ViroPharma Incorporated and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth, have jointly discontinued the development of HCV-796 due to the previously announced safety issue that emerged in the ongoing phase II trial in patients with hepatitis C.

"Clearly, this is a disappointing outcome for patients suffering from this difficult disease," said Vincent Milano, president and chief executive officer, ViroPharma. "Significant activities were undertaken to determine a clear path forward for HCV-796; however, the risk associated with potential hepatotoxicity ultimately posed too high of a hurdle to merit further development."

The companies will ensure that patients enrolled in the ongoing phase II study will continue to receive the current standard of care. ViroPharma also announced that ViroPharma and Wyeth do not expect to continue to collaborate on future development of hepatitis C treatment candidates.

ViroPharma Incorporated is committed to the development and commercialisation of products that address serious diseases treated by physician specialists and in hospital settings.