Janssen reports positive data from new hepatitis C drug trial

Janssen has announced primary efficacy and safety results from two global phase III studies of simeprevir, a new treatment for genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C.

Data from the Quest-1 and Quest-2 trials showed that the drug was able to deliver sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment in 80 and 81 percent, respectively, of treatment-naive patients.

More than 390 hepatitis C patients in 39 countries received simeprevir as part of the Quest trials, data from which will be used to support planned regulatory submissions for the compound later this year.

The findings suggest the drug could be an important new therapy option for a condition associated with several long-term health risks.

Dr Maria Beumont, medical leader for simeprevir at Janssen, said: "Janssen is committed to advancing hepatitis C therapy for even the most difficult-to-cure patients."

Earlier this month, the company announced that its new oral Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy ibrutinib has received a third breakthrough therapy designation from the US Food and Drug Administration, for the treatment of lymphocytic leukaemia or lymphoma.