Gilead Sciences reports long-term trial data for Viread

Gilead Sciences has published data that demonstrates the long-term antiviral suppression efficacy of its hepatitis B treatment Viread.

The company reported findings from two open-label phase III clinical trials of the drug, showing that none of the participants showed any signs of resistance to the drug after four years.

Moreover, 10.8 percent of patients from one of the studies experienced surface antigen loss, a marker of the resolution of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

This antiviral effectiveness was also noted among a number of important patient subpopulations, including treatment-experienced sufferers and those with high baseline viral levels, as well as individuals of Asian descent.

Dr Patrick Marcellin of Hopital Beaujon in Clichy, France, said: "These four-year results underscore the long-term benefits of Viread for diverse patient populations, including those who are difficult to treat."

Last month, the company published new clinical data from a phase III study of its cystic fibrosis treatment Cayston, demonstrating the drug's safety and effectiveness compared to an alternative inhalation-based therapy.