in an amount of about 500 mg. In other embodiments, VX-950 is administered in an amount of about 600 mg. In other embodiments, VX-950 is administered in an amount of about 750 mg. In other embodiments, VX-950 is administered in an amount of about 1000 mg. In other embodiments, VX-950 is administered in an amount of about 1250 mg.
  • the specified amount of VX-950 is administered once a day.
  • the amount of VX-950 is administered twice a day (e.g., BID; q12h).
  • the amount of VX-950 is administered three times a day (e.g., TID; q8h).
  • VX-950 may be administered with or without food.
  • VX-950 has also been tested in humans and found to be effective at inhibiting HCV replication. Applicants have demonstrated that administration of VX-950 was able to substantially decrease HCV RNA levels. Importantly, applicants have demonstrated that administration of VX-950 to subjects infected with HCV can inhibit the virus such that the viral RNA becomes undetectable using the Roche COBAS TaqManTM HCV/HPS assay (available from Roche Molecular Diagnostics). In previous studies, of 8 subjects receiving 750 mg of VX-950 every 8 hours (q8h), 4 had HCV RNA levels below the limit of quantitation (LLQ 30 IU/mL) and 2 of those 4 subjects had HCV RNA levels below the limit of detection (LLD 10 IU/mL).
  • VX-950 may be administered to a patient infected with HCV in an amount of: a) about 450 mg, 3 times per day, every 8 hours; b) in an amount of about 750 mg, 3 times per day, every 8 hours; c) in an amount of about 1250 mg, 2 times per day, every 12 hours; or d) in an amount of about 1250 mg each time, 3 times per day, every 8 hours.
  • this invention provides a method for treating a patient infected with HCV, comprising administering to the patient VX-950, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in an amount of about 1125 mg, two times per day; or in an amount of about 1125 mg, every 12 hours.
  • this invention provides a method for treating a patient infected with HCV by administering VX-950 such that the level of HCV RNA in the patient is at least about 2 log 10 (e.g., at least about 4 log 10 ) lower than before treatment.
  • Yet still another aspect of this invention provides a method for treating a patient infected with HCV by administering VX-950 such that the level of viral RNA in the patient decreases to an undetectable level and remains at that undetectable level until a “sustained viral response” is achieved.
  • RVR means rapid viral response
  • SVR means sustained viral response
  • EMR means early viral response.
  • RVR indicates an undetectable HCV RNA level at week 4; “SVR” indicates an undetectable HCV RNA level 48 weeks after the end of treatment; and “EVR” indicates ⁇ 2-log 10 reduction from baseline in HCV RNA at week 12 or undetectable HCV RNA at week 12.
  • HCV RNA being “undetectable” means that the HCV RNA is present in less than 10 IU/mL as determined by assays currently commercially available, and preferably as determined by the Roche COBAS TaqManTM HCV/HPS assay.
  • the trough level is the concentration that a drug drops down to in plasma just before next dose (i.e., the minimum concentration between doses). It is important, particularly in viral diseases, to maintain drug levels above a certain concentration to maintain appropriate inhibition of viral replication.
  • this invention provides a method for administering VX-950 to a patient in need thereof, which includes administering the compound in an amount of about 750 mg each time, 3 times per day, once every 8 hours.
  • the administration is 3 times per day, but not every 8 hours, optionally with meals.
  • VX-950 is administered with food.
  • This invention also provides a method for providing VX-950 to a patient in need thereof, which includes administering to the patient an oral dose of a composition comprising VX-950, wherein said dose provides to the patient an average plasma concentration (C avg ) of VX-950 of at least about 750 ng/mL after the administration.
  • the C avg of VX-950 is about 1000 ng/mL or about 1250 ng/mL.
  • said dose essentially contains about 750 mg of VX-950.
  • the C avg is obtained/attained within 3 hours after administration, preferably 2 hours, more preferably 1 hour after administering.
  • the C avg of VX-950 is maintained over about 24 hours, and preferably over 12 weeks.
  • this invention provides a method for treating HCV infection in a patient by administering at least one dosage form comprising VX-950 over a 24-hour period, wherein the dosage form is administered to maintain a trough plasma VX-950 level minimum of about 750 ng/ml over the 24-hour period.
  • the dosage form is administered to maintain a trough plasma VX-950 level minimum of about 800 ng/mL, preferably about 900 ng/ml over the 24 hour period, and more preferably about 1000 ng/mL over the 24 hour period.
  • a therapeutically effective plasma concentration is obtained and a certain trough level is maintained.
  • These methods are particularly useful for treating a human suffering from HCV infection by administering a VX-950 formulation, wherein the trough VX-950 plasma level is maintained at a minimum of about 750, 800, 900, or 1000 ng/mL over a 24 hour period.
  • trough levels of more than about 1500 ng/mL are thought to be not required by this invention. Accordingly, trough levels of about 750, 800, 900, 1000 ng/mL to about 1500 ng/mL (particularly 1000 to about 1500) are within the scope of this invention.
  • a dosage form for delivering VX-950 to a human wherein the dosage form comprises VX-950, said dosage form when administered at least once during a 24 hour period maintains a trough plasma VX-950 level that is at least about 750 ng/mL, 800 ng/mL, 900 ng/mL, or 1000 ng/mL over the 24 hour period to about 1500 ng/mL (particularly 1000 ng/mL to about 1500 ng/mL) over the 24 hour period.
  • a method of this invention involves treating a patient infected with HCV
  • the method involves achieving, relatively rapidly, a therapeutically effective plasma concentration of VX-950 and then maintaining the trough level such that an effective therapeutic response is achieved.
  • An effective therapeutic response is, preferably, one or both of a) achieving a sustained viral response; and b) achieving undetectable HCV RNA ha the plasma by at least 12 weeks (12 weeks or more).
  • HCV RNA being “undetectable” means that the HCV RNA is present in less than 10 IU/mL as determined by assays currently commercially available, and preferably as determined by the Roche COBAS TaqManTM HCV/HPS assay.
  • the relatively rapid drop in plasma concentration may be obtained by administering a loading dose to a patient.
  • the loading dose is about 1250 mg of VX-950.
  • the dosage form (other than the dosage form used to administer the loading dose) contains about 750 mg of VX-950 and the dosage form is administered once every 8 hours (i.e., q8h).
  • the VX-950 dosage form is administered once every 8 hours.
  • the VX-950 dosage form is administered once every 12 hours.
  • the treatment duration with VX-950 is shorter than the current standard of care.
  • VX-950 is administered for less than about 12 weeks (or less than 12 weeks).
  • VX-950 is administered for about 8-12 weeks (or 8-12 weeks).
  • VX-950 is administered for about 10 weeks (or 10 weeks).
  • Modeling data indicate that administration with VX-950 may eradicate wild-type virus within 10 weeks.
  • VX-950 is administered for less than about 10 weeks.
  • VX-950 is administered for about 2 weeks.
  • VX-950 is administered for less than about 8 weeks (or about 8 weeks or 8 weeks), less than about 6 weeks (or about 6 weeks or 6 weeks), or less than about 4 weeks (or about 4 weeks or 4 weeks).
  • a method according to this invention involves the treatment of a patient infected with genotype 1 Hepatitis C virus.
  • Genotype 1 HCV infection is the most difficult strain of HCV to treat and the most prevalent strain in the United States.
  • VX-950 decreases neopterin and ALT levels in vivo.
  • AST aspartate aminotransferase
  • ALT is an enzyme that is present in liver cells; when liver cells are damaged or inflamed, ALT leaks from the cell into the blood. Blood ALT levels are useful as a marker of liver inflammation or damage.
  • Neopterin (6-d-erythro-trihydroxypropylpteridine) is a pteridine derivative that is produced during the metabolism of guanosine triphosphate (GTP). Neopterin is produced primarily by monocytes and macrophages upon activation by interferon gamma or interferon alfa and is a marker of inflammation. Neopterin levels are frequently elevated in chronic HCV infection. The expected plasma level of neopterin in healthy individuals is between 3.1 and 7.7 nmol/l.
  • Serum neopterin concentrations were measured by a quantitative competitive ELISA (ELItest® Neopterin, Brahms, Hennigsdorf, Germany) at pretreatment, at day 7 and 14, and at day 10 of follow-up.
  • the lower limit of detection (LLD) was 2 nmol/l.
  • HCV RNA was assessed at frequent intervals during the study by real-time PCR (COBAS® TaqMan HCV Test; linear dynamic range of 3.0 ⁇ 10 1 to 2.0 ⁇ 10 8 HCV RNA IU/ml; LLD of 10 HCV RNA IU/ml; Roche Diagnostics, Branchburg, N.J.).
  • Baseline neopterin was elevated in 23/34 patients (mean 9.33 nmol/L; upper limit of normal (ULN) 7.7 nmol/l).
  • the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level can be measured using commercially available methods. Mean ALT levels, elevated at baseline, decreased during dosing in all groups. Mean ALT levels increased, returned toward baseline, in all dose groups during follow up.
  • HCV RNA increased in the 450 mg dose group and 1250 mg dose group after day 7, neopterin and especially ALT continued to decrease.
  • Changes in mean neopterin concentration correlated with decline in HCV RNA and ALT levels during dosing of VX-950.
  • Maximal decline in mean neopterin concentration was in the 750 mg q8h dose group at day 14. This was also the dose group with maximal reductions in HCV RNA at day 14.
  • ALT and neopterin levels decreased while HCV RNA levels increased.
  • VX-950 also ameliorates elevated ALT levels in an animal model (see WO 2005/025517). Specifically, expression of WT-HCV protease-SEAP in SCID mice results in elevated ALT levels that can be ameliorated by treatment with VX-950. Expression of WT-HCV protease alone in SCID mice also results in time and dose dependent elevation of ALT levels.
  • this invention provides a method for decreasing (including normalizing) ALT levels in a patient.
  • the method includes administering to the patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of VX-950 (e.g., about 1350 mg daily, about 2250 mg daily, or about 2500 mg daily).
  • the patient can be infected with HCV or not infected with HCV.
  • VX-950 is administered daily at about 450 mg or at about 750 mg every 8 hours, or at about 1250 mg every 12 hours.
  • Another aspect of this invention provides methods for treating or preventing one or more of liver damage, liver inflammation, steatosis, fatty liver, NAFLD, NASH, alcoholic steatosis, and Reye's syndrome in a patient that is either HCV positive or HCV negative.
  • VX-950 blocks immune evasion in vitro.
  • VX-950 restores IFN ⁇ dependent gene expression in Sendai virus infected Huh7 cells. IFN ⁇ promoter activity decreases in response to Sendai virus stimulation in the presence of WT HCVpro. VX-950 overcomes the WT HCVpro mediated suppression of IFN ⁇ promoter activation.
  • NS3/4A is known to be involved in evasion of innate defenses, by e.g., TRIF-dependent mechanisms (as well as viral polyprotein processing). This immune evasion leads to viral persistence. Accordingly, a compound that inhibits both viral polyprotein processing and evasion of innate defenses is desirable.
  • VX-950 has been shown to do both. In particular, VX-950 inhibits in vitro cleavage of TRIF, which is a TLR3 adaptor protein.
  • VX-950 inhibits TRIF cleavage by NS3 protease.
  • TRIF binds to non-prime side of the NS3 protease active site.
  • VX-950 binds to the same non-prime side of the active site as TRIF and blocks TRW cleavage.
  • VX-950 viral variants A156T and A156V show reduced ability to cleave either TRIF or 4A/4B. Because these viral variants are less fit, they are inefficient at both viral polyprotein processing and viral persistence. Without being bound by theory, this is related to steric hindrance of A156V affecting binding to 4A/4B and TRIP substrates.
  • VX-950 acts as both a direct antiviral and as an inhibitor of immune evasion. Accordingly, this invention also provides methods of inhibiting HCV protease mediated evasion of host defenses.
  • VX-950 are administered in a single dosage form or in more than one dosage form. If in separate dosage forms, each dosage form is administered about simultaneously.
  • one or more pill or dose may be given at each time per day (e.g., 1 pill, three times per day or 3 pills, three times per day). Most embodiments of this invention will employ at least 2 pills per dose).
  • one embodiment of this invention provides methods for treating or preventing a Hepatitis C infection in a patient.
  • one embodiment of this invention provides a method for preventing a Hepatitis C virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a composition or dosage form according to this invention.
  • Methods of this invention may also involve administration of another component comprising an additional agent selected from an immunomodulatory agent; an antiviral agent; an inhibitor of HCV protease (other than VX-950); an inhibitor of another target in the HCV life cycle (other than NS3/4A protease); an inhibitor of internal ribosome entry, a broad-spectrum viral inhibitor; or a cytochrome P-450 inhibitor; or combinations thereof.
  • the additional agent is also selected from an inhibitor of viral cellular entry.
  • anti-viral agents include, but are not limited to, immunomodulatory agents, such as ⁇ -, ⁇ -, and ⁇ -interferons or thymosin, pegylated derivatized interferon- ⁇ compounds, and thymosin; other anti-viral agents, such as ribavirin, amantadine, and telbivudine; other inhibitors of hepatitis C proteases (NS2-NS3 inhibitors and NS3-NS4A inhibitors); inhibitors of other targets in the HCV life cycle, including helicase, polymerase, and metalloprotease inhibitors; inhibitors of internal ribosome entry; broad-spectrum viral inhibitors, such as IMPDH inhibitors (e.g., compounds described in U.S.
  • agents e.g., non-immunomodulatory or immunomodulatory compounds
  • a compound of this invention include, but are not limited to, those specified in WO 02/18369, which is incorporated herein by reference (see, e.g., page 273, lines 9-22 and page 274, line 4 to page 276, line 11 this disclosure being specifically incorporated herein by reference).
  • Still other agents include those described in various published U.S. patent applications. These publications provide additional teachings of compounds and methods that could be used in combination with VX-950 in the methods of this invention, particularly for the treatment of hepatitis. It is contemplated that any such methods and compositions may be used in combination with the methods and compositions of the present invention.
  • the disclosure the disclosures from those publications is referred to be reference to the publication number but it should be noted that the disclosure of the compounds in particular is specifically incorporated herein by reference. Examples of such publications include U.S.
  • Still other agents include, but are not limited to, AlbuferonTM (albumin-Interferon alpha) available from Human Genome Sciences; PEG-INTRON® (peginterferon alfa-2b, available from Schering Corporation, Kenilworth, N.J.); INTRON-A®, (VIRAFERON®, interferon alfa-2b available from Schering Corporation, Kenilworth, N.J.); ribavirin (1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide, available from ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Costa Mesa, Calif.; described in the Merck Index, entry 8365, Twelfth Edition); REBETROL® (Schering Corporation, Kenilworth, N.J.); COPEGUS® (Hoffmann-La Roche, Nutley, N.J.); PEGASYS® (peginterferon alfa-2a available Hoffmann-La Roche, Nutley, N.J.); ROFERON® (recombinant
  • Interferon Cytokine Res. 21 65-73 including, but are not limited to, double stranded RNA, alone or in combination with tobramycin, and Imiquimod (3M Pharmaceuticals; Sander, D. N. “Immunomodulatory and Pharmacologic Properties of Imiquimod,” J. Am. Acad. Dermatol., 43 S6-11 (2000). See also, WO 02/18369, particularly page 272, line 15 to page 273, line 8, this disclosure being specifically incorporated herein by reference.
  • VX-950 is preferably administered orally.
  • Interferon is not typically administered orally, although orally administered forms are in development. Nevertheless, nothing herein limits the methods or combinations of this invention to any specific dosage forms or regime. Thus, each component of a combination according to this invention may be administered separately, together, or in any combination thereof.
  • dosages of interferon are typically measured in IU (e.g., about 4 million IU to about 12 million IU). Interferon may also be dosed by micrograms. For example, a standard dose of Peg-Intron is 1.0-1.5 ⁇ g/kg/wk and of Pegasys is 180 ⁇ g/wk.
  • Ribavirin is typically administered orally, and tablet forms of ribavirin are currently commercially available.
  • General standard, daily dose of ribavirin tablets e.g., about 200 mg tablets
  • nothing herein limits the methods or combinations of this invention to any specific dosage forms or regime.
  • ribavirin can be dosed according to the dosage regimens described in its commercial product labels.
  • the dosage range of ribavirin can vary depending on body weight.
  • the dosage can also be reduced to alleviate side effects.
  • the method includes the administration of agents over two phases, an initial phase and a secondary phase.
  • the initial phase can be a period of less than about 12 or 24 weeks and the secondary phase can be greater or equal to about 12 weeks, e.g., the secondary phase can be between about 12-36 weeks.
  • the secondary phase is 12 weeks.
  • the secondary phase is 36 weeks.
  • the sum of the initial and secondary phase is about 24 to 48 weeks (such as 24, 36, or 48 weeks).
  • the initial and secondary phases can be identical in duration.
  • VX-950 may be administered in either the initial, secondary, or both phases. In some embodiments, VX-950 is administered only in the initial phase. When VX-950 is administered only in the initial phase, VX-950 may be administered alone or in combination with other agents and one or more agents are administered in the secondary phase.
  • the other agents can be one or more anti-viral agents, one or more other agents described herein, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the specific agents administered in the initial and secondary phases are identical.
  • the invention includes a therapeutic regimen comprising administering to a patient peginterferon and ribavirin with VX-950 in an initial phase and administering peginterferon and ribavirin over a secondary phase, wherein the secondary phase occurs after the initial phase, and wherein VX-950 is administered in an amount of 1125 mg twice per day, peginterferon is administered once per week and ribavirin is administered once per day.
  • the invention includes a therapeutic regimen comprising administering to a patient peginterferon and ribavirin with VX-950 in an initial phase and administering peginterferon and ribavirin over a secondary phase, wherein the secondary phase occurs after the initial phase and VX-950 is administered in an amount of 1125 mg twice per day, peginterferon is administered once per week and ribavirin is administered once per day.
  • the invention includes a therapeutic regimen comprising administering to a patient peginterferon and ribavirin with VX-950 in an initial phase and administering peginterferon and ribavirin over a secondary phase, wherein the secondary phase occurs after the initial phase and VX-950 is administered in an amount of 750 mg 3 times per day, peginterferon is administered in an amount of 180 micrograms per week and ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 to 1200 mg per day.
  • the peginterferon administered in the initial phase and in the secondary phase is peginterferon alfa 2a.
  • VX-950 is administered every 8 hours.
  • the peginterferon administered in the initial phase and in the secondary phase is peginterferon alfa 2b and VX-950 is administered every 8 hours.
  • the invention includes a therapeutic regimen comprising administering to a patient peginterferon and ribavirin with VX-950 in an initial phase and administering peginterferon and ribavirin over a secondary phase, wherein the secondary phase occurs after the initial phase and VX-950 is administered in an amount of 750 mg 3 times per day, peginterferon is administered in an amount of 1.5 micrograms per kilogram per week and ribavirin is administered in an amount of 800 to 1200 mg per day.
  • the peginterferon administered in the initial phase and in the secondary phase is peginterferon alfa 2b.
  • VX-950 is administered every 8 hours.
  • the peginterferon administered in the initial phase and in the secondary phase is peginterferon alfa 2b and VX-950 is administered every 8 hours.
  • the invention includes a therapeutic regimen comprising administering to a patient peginterferon and ribavirin with VX-950 in an initial phase and administering peginterferon and ribavirin over a secondary phase, wherein the secondary phase occurs after the initial phase, and wherein VX-950 is administered in an amount of 1125 mg twice per day, peginterferon is administered in an amount of 180 micrograms per week and ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 to 1200 mg per day.
  • the peginterferon administered in the initial phase and in the secondary phase is peginterferon alfa 2a.
  • VX-950 is administered every 12 hours.
  • the peginterferon administered in the initial phase and in the secondary phase is peginterferon alfa 2a and VX-950 is administered every 12 hours.
  • the invention includes a therapeutic regimen comprising administering to a patient peginterferon and ribavirin with VX-950 in an initial phase and administering peginterferon and ribavirin over a secondary phase, wherein the secondary phase occurs after the initial phase, and wherein VX-950 is administered in an amount of 1125 mg twice per days, peginterferon is administered in an amount of 1.5 micrograms per kilogram per week and ribavirin is administered in an amount of 800 to 1200 mg per day.
  • the peginterferon administered in the initial phase and in the secondary phase is peginterferon alfa 2b.
  • VX-950 is administered every 12 hours.
  • the peginterferon administered in the initial phase and in the secondary phase is peginterferon alfa 2b and VX-950 is administered every 12 hours.
  • At least 65% of patients have undetectable HCV RNA levels at week 4. In some embodiments, at least 75% of patients have undetectable HCV RNA levels at week 4. In some embodiments, at least 80% of patients have undetectable HCV RNA levels at week 4. In some embodiments, at least 85% of patients have undetectable HCV RNA levels at week 4.
  • At least 80% of patients have undetectable HCV RNA levels at week 12. In some embodiments, at least 84% of patients have undetectable HCV RNA levels at week 12. In some embodiments, at least 85% of patients have undetectable HCV RNA levels at week 12. In some embodiments, at least 90% of patients have undetectable HCV RNA levels at week 12. In some embodiments, at least 93% of patients have undetectable HCV RNA levels at week 12.
  • the method includes the administration of VX-950 for two weeks (initial phase) followed by 22 weeks of administration of a combination of Peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin (secondary phase). In other embodiments, the method includes the administration of VX-950 for two weeks (initial phase) followed by 46 weeks of administration of a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin (secondary phase).
  • the method includes the administration of VX-950 for two weeks in combination with peginterferon (initial phase) followed by 22 weeks of administration of a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin (secondary phase). In other embodiments, the method includes the administration of VX-950 for two weeks in combination with peginterferon (initial phase) followed by 46 weeks of administration of a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin (secondary phase).
  • the method includes the administration of VX-950 for two weeks in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin (initial phase) followed by 22 weeks of administration of a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin (secondary phase). In other embodiments, the method includes the administration of VX-950 for two weeks in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin (initial phase) followed by 46 weeks of administration of a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin (secondary phase).
  • the method includes the administration of VX-950 for four weeks (initial phase) followed by 20 weeks of administration of a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin (secondary phase). In other embodiments, the method includes the administration of VX-950 for four weeks (initial phase) followed by 44 weeks of administration of a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin (secondary phase).
  • the method includes the administration of VX-950 for four weeks in combination with peginterferon (initial phase) followed by 20 weeks of administration of a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin (secondary phase). In other embodiments, the method includes the administration of VX-950 for four weeks in combination with peginterferon (initial phase) followed by 44 weeks of administration of a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin (secondary phase).
  • the method includes the administration of VX-950 for four weeks in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin (initial phase) followed by 20 weeks of administration of a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin (secondary phase). In other embodiments, the method includes the administration of VX-950 for four weeks in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin (initial phase) followed by 44 weeks of administration of a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin (secondary phase).
  • any of the initial phases described above can be conducted for about 12 weeks and the secondary phases can be conducted for about 12 weeks.
  • the initial phase can be conducted for about 12 weeks and the secondary phase can be conducted for about 24 weeks.
  • the initial phase can be conducted for about 12 weeks and the secondary phase can be conducted for about 36 weeks.
  • any of the initial phases described above can be conducted for about 8 weeks and the secondary phases can be conducted for about 16 weeks.
  • the initial phase can be conducted for about 8 weeks and the secondary phase can be conducted for about 28 weeks.
  • the initial phase can be conducted for about 8 weeks and the secondary phase can be conducted for about 40 weeks.
  • the method includes administering VX-950 in combination with peginterferon for less than 48 weeks. For instance, the method includes administering VX-950 in combination with peginterferon for less than 24 weeks.
  • the method includes administering VX-950 in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin for less than 48 weeks. For instance, the method includes administering VX-950 in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin for less than 24 weeks.
  • a method of this invention comprises administering VX-950 for about 2 weeks (or 2 weeks) followed by administering peginterferon and ribavirin for about 22 weeks (or 22 weeks) or about 46 weeks (or 46 weeks).
  • Modeling data also indicate that VX-950 resistant variants, such as V36A/M, T54A, R155K/T, A156S A156V/T, V36A/M-R155K/T, and V36A/M-A156V/T, may be eradicated mainly by administering peginterferon and ribavirin for about 10-24 weeks (or 8-26 weeks) following VX-950 treatment. Certain of these regimens represent a reduction in treatment in the current standard of care treatment regimen lasting 24-48 weeks.
  • the method of this invention is able to achieve week 4 RVR and week 12 undetectable status.
  • VX-950-resistant variants The viral relapse after 8 to 12 weeks of treatment of VX-950 was associated with VX-950-resistant variants and the relapse rates with 24- or 48-week of treatment were essentially the same, particularly in subjects showing a good initial response to the treatment.
  • VX-950, peginterferon, and ribavirin for 12 weeks, and possibly as little as 8 weeks, appeared to be sufficient to clear wild-type virus.
  • this invention also provides methods for administering VX-950 in combination with an interferon.
  • the interferon is administered for about 10 weeks (or 10 weeks), about 12 weeks (or 12 weeks), about 14 weeks (or 14 weeks).
  • Ribavirin is also optionally administered for all or part of the regimen, including but not limited to, the entire regimen.
  • a method of this invention comprises administering a combination of VX-950 and peginterferon for about 12 weeks (or 12 weeks).
  • a method of this invention comprises administering a combination of VX-950 and peginterferon for about 12 ⁇ 4 weeks (e.g., 8, 12, or 16 weeks).
  • a method of this invention comprises administering a combination of VX-950 and peginterferon for about 24 weeks (or 24 weeks).
  • a method of this invention comprises administering a combination of VX-950 and peginterferon for about 24 ⁇ 4 weeks (e.g., 20, 24, or 28 weeks).
  • this invention includes, but is not limited to, a regimen involving administering VX-950 and an interferon for about 8 weeks (or 8 weeks) followed by administering interferon for about 16 weeks (or 16 weeks) for a total treatment regimen of about 24 weeks (or 24 weeks). Also provided is a regimen involving administering VX-950 and an interferon for about 12 weeks (or 12 weeks) followed by administering interferon for about 12 weeks (or 12 weeks) for a total treatment regimen of about 24 weeks (or 24 weeks). Such regimens optionally provide administration of ribavirin for all or part of the regimen, including but not limited to, the entire regimen of about 24 weeks (or 24 weeks).
  • a method of this invention comprises administering a combination of VX-950, peginterferon, and ribavirin for about 12 weeks (or 12 weeks).
  • a method of this invention comprises administering a combination of VX-950, peginterferon, and ribavirin for about 12 weeks (or 12 weeks) followed by administering peginterferon and ribavirin for about 12 weeks (or 12 weeks).
  • a method of this invention comprises administering a combination of VX-950, peginterferon, and ribavirin for about 12 weeks (or 12 weeks) followed by administering peginterferon and ribavirin for about 36 weeks (or 36 weeks).
  • a method of this invention comprises administering a combination of VX-950, peginterferon, and ribavirin for about 24 weeks (or 24 weeks) followed by administering PEGIFN and ribavirin for about 24 weeks (or 24 weeks).
  • the method includes providing a loading dose of VX-950 (1250 mg) followed by 750 mg q8h VX-950 plus a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin.
  • a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (“CYP”) inhibitor used in connection with this invention is expected to inhibit metabolism of VX-950. Therefore, the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase inhibitor would be in an amount effective to inhibit metabolism of VX-950.
  • CYP inhibitors include, but are not limited to, ritonavir (WO 94/14436), ketoconazole, troleandomycin, 4-methylpyrazole, cyclosporin, clomethiazole, cimetidine, itraconazole, fluconazole, miconazole, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, nefazodone, sertraline, indinavir, nelfinavir, amprenavir, fosamprenavir, saquinavir, lopinavir, delavirdine, erythromycin, VX-944, and VX-497.
  • Preferred CYP inhibitors include ritonavir, ketoconazole, troleandomycin, 4-methylpyrazole, cyclosporin, and clomethiazole.
  • One embodiment of this invention provides a method for administering an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and VX-950.
  • the methods herein may involve administration or co-administration of a) combinations of VX-950 and another agent; or b) VX-950 in more than one dosage form.
  • Co-administration includes administering each inhibitor in the same dosage form or in different dosage forms.
  • the inhibitors When administered in different dosage forms, the inhibitors may be administered at different times, including about simultaneously or in any time period around administration of the other dosage forms.
  • Separate dosage forms may be administered in any order. That is, any dosage forms may be administered prior to, together with, or following the other dosage forms.
  • VX-950, and any additional agent may be formulated in separate dosage forms.
  • VX-950, and any additional agent may be formulated together in any combination. Any separate dosage forms may be administered at the same time or different times. It should be understood that dosage forms should be administered within a time period such that the biological effects were advantageous.
  • VX-950 is present in an amount effective to decrease the viral load in a sample or in a patient, wherein said virus encodes a NS3/4A serine protease necessary for the viral life cycle (or in an amount effective to carry out a method of this invention), and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • a composition of this invention comprises an additional agent as described herein. Each component may be present in individual compositions, combination compositions, or in a single composition.
  • salts are preferably derived from inorganic or organic acids and bases. Included among such acid salts are the following: acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzene sulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphor sulfonate, cyclopentane-propionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate, methanesulfonate, naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, pamoate, pectinate,
  • Base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, such as sodium and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts, such as calcium and magnesium salts, salts with organic bases, such as dicyclohexylamine salts, N-methyl-D-glucamine, and salts with amino acids such as arginine, lysine, and so forth.
  • the basic nitrogen-containing groups may be quaternized with such agents as lower alkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chloride, bromides and iodides; dialkyl sulfates, such as dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl and diamyl sulfates, long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides, aralkyl halides, such as benzyl and phenethyl bromides and others. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products are thereby obtained.
  • lower alkyl halides such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chloride, bromides and iodides
  • dialkyl sulfates such as dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl and diamyl sulfates
  • long chain halides such
  • compositions and methods of this invention may also be modified by appending appropriate functionalities to enhance selective biological properties.
  • modifications are known in the art and include those which increase biological penetration into a given biological system (e.g., blood, lymphatic system, central nervous system), increase oral availability, increase solubility to allow administration by injection, alter metabolism and alter rate of excretion.
  • compositions include, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water, salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, polyethylene glycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, polyethylene glycol and wool fat.
  • ion exchangers alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin
  • serum proteins such as human serum albumin
  • buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, partial g
  • compositions of this invention are formulated for pharmaceutical administration to a mammal, particularly a human being.
  • compositions of the present invention may be administered orally, parenterally, sublingually, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir.
  • parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-articular, intra-synovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intrahepatic, intralesional and intracranial injection or infusion techniques.
  • the compositions are administered orally or intravenously. More preferably, the compositions are administered orally.
  • Sterile injectable forms of the compositions of and according to this invention may be aqueous or oleaginous suspension. These suspensions may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents.
  • the sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butanediol.
  • the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution.
  • sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose, any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or di-glycerides.
  • Fatty acids such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives are useful in the preparation of injectables, as are natural pharmaceutically-acceptable oils, such as olive oil or castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions.
  • These oil solutions or suspensions may also contain a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant, such as carboxymethyl cellulose or similar dispersing agents which are commonly used in the formulation of pharmaceutically acceptable dosage forms including emulsions and suspensions.
  • a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant such as carboxymethyl cellulose or similar dispersing agents which are commonly used in the formulation of pharmaceutically acceptable dosage forms including emulsions and suspensions.
  • Other commonly used surfactants such as Tweens, Spans and other emulsifying agents or bioavailability enhancers which are commonly used in the manufacture of pharmaceutically acceptable solid, liquid, or other dosage forms may also be used for the purposes of formulation.
  • compositions of this invention comprising VX-950 and an additional agent
  • VX-950 and the additional agent should be present at dosage levels of between about 10 to 100%, and more preferably between about 10 to 80% of the dosage normally administered in a monotherapy regimen.
  • compositions of this invention may be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, pills, powders, granules, aqueous suspensions or solutions.
  • carriers that are commonly used include lactose and corn starch.
  • Lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate, are also typically added.
  • useful diluents include lactose and dried cornstarch.
  • aqueous suspensions are required for oral use, the active ingredient is combined with emulsifying and suspending agents. If desired, certain sweetening, flavoring or coloring agents may also be added.
  • Acceptable liquid dosage forms include emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs.
  • compositions of this invention may be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration.
  • suppositories may be prepared by mixing the agent with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at room temperature but liquid at rectal temperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to release the drug.
  • suitable non-irritating excipient include cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycols.
  • compositions of this invention may also be administered topically, especially when the target of treatment includes areas or organs readily accessible by topical application, including diseases of the eye, the skin, or the lower intestinal tract. Suitable topical formulations are readily prepared for each of these areas or organs.
  • compositions may also be administered in the form of liposomes.
  • VX-950 is orally bioavailable. Accordingly, preferred pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are formulated for oral administration.
  • the dosage levels of between about 0.001 to about 200 mg/kg body weight per day would be typical. More typical would be dosage levels of between about 0.1 to about 50 mg/kg or about 1.1 to about 25 mg/kg per day.
  • Administrations in connection with this invention can be used as a chronic or acute therapy.
  • the amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration.
  • a typical preparation will contain from about 5% to about 95% active compound (w/w).
  • such preparations contain from about 20% to about 80% active compound.
  • a maintenance dose of a compound, composition or combination of this invention may be administered, if necessary. Subsequently, the dosage or frequency of administration, or both, may be reduced, as a function of the symptoms, to a level at which the improved condition is retained when the symptoms have been alleviated to the desired level, treatment should cease. Patients may, however, require intermittent treatment on a long-term basis upon any recurrence of disease symptoms.
  • a specific dosage and treatment regimen for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors, including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the judgment of the treating physician and the severity of the particular disease being treated, prior treatment history, co-morbidities or concomitant medications, baseline viral load, race, duration of diseases, status of liver function and degree of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, and the goal of therapy (eliminating circulating virus per-transplant or viral eradication).
  • the amount of active ingredients will also depend upon the particular described compound and the presence or absence and the nature of the additional anti-viral agent in the composition.
  • the invention provides a method for treating a patient infected with a virus characterized by a virally encoded NS3/4A serine protease that is necessary for the life cycle of the virus by administering to said patient a pharmaceutically acceptable composition of this invention.
  • the methods of this invention are used to treat a patient suffering from a HCV infection. Such treatment may completely eradicate the viral infection or reduce the severity thereof.
  • the patient is a mammal. More preferably, the patient is a human being.
  • the present invention provides a method of pre-treating a biological substance intended for administration to a patient comprising the step of contacting said biological substance with a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a compound of this invention.
  • biological substances include, but are not limited to, blood and components thereof such as plasma, platelets, subpopulations of blood cells and the like; organs such as kidney, liver, heart, lung, etc; sperm and ova; bone marrow and components thereof, and other fluids to be infused into a patient such as saline, dextrose, etc.
  • This invention also provides a process for preparing a composition comprising VX-950, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle comprising the step of combining the VX-950, or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle, wherein the dosage of VX-950 in the composition is in accordance with any embodiment of this invention.
  • An alternative embodiment of this invention provides a process wherein the composition comprises one or more additional agent as described herein.
  • This invention also provides a therapeutic regimen comprising VX-950, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, at the dosages disclosed herein.
  • the therapeutic regimen further comprises one or more of additional agent as described herein.
  • compositions may also be prescribed to the patient in “patient packs” containing the whole course of treatment in a single package, usually a blister pack.
  • Patient packs have an advantage over traditional prescriptions, where a pharmacist divides a patient's supply of a pharmaceutical from a bulk supply, in that the patient always has access to the package insert contained in the patient pack, normally missing in traditional prescriptions. The inclusion of a package insert has been shown to improve patient compliance with the physician's instructions.
  • a pack including VX-950 (in dosages according to this invention) and an information insert containing directions on the use of the combination of the invention.
  • Any composition, dosage form, therapeutic regimen or other embodiment of this invention may be presented in a pharmaceutical pack.
  • the pharmaceutical pack further comprises one or more of additional agent as described herein.
  • the additional agent or agents may be provided in the same pack or in separate packs.
  • kits for a patient to use in the treatment of HCV infection or in the prevention of HCV infection comprising: a single or a plurality of pharmaceutical formulation of each pharmaceutical component; a container housing the pharmaceutical formulation(s) during storage and prior to administration; and instructions for carrying out drug administration in a manner effective to treat or prevent HCV infection.
  • kits for the simultaneous or sequential administration of a dose of VX-950 (and optionally an additional agent).
  • a kit will comprise, e.g. a composition of each compound and optional additional agent(s) in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (and in one or in a plurality of pharmaceutical formulations) and written instructions for the simultaneous or sequential administration.
  • a packaged kit contains one or more dosage forms for self administration; a container means, preferably sealed, for housing the dosage forms during storage and prior to use; and instructions for a patient to carry out drug administration.
  • the instructions will typically be written instructions on a package insert, a label, and/or on other components of the kit, and the dosage form or forms are as described herein.
  • Each dosage form may be individually housed, as in a sheet of a metal foil-plastic laminate with each dosage form isolated from the others in individual cells or bubbles, or the dosage forms may be housed in a single container, as in a plastic bottle.
  • the present kits will also typically include means for packaging the individual kit components, i.e., the dosage forms, the container means, and the written instructions for use.
  • Such packaging means may take the form of a cardboard or paper box, a plastic or foil pouch, etc.
  • a kit according to this invention could embody any aspect of this invention such as any composition, dosage form, therapeutic regimen, or pharmaceutical pack.
  • the packs and kits according to this invention optionally comprise a plurality of compositions or dosage forms. Accordingly, included within this invention would be packs and kits containing one composition or more than one composition.
  • VX-950 may be prepared in general by methods known to those skilled in the art (see, e.g., WO 02/18369). Any suitable formulations known in the art can be used in the invention. For example, formulations described in WO 2005/123075, WO 2007/109604, WO 2007/109605 and WO 2008/080167 can be employed in the invention. A specific formulation that can be used in the invention is exemplified in Example 6. Other specific examples include:
  • HPMC Hydrophilicitypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50
  • HPC hydroxypropyl cellulose
  • PVP polyvinylpyrrolidone
  • SLS Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
  • the solid dispersion shown above can be suspended in a 1% HPMC, 0.002% simethicone solution (1 wt % HPMC, 0.002 wt % simethicone and 99 wt % water).
  • Additional examples include 1:1 VX950: PVPK30, 1 wt % SLS (Refreshed Tox.); Niro-49 wt % HPMCAS/1 wt % SLS/1 wt % SDBS/49% VX-950; 40.5 wt % PVP-VA/10 wt % ETPGS/49.5 wt % VX-950; 40.5 wt % HPMC/10 wt % ETPGS/49.5 wt % VX-950; 49 wt % VX950, 49 wt % HPMCAS, 1 wt % SLS, 1 wt % SDBS; and 49 wt % VX950, 16 wt % HPPh, 33 wt % HPC, 1 wt % SLS, wt % SDBS, wherein PVPK30 (Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone 130), SDBS (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate), HP
  • a solid dispersion comprising 55 wt % VX-950, 24.4 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 19.6 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • HPMCAS-HG Hydropropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade
  • HPMC-60SH Hydropropyl Methylcellulose 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50
  • SLS Lauryl Sulfate
  • a solid dispersion comprising 55 wt % VX-950, 14.7 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 29.3 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 60 wt % VX-950, 24.4 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 14.6 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 65 wt % VX-950, 17 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 17 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 70 wt % VX-950, 9.7 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 19.3 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 60 wt % VX-950, 39 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 49.5 wt % VX-950, 24.5 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 24.5 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 83 wt % VX-950, 8 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 8 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 49.5 wt % VX-950, 24.5 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 24.5 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 70 wt % VX-950, 14.5 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 14.5 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 65 wt % VX-950, 14.6 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 19.4 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 500, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 65 wt % VX-950, 9.7 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 24.3 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 60 wt % VX-950, 19.5 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 19.5 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 60 wt % VX-950, 14.6 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 24.4 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 70 wt % VX-950, 9.7 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 19.3 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 49.5 wt % VX-950, 24.5 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 24.5 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 83 wt % VX-950, 8 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 8 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 49.5 wt % VX-950, 49.5 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 83 wt % VX-950, 16 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 49.5 wt % VX-950, 24.75 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 24.75 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
  • HPMCAS-HG Hydropropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade
  • HPMC-60SH Hydropropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50
  • SLS Lauryl Sulfate
  • a solid dispersion comprising 60 wt % VX-950, 24.6 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), 14.4 wt % HPMC-60SH (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 60SH 50 cP, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu Metolose, HPMC60SH50), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);
  • a solid dispersion comprising 60 wt % VX-950, 39 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS); and
  • a solid dispersion comprising 49.5 wt % VX-950, 49.5 wt % HPMCAS-HG (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade), and 1 wt % Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
  • VX-950 49.5 wt % VX-950
  • HPMCAS-HG Hydropropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate, JPE, Biddle Sawyer or Shin-Etsu HPMCAS-HG grade
  • SLS Lauryl Sulfate
  • HCV hepatitis C virus
  • a replicon cell monolayer was treated with a trypsin:EDTA mixture, removed, and then media A was diluted into a final concentration of 100,000 cells per mL.
  • 10,000 cells in 100 ⁇ L were plated into each well of a 96-well tissue culture plate, and cultured overnight in a tissue culture incubator at 37° C.
  • Media A on the replicon cell monolayer was removed, and then media B containing various concentrations of VX-950 was added. Media B without any compound was added to other wells as control.
  • RNA extraction reagents such as reagents from RNeasy kits
  • Total RNA was extracted according the instruction of manufacturer with modification to improve extraction efficiency and consistency.
  • total cellular RNA including HCV replicon RNA, was eluted and stored at ⁇ 80° C. until further processing.
  • a Taqman real-time RT-PCR quantification assay was set up with two sets of specific primers and probe. One was for HCV and the other was for BVDV. Total RNA extractant from treated HCV replicon cells was added to the PCR reaction for quantification of both HCV and BVDV RNA in the same PCR well. Experimental failure was flagged and rejected based on the level of BVDV RNA in each well. The level of HCV RNA in each well was calculated according to a standard curve run in the same PCR plate. The percentage of inhibition or decrease of HCV RNA level due to VX-950 treatment was calculated using the DMSO or VX-950-free control as 0% of inhibition. The IC 50 (concentration at which 50% inhibition of HCV RNA level is observed) was calculated from the titration curve of any VX-950 concentrations.
  • VX-950 had significant inhibitory activity in the replicon assay, with the IC 50 of about 240 ng/mL and IC 90 of about 476 ng/mL.
  • a stock solution of 20 mM 5AB was made in DMSO with 0.2M DTT and stored in aliquots at ⁇ 20° C.
  • a buffer of pH 7.8 was made to contain 50 mM HEPES, 100 mM NaCl, and 20% glycerol.
  • the buffer, KK4A, DTT, and tNS3 were combined, and distributed 78 ⁇ L each into wells of a 96-well plate, followed by incubation at 30° C. for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • the reaction was initiated by addition of 20 ⁇ L of 250 ⁇ M 5AB substrate (25 ⁇ M concentration is equivalent to or slightly lower than the K m for 5AB).
  • the resultant mixture was incubated at 30° C. for 20 minutes, before the reaction was terminated by the addition of 25 ⁇ L of 10% TFA and the mixture transferred (in 120 ⁇ L aliquots) to HPLC vials for analysis.
  • SMSY product was separated from the substrate and KK4A by the following method:
  • Solvent B HPLC grade acetonitrile+0.1% TFA
  • VX-950 was examined in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled single-dose escalation study. 25 healthy male volunteers were enrolled and each received multiple single doses of VX-950 (at least 7 days apart, 3 doses of VX-950 at increasing dose levels) and I dose of placebo.
  • Doses of 25 mg to 1250 mg were evaluated.
  • a dose escalation scheme was used that combined dose doubling and modified Fibonacci to be aggressive in the lower dose range and conservative in the higher dose range.
  • VX-950 was absorbed with a median t max of 3 hours. Less than 2% of VX-950 was eliminated unchanged in the urine, indicating that the drug is primarily eliminated via the metabolic route.
  • VX-950 demonstrated an IC 50 of 196 ng/mL in the infectious virus assay.
  • VX-950 was examined in a randomized, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose, blinded, dose escalation study in 24 healthy subjects and 36 Hepatitis C positive subjects.
  • the 24 healthy subjects were divided into 3 panels of 8 subjects each. In each panel, 6 subjects received VX-950 and 2 subjects received placebo. Healthy subjects were dosed with VX-950 at 450 mg, 750 mg, or 1250 mg q8h for 5 consecutive days. The healthy subjects were between the ages of 18-65 years (inclusive) and were Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV negative. The males had a body mass index of 18.5-29.0 kg/m 2 (inclusive). The females had a body mass index of 18.5-32.5 kg/m 2 (inclusive).
  • Hepatitis C (genotype 1) positive subjects were divided into 3 panels of 12 subjects each for receiving VX-950 at 450 mg q8h, 750 mg q8h, or 1250 mg q12h for 14 consecutive days. In each panel, 10 subjects received VX-950 and 2 subjects received placebo. In the 750 mg group, 2 subjects withdrew prior to dosing. All other 34 subjects completed the study.
  • HCV positive subjects were tested post-treatment to monitor HCV RNA levels' return to baseline.
  • BMI body mass index
  • HCV hepatitis C virus
  • q8 h every 8 hours
  • q12 h every 12 hours
  • SD standard deviation
  • An oral dosage formulation was prepared as follows. VX-950 and povidone K29/32 were dissolved in methylene chloride, then sodium lauryl sulfate was added to and dispersed in the VX-950 solution to form a homogenous suspension. This suspension was spray-dried using an inlet temperature of 90° C. and an outlet temperature of 56° C., and the product was collected from the cyclone. The spray-dried dispersion was fluid-bed dried at 75° C. for 8 hours. The resultant powder was pre-measured into glass vials, and just prior to dosing was suspended in water (30 mL) for administration to the subjects. In connection with dosing, each vial was washed with 3 separate portions of water, with the total volume of water being 90 mL.
  • the assay for determined VX-950 concentration in human plasma was performed by methods well known in the art, See, e.g., Wasley, A. et al., Semin. Liver Dis., 20:1-16, 2000; Alter, H. J. et al., Semin. Liver Dis., 20: 17-35, 2000; Brown, R. S. Jr. et al., Liver Transpl., 9: S10-S13, 2003; DeFrancesco, R. et al., Nature, 436(7053): 953-960, 2005; Bowen, D. G. et al., J. Hepatol., 42: 408-417, 2005; Hoofnagle, J.
  • VX-950 solutions were prepared and stored in capped borosilicate tubes (11.5 mL) at ⁇ 20° C.:
  • An internal standard stock solution was prepared to contain 1.00 mg/mL of Compound 1 (a close structural analog of VX-950) in 5.00 mL of 2-propanol, and was stored in a capped borosilicate tube (11.5 ml) at ⁇ 20° C.
  • a working solution containing the same Compound I was prepared to contain 300 ng/mL of Compound I in 100 mL of acetonitrile, and stored in a capped borosilicate bottle (100 mL) ⁇ 20° C.
  • Sample Preparation 100 ⁇ L of plasma and 100 ⁇ L of internal standard working solution (or acetonitrile for blank samples) were added to an extraction tube. After vortex mixing for 30 seconds, 500 ⁇ L of toluene was added and extraction was performed by vortex mixing for 30 seconds. After centrifugation at 3000 rpm at 4° C. for 5 minutes, the aqueous layer was frozen in a mixture of acetone and dry ice and the organic layer was transferred to another extraction tube. 50 ⁇ L of 2,2-dimethoxypropane was added and the samples were evaporated to dryness under nitrogen at approximately 30° C.
  • the residue was re-dissolved in 300 ⁇ L of a mixture of heptane and acetone (90:10, v/v) [or a mixture of heptane and THF (80:20, v/v)] by vortex mixing for 60 seconds.
  • the sample was transferred to an injection vial and an aliquot of 60 ⁇ L of the sample was injected into the chromatographic system for analysis with the following chromatographic conditions:
  • V-950 combination therapy was conducted to determine the safety of VX-950 and its antiviral response. Specifically, this study included 12 treatment-na ⁇ ve patients infected with genotype 1 HCV. All patients received VX-950 (750 mg q8h), peginterferon alfa-2a (“PEG-IFN”, 180 ⁇ g weekly), and ribavirin (1000 or 1200 mg daily), for a period of 28 days. At the completion of the 28 days, patients began off-study follow-on therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin under the clinical care of their physicians. Additional HCV RNA assessments were performed at the discretion of the treating physicians during the peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin therapy. These included assessments at 4, 8, 14 weeks post-study treatment and later timepoints.
  • the current treatment for patients with genotype 1 chronic HCV usually consists of 48 weeks of therapy with only pegylated interferon-alfa-2a/2b (peginterferon alfa-2a) and ribavirin, which results in SVR in only about 50% of patients with genotype-1 HCV and the patients generally show poor tolerability of the treatments.
  • peginterferon alfa-2a peginterferon alfa-2a
  • ribavirin which results in SVR in only about 50% of patients with genotype-1 HCV and the patients generally show poor tolerability of the treatments.
  • VX-950 had rapid and profound antiviral activity as a single agent or in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a, and was well tolerated for 14 days. This study was designed to provide information on the kinetics of HCV following treatment with VX-950 and peginterferon alfa-2a administered over 14 days.
  • HCV RNA levels were undetectable in all patients who continued with peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin, initially randomized in the VX-950 alone and VX-950/peginterferon alfa-2a groups.
  • the data are provided below in Table 7.
  • Study C208 is an ongoing open-label, randomized Phase 2 study of telaprevir (TVR) administered q8h or q12h in combination with peginterferon-alfa-2a (peginterferon-alfa-2a) or peginterferon-alfa-2b and ribavirin (T/PR) in treatment-na ⁇ ve subjects with HCV genotype 1 infection.
  • TVR telaprevir
  • peginterferon-alfa-2a peginterferon-alfa-2a
  • peginterferon-alfa-2b peginterferon-alfa-2b
  • T/PR ribavirin
  • Subjects who met the definition of viral breakthrough (>1-log increase in HCV RNA above nadir) discontinued TVR dosing and will complete 48 weeks of PR.
  • An intent-to-treat analysis was performed when all treated subjects had completed week 4 of treatment or had discontinued earlier than week 4. The analysis also assessed all treatment or TVR dosing discontinuations including subjects who discontinued beyond week 4, up to the time of data cutoff.
  • the proportion of subjects with HCV RNA below the limit of detection (TaqMan assay LOD 10 IU/mL) at week 4 (RVR) is reported.
  • Telaprevir is a potent and selective inhibitor of the HCV NS3.4A protease with demonstrated activity in both treatment-na ⁇ ve patients and patients who failed prior therapy, including null responders to peginterferon (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV).
  • Peg-IFN peginterferon
  • RBV ribavirin
  • the objective of the C208 study (VX950-TiDP24-C208) is to explore the efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of TVR, administered as 750 mg q8h or 1125 mg q12h, in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a or peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin (T/PR).
  • C208 is an ongoing, open-label, randomized, multicenter, Phase 2 exploratory study.
  • Adult, treatment-na ⁇ ve subjects with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection were enrolled, including subjects with bridging fibrosis. Inclusion criteria were consistent with those used in prior HCV studies.
  • Subjects received 12 weeks of T/PR, followed by either 12 or 36 additional weeks of PR based on extended rapid virologic response (RVR) criterion ( FIG. 1 ).
  • Subjects with HCV RNA >1000 IU/mL at Week 4, 6 or 8 were required to discontinue TVR dosing and complete 48 weeks of PR.
  • HCV RNA levels were measured using the Taqman® HCV RNA assay v2.0 (Roche Molecular Systems Inc., Branchburg, N.J., USA).
  • virologic breakthrough defined as a >1-log 10 increase in HCV RNA from nadir, or HCV RNA >100 IU/mL in subjects whose HCV RNA had previously become undetectable [ ⁇ 10 IU/mL] at all assessment timepoints
  • Pharmacokinetics and viral dynamics were assessed by pre-defined serial measurements of plasma concentrations of TVR and HCV RNA, respectively, from baseline to Week 12.
  • Pharmacokinetic analysis of TVR was performed using non-compartmental methods for data from full pharmacokinetic profiles.
  • a viral dynamics model which included fixed effects for treatment and random effects for clearance, drug effect, drop and death rate in infected cells with unstructured variance covariance matrix, was also constructed. Safety and tolerability were assessed by monitoring adverse events (AEs), laboratory abnormalities and cardiovascular parameters.
  • AEs adverse events
  • AEs were similar in type and frequency to those seen with peginterferon and ribavirin, with the exception of rash and anemia, and were comparable across the telaprevir q12hr and telaprevir q8hr regimens.
  • Total exposure (AUC 24h ) to telaprevir was similar across regimens.
  • telaprevir C max was higher and C min was lower for the telaprevir q12h versus telaprevir q8h dosing schedules.

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