Full Press Release Details
BERKELEY, CA--(Marketwire - January 26, 2010) - Dynavax Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: DVAX) announced today data from two studies that differentiate SD-101 from
standard-of-care as well as emerging treatments for chronic HCV infection.
The findings of a Phase 1b clinical trial and an in vitro study of SD-101's
mechanism of action show that the second-generation TLR9 agonist (1) is
well tolerated and safe and (2) induces both IFN-lambda and IFN-alpha at
concentrations producing antiviral activity. The data will be presented at
the 45th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of the
Liver in Vienna, Austria in April 2010.
Data from the Phase 1b study of SD-101 in treatment-na ve, genotype 1 HCV
-- A safety and tolerability profile that compares favorably to that of
IFN-alpha, at all four doses tested;
-- A dose-dependent antiviral response, with 100% of patients at the
highest dose experiencing a greater than one (1) log reduction in viral
-- The potency of SD-101 as confirmed by biomarker analysis in patients.
The biomarker data point to substantial, dose-related increases in the
expression of key antiviral genes (MX-B and ISG-54k) and genes indicating
enhanced immunity (IP-10 and MCP-1).
The Phase 1b study evaluated four dose levels of SD-101 in 34 chronically
infected, treatment-na ve, genotype 1 HCV patients. SD-101 was administered
as a monotherapy once weekly, for four weeks, in doses from 0.1 to 5.0
milligrams per week.
The in vitro data from a study of the drug in human blood cells demonstrate
that compared to first-generation TLR9 agonists, SD-101 stimulates 20-fold
higher levels of both IFN-alpha and IFN-lambda, two classes of IFNs with
potent activity against HCV.
According to the Company's Chief Medical Officer, J. Tyler Martin, M.D.,
"The unique and highly potent pattern of IFN-lambda and IFN-alpha induction
by SD-101 represents a novel, differentiated approach for HCV. The safety
and antiviral activity demonstrated in this Phase 1b study compares
favorably to current treatments, and we believe that further study may
support a role for SD-101 as a supplement to current or emerging therapies
With the completed acquisition of Symphony Dynamo earlier this month,
Dynavax has full development and commercialization rights to SD-101. As
such, SD-101 has been added to a portfolio of development programs
available for partnership from Dynavax.
According to the World Health Organization, there are 170 million people
worldwide chronically infected with HCV. Over 80% of HCV infections become
chronic and can progress over a period of 10 - 40 years. Nearly half of all
liver transplants in the U.S. are performed for end-stage hepatitis C.
Approved therapies to treat hepatitis C, including pegylated
interferon-alpha and ribavirin, represent a market of approximately $3
billion. However, these therapies often cause significant side effects and
are effective in treating only about half of all patients infected with
Dynavax Technologies Corporation, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical
company, discovers and develops novel products to prevent and treat
infectious diseases. The Company's lead product candidate is HEPLISAV, a
Phase 3 investigational adult hepatitis B vaccine designed to provide more
rapid and increased protection with fewer doses than current licensed
vaccines. For more information, visit www.dynavax.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject
to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the prospective role of
SD-101 in HCV therapy. Actual results may differ materially from those set
forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in
our business, including whether initial results can be reproduced in future
studies, whether successful clinical and regulatory development of SD-101
can occur in a timely manner without significant difficulties or delays in
development , the Company's ability to obtain additional financing to
support its operations, and other risks detailed in the "Risk Factors"
section of our current periodic reports with the SEC. We undertake no
obligation to revise or update information herein to reflect events or
circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.
Contact Information: Contact:
Vice President and Chief Business Officer