Schering-Plough reaffirms commitment to treat HCV infection

At the 42nd meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver currently taking place in Barcelona, Schering-Plough has restated its dedication to making progress in the study and treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV).

The firm will make a total of 38 presentations at the conference, including a number relating to studies of Pegintron (peginterferon alfa-2b) and Rebetol (ribavirin) combination therapy.

Furthermore, through its own research efforts and partnerships, the company is examining new approaches to treat the disease, including phase II clinical studies involving its orally-administered HCV protease inhibitor boceprevir (SCH 503034).

Schering-Plough has collaborated with Wyeth, ViroPharma, Idenix and Novartis for two studies of boceprevir in combination with other compounds.

Robert J Spiegel, chief medical officer and senior vice-president of Schering-Plough Research Institute, said: “Schering-Plough is proud of its long-term role in introducing innovative treatments to the field of hepatitis.”

He added that the company’s work with Pegintron and boceprevir would broaden the treatment options for hepatitis C patients and increase the available knowledge relating to the disease.

In January 2007, Schering-Plough signed a collaboration agreement with OraSure Technologies for the development and promotion of a point-of-care oral test for hepatitis C.