In 1996, researchers for the startup drug company Vertex uncovered the structure of the enzyme associated with HCV. They hoped to find a place on the structure where they could dock a drug that would disable it, but the enzyme proved surprisingly resilient. Budding HIV research and new drugs that inhibited HIV's enzyme, protease, gave Vertex researchers hope.
In 2001, Vertex emerged with their potential hepatitis C drug, then called VX-950. However, they soon lost much of their support when a competitor demonstrated promise with another HCV drug. The company also had to deal with the impact of a dwindling economy. Increased interested and funding were eventually funneled back to Vertex when clinical trials of Telaprevir showed a dramatic success rate. In 2005, the FDA put the drug on the fast track for approval.
When used in combination with the two other HCV drugs, Telaprevir cured three out of four patients who had not previously received treatment. This is compared to a fifty percent success rate when the two HCV drugs were taken alone. These two drugs can cause flu-like symptoms. But, for most trial subjects, Telaprevir shortened the treatment time to six months—half the time of previous treatments.
Once approved, some estimate that Telaprevir could generate $2 billion annually. The FDA is also expected to approve Merck's HCV drug, Boceprevir. This may lead to competition between the companies, but it will offer more treatment options for the millions suffering from HCV worldwide.
Read more about Vertex and Telaprevir from the Boston Globe at articles.boston.com
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