OREANDA-NEWS. On November 21-22, 2013 R-Pharm Group held a kick-off meeting for the researchers involved into clinical trials (Phase III) of Narlaprevir, an innovative one-a-day HCV treatment solution. The meeting attracted leading international scientists, including Janice K. Albrecht and Henk W. Reesink; representatives of Almedis, a contract research organization; Invitro, an independent test lab; and other leading medical centers. The participants shared the future of HCV treatment, presented the results of Phase I and II trials, and discussed the details of upcoming Phase III.

In accordance to the Narlaprevir development and commercialization agreement signed with Merck & Co Inc, R-Pharm will launch the late-stage clinical trials in Russia in December 2013. It is expected that Narlaprevir will be registered and become available in Russia in 2017. Narlaprevir, a next-gen innovative drug being developed and manufactured in Russia, will soon become available to Russian patients under specific drug supply programs. The new drug is efficient enough to compete with similar Western products.

According to the results of Phase II, the Narlaprevir-based therapy cures up to 85% of patients compared to the 28% of those with standard therapy. Also the new drug reduces course length from 48 down to 24 weeks. Convenient one-a-day dose supports continuous treatment and reduces the rate of missed pills. It is expected that the drug will be used for both HCV mono-infected and HIV-HCV co-infected patients.