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.
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ISIS-3521 is a 20-mer antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide PKCa expression inhibitor, under development by Isis (formerly in collaboration with Novartis) for the potential treatment of solid tumors that are refractory to, or recurrent with, standard treatment regimens [175741]. In November 1999, Novartis announced that it would end its codevelopment of ISIS-3521 [348221], [348222]. In August 2001, Eli Lilly in-licensed ISIS-3521 [420062]. ⋯ In April 2001, Bear Sterns & Co predicted US approval of ISIS-3521 in 2002 [411081]. In August 2001, Eli Lilly and Isis entered into a four-year strategic alliance that includes ISIS-3521. For the license of ISIS-3521, Isis will receive $25 million in upfront fees and will be reimbursed for remaining phase III development and registration costs [420062].
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Alicaforsen (ISIS-2302) is an RNase H-dependent antisense inhibitor of the intercellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1 under development by Isis Pharmaceuticals, for the potential treatment of a variety of inflammatory disorders [175741]. As of April 1997 it was in phase III trials for Crohn's disease (CD); however, the trial failed and, in December 1999, the company suspended development for this indication [352801]. In October 2000, the company re-initiated development in CD [384820] and new phase III trials had begin by May 2001 [409704]. ⋯ Their joint development agreement was terminated in 1999; Isis regained rights to the product and by September 1999 was in talks to license alicaforsen to another partner for CD [338672]. In June 2000, Cytogenix entered into a sponsored research agreement with Baylor College of Medicine at the Texas Medical Center Houston for the use of its ssDNA expression system for the development of antisense strategies directed against intercellular adhesion molecules for the purpose of reducing lung inflammation and injury in disease states and conditions [369677]. US-05514788, and other patents, cover antisense cell adhesion molecule inhibitors [212289], [234792].
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Loris Therapeutics (formerly GeneSense Therapeutics) is developing the antisense oligonucleotide GTI-2040, directed against the R2 component of ribonucleotide reductase, for the potential treatment of cancer [348194]. It is in phase I/II trials [353796] and Lorus had anticipated phase II trials would be initiated in July 2001. By August 2001, GTI-2040 was undergoing a phase II trial as a monotherapy for the potential treatment of renal cell carcinoma, and was about to enter a phase II combination study for this indication with capecitabine (Hoffmann-La Roche). ⋯ Lorus has entered into a strategic supply alliance with Proligo to provide the higher volumes of drug product required for the planned multiple phase II trials [385976]. In February 1998, Genesense (now Lorus) received patent WO-09805769. Loris also received a patent (subsequently identified as WO-00047733) from the USPTO in January 2000, entitled 'Antitumor antisense sequences directed against components of ribonucleotide reductase' covering the design and use of unique antisense anticancer drugs, including GTI-2040 and GTI-2501 [353538].