Idenix falls on delay for preclinical HCV compound

Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:IDIX) fell $1.58 (31%) to $3.56 on Friday after reporting the start of human testing of HCV candidate IDX20963 will be delayed based on a request from FDA for additional preclinical safety information. Idenix said it "recently" submitted an IND for the uridine nucleotide analog HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor. Idenix declined to disclose details, but said it hopes to have a "clearer picture" of what FDA wants by its 2Q13 earnings in late July or early August once it receives a written response from the agency.

Idenix has seen its stock slide over the past year on clinical holds for two other HCV compounds -- IDX184 and IDX19368 -- due to safety concerns. The company discontinued development of the compounds earlier this year (see BioCentury Extra, Feb. 4). ...