HGS ANNOUNCES POSITIVE INTERIM DATA ON ANTIVIRAL

Human Genome Sciences (HGS) has announced interim week-12 results of a Phase IIb clinical trial of Albuferon (albinterferon alfa-2b) in combination with ribavirin in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C virus infection who are naive to interferon alpha-based treatment regimens.

"The results suggest that Albuferon may offer comparable or improved efficacy versus Pegasys, with half the injections and the potential for less impairment of health-related quality of life," David Stump, executive vice president of R&D at HGS, said.

The treatment group receiving 900-microgram doses of Albuferon every two weeks achieved a higher rate of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) following completion of therapy, and more favorable health-related quality-of-life scores, than the Pegasys treatment group. Among treatment-adherent patients, 73 percent of those in the groups receiving Albuferon every two weeks achieved SVR12, versus 63 percent of patients receiving Pegasys once a week. Lower relapse rates were observed among treatment-adherent patients in all Albuferon groups than were observed in the Pegasys treatment group.

Albuferon is a long-acting form of interferon alpha, which was created by HGS using the company's proprietary albumin fusion technology. Albuferon results from the genetic fusion of human albumin and interferon alpha. Research has shown that genetic fusion of therapeutic proteins to human albumin decreases clearance and prolongs the half-life of the proteins. Recombinant interferon alpha is approved for the treatment of hepatitis C, hepatitis B and a broad range of cancers, according to HGS.

The drug is being developed by HGS and Novartis under an exclusive worldwide development and commercialization agreement.