Eiger to discontinue hepatitis drug study over safety concerns (updated)

Eiger Biopharmaceuticals

12/09/2023 21:27

(Adds details throughout)
       Sept 12 (Reuters) - Eiger BioPharmaceuticals Inc
 EIGR.O  said on Tuesday it would discontinue a late-stage study
testing its experimental drug to treat the most severe form of
viral hepatitis, due to safety concerns. 
   The decision follows the recommendation of an independent 
data and safety monitoring board after it observed deterioration
in liver function in four patients during a quarterly safety
review.
    The drug candidate, peginterferon lambda, was being tested
in patients with chronic hepatitis delta (CHD).
    "The study discontinuation is disappointing, especially for
patients with chronic hepatitis delta who have limited treatment
options," said Eiger CEO David Apelian.
    The company said it will work closely with the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration and trial investigators to conduct an
orderly termination of the study. 
     

 (Reporting by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika
Syamnath)
 ((Mariam.ESunny@thomsonreuters.com;))