VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS ANNOUNCES START OF HCV DRUG TRIAL

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has announced the initiation of a Phase II clinical trial for VX-950, an investigational oral hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor for the treatment of HCV infection. The 28-day study will evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacodynamics of VX-950 when combined with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Pegylated interferon and ribavirin are two approved treatments for HCV infection.

Twelve treatment-naive subjects will be enrolled in the study at two centers in the U.S. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacodynamics of VX-950 dosed at 750 mg every eight hours with standard doses of pegylated interferon and ribavirin.