Aggregating in hepatitis

Any company hoping to build a franchise in antivirals will have to have programs in at least three broad areas: direct antivirals, immunomodulation and virus-host cell interactions. Novartis AG added a second leg to its capabilities last week as it works to build a presence in hepatitis. The deal with Anadys Pharmaceuticals Inc. adds an immunomodulatory approach to the direct antiviral approach embodied in its earlier deal with Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Under the deal with ANDS, Novartis (NVS; SWX:NOVN, Basel, Switzerland) has an exclusive global license to ANA975 and other toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) oral prodrugs for chronic HCV and HBV, as well as other potential infectious disease indications. ANA975 has completed Phase I trials. ...