Curr Opin Invest Dr
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Isis and Merck are developing an antisense oligonucleotide for the potential treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection [305306]. As of March 2000, the lead from this program, ISI-14803, was being studied in a phase I/II trial where it was administered in three weekly 2-h infusions for 4 weeks [327913], [357823]. ⋯ In January 2000, Isis signed a binding letter of agreement with Elan to form a new subsidiary of Isis to develop ISIS-14803 [351881], [362727]. In October 2001, Isis reported that it had earned a $1.5 million research milestone payment from Merck for progress in this collaboration [426015].
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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health crisis worldwide. Current treatment requires combination therapy with interferon-alpha and ribavirin. The low efficacy and poor tolerability of this therapeutic regimen has driven the search for safer and more effective medicines. ⋯ At the same time, efforts have been directed towards improving the efficacy and tolerability of existing therapies. Recent developments in the area of modified interferons and research on virus-encoded and host drug discovery targets are reviewed here. Advances in the field of improved interferon-based treatments and the use of new antiviral agents in clinical trials gives cause for optimism in the clinical management of HCV infections.