ZymoGenetics
Begins Clinical Trial of Pegylated Interferon Lambda
Interferons
are natural proteins that stimulate immune function, and genetically engineered
versions are used to treat diseases ranging from chronic
hepatitis B and C to certain types of cancer.
ZymoGenetics,
Inc., a biotechnology company based in Seattle, announced this week that it
has started a study of pegylated (PEG) interferon-lambda, also known as IL-29.
Below is an edited excerpt of the company's recent press release:
PEG-Interferon
Lambda as Potential Treatment for Viral Infection New Treatments Needed for
Patients With Hepatitis C
SEATTLE,
Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ZymoGenetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZGEN) today announced
that the company has initiated a Phase 1 safety and pharmacokinetic study of PEG-interferon
lambda (IL-29) in healthy volunteers. 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.
"This
clinical trial highlights the breadth of our pipeline and reflects our intense
commitment to finding new treatments for patients. ZymoGenetics' development programs
now encompass hemostasis, cancer, autoimmune and viral diseases," said Bruce
L.A. Carter, PhD, president and CEO of ZymoGenetics. "We believe PEG-interferon
lambda could serve as an effective alternative in providing therapy for viral
infections such as hepatitis C, with the potential for fewer side effects than
the current standard of care."
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 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 hpatitis
C.
About
ZymoGenetics
ZymoGenetics
creates novel protein drugs with the potential to significantly help patients
fight their diseases. The company is developing a diverse pipeline of potential
proprietary product candidates that are moving into and through clinical development.
These candidates span a wide array of clinical opportunities that include bleeding,
autoimmune and viral diseases and cancer. ZymoGenetics intends to commercialize
these product candidates through internal development, collaborations with partners,
and out-licensing of patents from its extensive patent portfolio. For further
information, visit http://www.zymogenetics.com.
02/01/07
Source ZymoGenetics
(via PRNewswire). PEG-Interferon Lambda as Potential Treatment for Viral Infection.
Press release. January 30, 2007.
