ZymoGenetics, Inc announced the initiation of a phase-2 clinical trial of PEG-Interferon lambda (IL-29) and ribavirin in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (the Emerge study). The first patient has been dosed in the study, triggering a US$ 70 million milestone payment to ZymoGenetics from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, pursuant to the terms of a previously announced collaboration agreement.

“In the phase-1b clinical trial, PEG-Interferon lambda demonstrated robust antiviral activity and was well tolerated in patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C,” said Eleanor L Ramos, senior vice president and chief medical officer of ZymoGenetics. “Because PEG-Interferon lambda binds to a unique receptor, it has the potential to treat HCV without many of the treatment-limiting side effects associated with current interferons.”

The Emerge study is an international, randomized multi-center clinical trial that will enrol approximately 50 patients in the first, open label portion that will explore a wide range of doses to be tested in the second part of the study. The second part of the study is designed to enrol approximately 500 patients. Weekly subcutaneous doses of PEG-Interferon lambda will be administered for up to 48 weeks. The study will assess the safety and antiviral efficacy of PEG-Interferon lambda compared to Pegasys. All patients will also receive daily ribavirin. The primary endpoint of the trial is the proportion of patients who achieve undetectable levels of HCV RNA after 12 weeks of therapy (cEVR). Sustained virological response (SVR) defined as undetectable levels of HCV 24 weeks after treatment will also be assessed.

PEG-Interferon lambda (IL-29) is a novel type 3 interferon in development for hepatitis C.

ZymoGenetics is focused on the creation of novel protein drugs to improve patient care and address unmet medical needs.