The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is the most common cause of viral hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver. It is currently estimated that over 170 million people are infected with HCV worldwide and The American Association of Liver Disease estimates that up to 85% of individuals become chronically infected following exposure. If left untreated, chronic hepatitis can lead to permanent liver damage, which can result in the development of liver cancer, liver failure or death. Few therapeutic options currently exist for the treatment of HCV infection. The current standard of care is limited by its specificity for certain types of HCV, significant side-effect profile, injectable route of administration and high cost.

In collaboration with its partner Gilead Sciences, Achillion is developing a series of product candidates that specifically recognize a new HCV target, NS4A. As a result of their novel mechanism of action, broad potency against HCV, potential for oral administration and demonstrated lack of cross resistance, Achillion believes there could be significant commercial opportunity for its series of compounds.

Program Overview
Through its in-house discovery efforts and as part of its collaboration with Gilead Sciences, Achillion has assembled a portfolio of next-generation antagonists to NS4A that are potent inhibitors of HCV replication. more

Data Overview
A Phase 1 study in HCV genotype 1-infected individuals provided the first demonstration of human antiviral activity of a first-generation NS4A antagonist for HCV. more