Anadys and LG enter into agreement
Anadys Pharmaceuticals, based in San Diego, and LG Life Sciences of Seoul, Korea, have entered into an agreement to develop for potential commercialisation LB80380 (ANA380), a Phase II nucleotide analogue for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
Anadys Pharmaceuticals, based in San Diego, and LG Life Sciences of Seoul, Korea, have entered into an agreement to develop for potential commercialisation LB80380 (ANA380), a Phase II nucleotide analogue for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
Based on pre-clinical and clinical study results to date, LG Life Sciences and Anadys are pursuing the development of LB80380 (ANA380) as a potential front-line therapy for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
Under the terms of the agreement, Anadys has acquired an exclusive license from LG Life Sciences for the clinical development and commercialisation of the product in North America, Europe, Japan and the rest of the world other than China, Korea, India and countries in Southeast Asia.
The agreement further provides that the parties will work jointly and will share costs for the clinical development of LB80380 (ANA380) on a global basis. 'LB80380 (ANA380) significantly enhances Anadys' franchise in anti-infective medicines, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to work with LG Life Sciences on the development of this compound,' said Dr Kleanthis Xanthopoulos, Anadys' president and ceo.
About LB80380 (ANA380)
LB80380 (ANA380) is a nucleotide analog currently in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. The compound has exhibited activity in vitro against both HBV typically found in untreated patients and also HBV variants that demonstrate resistance to treatment with the nucleotide analogue lamivudine, which is a currently commercialised therapy for HBV. Preclinical studies have demonstrated significant activity against HBV, low potential for drug interactions and good tolerability in a range of preclinical toxicology studies. Based on clinical trials to date, LB80380 (ANA380) appears to offer the potential for once daily dosing. Data from a 28 day, once daily clinical trial, which enrolled 28 patients, demonstrated that oral administration of LB80380 (ANA380) reduced HBV viral load by up to four log10 units, or 99.99%.
About hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus, or HBV, infection is a growing global health problem that can cause both acute and chronic viral infections. Approximately 350 million people are chronically infected and have become carriers of HBV. About 15% to 40% of these patients will develop serious consequences of infection during their lifetime, including loss of liver function, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 1m people die each year from chronic HBV or related conditions.