Phase II b EMERGE study of PEG-interferon lambda in Hepatitis C

The results from the Phase IIb EMERGE clinical trial conducted by BMS showed treatment with the investigational compound PEG-Interferon lambda and ribavirin achieved higher rates of rapid virologic response (RVR) in genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, and complete early virologic response (cEVR) in genotypes 1 and 4 than the standard regimen of PEG-Interferon alfa and ribavirin in treatment-na�ve patients chronically infected with hepatitis C (HCV). In this study, there were fewer flu-like and musculoskeletal symptoms and cytopenia, as well as fewer interferon and ribavirin dose reductions for anemia in the PEG-Interferon lambda arms up to 12 weeks. Rates of serious adverse events, depression and other common adverse events (incidence 10%) were similar across treatment arms up to week 12. PEG-Interferon lambda is the first investigational type III interferon. Interferon lambda mediates antiviral activity through a receptor that is distinct from that used by interferon alfa and is present on fewer cell types within the tissues of the body. This restricted distribution of the interferon lambda receptor offers the potential for more targeted delivery of interferon therapy. The study results are so important because they show PegIFN-lambda could provide relief for the 20% of HCV patients who have to undergo dose reduction, or cease treatment, on PegIFN-alpha-2a - a part of the current HCV standard of care.