After Failed COVID-19 Drug Trial, Atea Pharmaceuticals Touts Encouraging Data From Mid-Stage Hepatitis C Study

Core Insights - Atea Pharmaceuticals released Phase 2 study data for bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir targeting hepatitis C virus, achieving primary endpoints of safety and sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) [1] Efficacy Results - The study demonstrated a 98% SVR12 rate (208/213) in treatment-adherent patients after eight weeks, while the efficacy evaluable population, including 17% non-adherent patients, achieved a 95% SVR12 rate (242/256) [2] - In a cohort of non-cirrhotic patients infected with genotypes 1-4, 99% (178/179) achieved SVR12, indicating strong pan-genotypic efficacy [4] Safety Profile - The regimen was generally safe and well-tolerated, with no serious drug-related adverse events or treatment discontinuations reported [3] Future Plans - Atea is preparing for a Phase 3 program, which will extend treatment duration to 12 weeks for cirrhotic patients to maximize efficacy, following an End of Phase 2 meeting with the FDA anticipated for early 2025 [5] - The Phase 3 program will utilize a fixed-dose combination tablet, reducing the daily pill count from four to two, enhancing patient convenience [6] Market Reaction - Following the announcement, Atea Pharmaceuticals' stock (AVIR) declined by 9.63%, trading at $3.15 [7]