ZymoGenetics has initiated a Phase 1 safety and pharmacokinetic study of PEG-interferon lambda (IL-29). The Phase 1 study is part of a clinical development program designed to evaluate PEG-interferon lambda as a potential treatment for patients with hepatitis C and other viral diseases.

The native human protein interferon lambda is generated by the immune system in response to viral infection. It mediates anti-viral activity through a receptor that is distinct from that used by the current standard of care for hepatitis C, interferon alpha, and is generally present on fewer cell types within the tissues of the body. Receptors for interferon lambda are present on several important sites of viral infection, most notably cells of the lung and liver. ZymoGenetics' product candidate, recombinant PEG-interferon lambda, has shown in vitro anti-viral activity against several viruses, including hepatitis C.

About Hepatitis C
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. In the United States, it is estimated that HCV is associated with up to 20,000 deaths per year, and is the main indication for liver transplantation. An estimated 4.1 million people in the United States have been exposed to HCV, and approximately 3.2 million have chronic HCV infection. Without effective intervention, the National Institutes of Health project that the number of deaths from chronic HCV infection may triple in the next 10-20 years.

Current Standard of Care for Hepatitis C
The current standard of care for chronic HCV infection involves treatment with interferon alpha and ribavirin. This form of HCV therapy has been associated with a number of significant side effects including flu-like symptoms, anorexia, depression, hemolytic anemia and myelosuppression. This side-effect profile often necessitates additional medications to manage the side effects, and can lead to early discontinuation of treatment and poor adherence to prescribed therapy, leading to worsened treatment outcomes. Currently, the response rates for the most common form of HCV in the United States to standard treatment are only 50%. Therefore, there remains a need for better tolerated and more effective therapy for HCV infection. The development of PEG-interferon lambda is intended to provide such an alternative to PEG-interferon alpha.

If you're interested in learning more about clinical trials with PEG-interferon lambda, please contact us at: clinicaltrials@zgi.com.

For more information about PEG-Interferon lambda

Product Backgrounder:
http://www.zymogenetics.com/products/Interleukin29ProductBackgrounder.htm

Related Press Releases:

ZymoGenetics Begins Clinical Trial for PEG-Interferon lambda as Potential Treatment for Viral Infection

Scientific Publications:
http://www.zymogenetics.com/research/publication.html