The Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) has recently reported the 12-week interim quality-of-life results from a Phase 2b clinical trial that evaluated the efficacy, safety and impact on health-related quality of life of Albuferon™ in combination with ribavirin in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (HCV) who are naive to interferon alpha-based treatment regimens.
The interim results revealed that all Albuferon™ treatment groups consistently performed favorably through Week 12 compared to the pegylated interferon alpha treatment group, based on patient-reported disability days and health-related quality of life as measured by the SF-36 health survey.
According to Stephen Pianko, M.D., F.R.A.C.P., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Monash University (Melbourne, Australia):
"Health-related quality-of-life issues, including lost days of work and normal activity, pose a significant challenge for patients undergoing treatment for chronic hepatitis C.
Interim results of the current study suggest that Albuferon may have the potential to offer a therapeutic alternative with less impairment of health-related quality of life, and fewer disability days, compared with the current standard of care, with at least comparable safety and efficacy.
We look forward to continuing the evaluation of Albuferon to determine its appropriate role in the treatment of hepatitis C."
The said data were presented over this past weekend at the annual Australian Gastroenterology Week in Adelaide.
Find more details from the press release.
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