Tarvacin
Tarvacin(TM) starts with Phase I study against Hepatitis C Virus
By Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Aug 8, 2005, 17:40

Enrollment Open for Patients Chronically Infected With Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPHM), announced today the initiation of a phase I anti-viral study of Tarvacin(TM), the Company's first Anti-Phospholipid Therapy candidate. The phase I study is an open-label, dose-escalation study in up to 32 adult patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who either no longer respond to or failed standard therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy.

The objectives of the trial are to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics and viral load following a single intravenous infusion. The study is being conducted at Bach and Godofsky Infectious Diseases, the largest private infectious disease practice specializing in the treatment of viral hepatitis in the United States. Bach & Godofsky is located in Bradenton, FL.

"Tarvacin(TM) is truly a novel approach to treating HCV and we are eager to offer patients the opportunity to participate in this trial," stated Eliot W. Godofsky, M.D., Principal Investigator and clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

"This study is an important step for our Tarvacin(TM) antiviral program," said Joseph Shan, Peregrine's senior director of clinical and regulatory affairs. "Meanwhile, we are continuing our Tarvacin(TM) development efforts for other viral diseases."

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