I said that it was a well-written release, not proof of concept. Your highlighting is supporting my point.
So far, I do not consider the data proof of concept.
It's a miserable failure of POC. We already knew, from the quarterly conference call, that such was a given (alluded to in a couple of Miljenko's posts?). Didn't expect the wording to be so strong in that regard, however.
I'm not sure it's "a good thing" to reduce the ALT levels without a concommitant reduction in viral load.
I'd lean toward betting that it is. However, as you know, one can't take that out of the context of toxicities (including immunosuppression) and competitive projects.
Perhaps there will be statistical significance in reducing viral load in combination with interferon.
Looks like we're going to find out.
It would be great if the world of pharmaceuticals could be perfect. It isn't, but many scientist-investors feel that a specific cure for every ailment is just around the corner. The mechanism of synergy between IFN and ribovirin has not, to my knowledge, been described. I'm looking forward to helicase and protease inhibitors, but, for the mean time and if said synergistic activity is a reflection of IMPDH inhibition, I feel that there's reason to proceed with the testing of 497. I might give it away if I were JB, however...... tiny or no upfront, rigid performance standards, and good royalties.
Could be a big product. Can you tell me that it won't be?
Does anyone know if any companies other than SGP are working on PEGylated IFN? Roche?? |
