Gilead Announces New England Journal of Medicine Publication of Data that Demonstrate Bulevirtide with PegIFN Achieved Post-Treatment Undetectable HDV RNA

Rhea-AI Summary

Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD) announced that Phase 2b data from the MYR204 study on bulevirtide combined with pegylated interferon alfa-2a (PegIFN) showed promising results for chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV) treatment. Published in NEJM, the study revealed that 46% of patients achieved undetectable HDV RNA levels at Week 24 post-treatment. Additionally, consistent results were observed at Week 48, confirming bulevirtide's potential as a finite therapy. The combination treatment exhibited a higher efficacy than monotherapy, with 32% and 46% achieving undetectable HDV RNA at Week 24 for 2 mg and 10 mg doses, respectively. Safety profiles were consistent, with common adverse events being leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. The data also align with the Phase 3 MYR301 study, which highlighted bulevirtide's effectiveness and tolerability. Bulevirtide remains approved in the EEA, Great Britain, and Switzerland, but not in the U.S.

Positive

• 46% of patients on bulevirtide 10 mg with PegIFN achieved undetectable HDV RNA at Week 24 post-treatment.
• Consistent findings at Week 48 post-treatment confirm potential as a finite therapy.
• Bulevirtide combination treatment showed higher efficacy than monotherapy.
• Approval of bulevirtide 2 mg in the EEA, Great Britain, and Switzerland.
• Phase 3 MYR301 study supports bulevirtide's effectiveness and tolerability.

Negative

• Bulevirtide 10 mg is still investigational and not approved in the U.S.
• The most common adverse events were leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.
• Only 12% of patients on bulevirtide 10 mg monotherapy achieved undetectable HDV RNA at Week 24.
• High-dose bulevirtide treatment shows dose-dependent increases in bile acids.
• The necessity for long-term treatment in some patients may imply extended financial burden.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

Gilead Sciences’ announcement of the Phase 2b MYR204 study results published in the New England Journal of Medicine showcases significant progress in the treatment of chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection. The study results indicate that the combination therapy of bulevirtide 10 mg with pegylated interferon alfa-2a (PegIFN) demonstrated a 46% rate of undetectable HDV RNA at Week 24 after the end of treatment (EOT). This is a meaningful achievement, given the severe nature of HDV and its rapid progression to liver failure and cancer.

These findings may hold substantial implications for the long-term management of this aggressive form of viral hepatitis. The study also highlights the potential for combination therapy to serve as a finite treatment, a considerable improvement over existing long-term treatment options. The data from a sample size of 174 patients enhances the credibility of the findings, though future studies with larger and more diverse populations would be beneficial for confirming these results.

For patients and healthcare providers, the ability to achieve sustained undetectable HDV RNA levels post-treatment presents a promising therapeutic pathway, shifting the focus from merely managing the symptoms to potentially reducing the overall disease burden.

Financial Analyst

The publication of these Phase 2b MYR204 study results could be a positive catalyst for Gilead Sciences’ stock. The strong clinical outcomes bolster the argument for bulevirtide 10 mg in combination with PegIFN, potentially leading to increased market adoption and revenue upon eventual approval. The achievement of 46% post-treatment undetectable HDV RNA is a noteworthy metric that could attract investor confidence.

From a financial perspective, Gilead’s success in advancing bulevirtide through the clinical pipeline underscores its commitment to innovation in liver disease treatments. This complements Gilead’s existing portfolio and could enhance its market position in the viral hepatitis space. Moreover, the data’s publication in a highly respected journal like NEJM adds an additional layer of validation, which is likely to be viewed favorably by the market.

Investors should, however, monitor upcoming data from further clinical trials and regulatory feedback, especially in the U.S., where the drug is still an investigational product. Any delays or negative findings could impact the revenue projections and stock performance.

- Phase 2b Data Presented at EASL and Published in NEJM Show Potential for Bulevirtide 10 mg in Combination with Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a as Finite Therapy for People with Chronic Hepatitis Delta -

- Data Published in NEJM Demonstrate 46% of Patients Taking Bulevirtide 10 mg with PegIFN Achieved Post-Treatment Undetectable HDV RNA at Week 24 -

- Data Presented at EASL Demonstrate Consistent Study Findings of Undetectable HDV RNA at Week 48 -

FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced data from the Phase 2b MYR204 open-label study assessing the efficacy and safety of the first-in-class entry inhibitor bulevirtide as monotherapy and in combination with pegylated interferon alfa-2a (PegIFN), in adults living with compensated chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), the data demonstrate that the investigational combination of bulevirtide 10 mg with PegIFN was superior to investigational bulevirtide 10 mg monotherapy in achieving undetectable HDV RNA (lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), target not detected) at Week 24 after the end of treatment (EOT). The end of study data presented at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2024, demonstrate that treatment with bulevirtide 10 mg in combination with PegIFN maintained a 46% rate of undetectable HDV RNA at Week 48 after EOT, confirming its potential as a finite therapy for adults living with chronic HDV. HDV affects an estimated 5% of people living with chronic hepatitis B (HBV), with a global prevalence of more than 12 million people.

“HDV is the most severe form of viral hepatitis. For people living with HDV, bulevirtide 2 mg has been proven to be a successful long-term treatment approach, as highlighted in clinical trials and real-world data. These new data support the potential for bulevirtide as a finite treatment option, demonstrating that almost half of people treated with bulevirtide 10 mg in combination with PegIFN remained undetectable for HDV RNA one year after treatment cessation,” said Tarik Asselah, MD, PhD, Professor of Hepatology, Hôpital Beaujon APHP, Université Paris-Cité, Head of Viral Hepatitis, UMR1149 Inserm and principal investigator of the study. “These long-term data are the highest post-treatment response rates ever reported for HDV.”

Bulevirtide 2 mg remains the only approved treatment for adults with chronic HDV and compensated liver disease in the European Economic Area (EEA), Great Britain and Switzerland and is not approved in the U.S. Bulevirtide 10 mg is an investigational product and is not approved anywhere.

Data published in NEJM demonstrate that at Week 24 after EOT, undetectable HDV RNA was achieved by 32% and 46% of patients taking bulevirtide 2 mg in combination with PegIFN and bulevirtide 10 mg in combination with PegIFN, respectively. In the monotherapy groups, PegIFN monotherapy and bulevirtide 10 mg monotherapy, undetectable HDV RNA was achieved by 17% and 12%, respectively. The safety profiles of bulevirtide in combination with PegIFN were consistent with those of the individual components. The most frequent adverse events were leukopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, and most were mild to moderate.

Data presented at EASL (GS-002) demonstrate that at Week 48 after EOT, undetectable HDV RNA was achieved by 26% and 46% of patients taking bulevirtide 2 mg in combination with PegIFN and bulevirtide 10 mg in combination with PegIFN, respectively. In the monotherapy groups, PegIFN monotherapy and bulevirtide 10 mg monotherapy, undetectable HDV RNA was achieved by 25% and 12%, respectively.

“Chronic HDV can greatly impact those affected due to its rapid progression to liver failure, liver cancer and liver-related death. With these promising finite data for bulevirtide, we have the opportunity to support healthier futures for people living with HDV,” said Anu Osinusi, VP, Clinical Research for Hepatitis, Respiratory and Emerging Viruses, Gilead Sciences. “In addition to highlighting the curative potential of combination therapy for some people with chronic HDV, these final data support the safety profile of bulevirtide. Ultimately, our focus remains on bringing treatment options to more people living with chronic HDV.”

Also at EASL, late-breaking data (LB-309) on the pivotal Phase 3 MYR301 study evaluating bulevirtide as monotherapy for the treatment of adults with chronic HDV infection were also presented and reinforced bulevirtide as an efficacious and generally well-tolerated long-term treatment option. Patients had similar rates of combined response (virologic response and ALT normalization) at Week 144 compared to Week 96, with 57% and 54%, respectively, among those receiving bulevirtide 2 mg or 10 mg. This is consistent with and builds on the data shared at EASL 2023. Bulevirtide continued to be generally well-tolerated through Week 144, and the safety profile was similar between the bulevirtide 2 mg and 10 mg treatment arms, with the study investigators attributing no serious adverse events to bulevirtide treatment. Through 144 weeks of treatment, dose-dependent increases in bile acids remained asymptomatic, were not associated with any clinical sequelae and did not result in any discontinuations or treatment interruption.

In July 2023, the European Commission (EC) granted full Marketing Authorization (MA) for Hepcludex^® (bulevirtide) 2 mg for the treatment of adults with chronic HDV and compensated liver disease. Bulevirtide was initially granted conditional MA from the EC in July 2020 to provide people living with HDV urgent access to treatment. Bulevirtide’s conditional MA license in Great Britain was converted to a full MA in August 2023, and a full MA was granted in Switzerland in February 2024. In regions where it is not approved, including the U.S., bulevirtide 2 mg is an investigational product. In these regions, health authorities have not established the safety and efficacy of bulevirtide.

About MYR204

The MYR204 study was a randomized, open-label, controlled, parallel-group, multicenter, Phase 2b trial, in which a total of 174 patients were randomized and received PegIFN alone for 48 weeks; bulevirtide 2 mg with PegIFN for 48 weeks, followed by bulevirtide 2 mg alone for 48 weeks; bulevirtide 10 mg with PegIFN for 48 weeks, followed by bulevirtide 10 mg alone for 48 weeks; or bulevirtide 10 mg alone for 96 weeks. All patients were followed for an additional 48 weeks after EOT. The primary endpoint of MYR204 was undetectable HDV RNA at 24 weeks after EOT. Secondary efficacy endpoints included undetectable HDV RNA at Week 48 (all groups) during treatment, undetectable HDV RNA at Week 96 (all bulevirtide groups) during treatment, and undetectable HDV RNA at Week 48 after EOT (all groups).

About MYR301

MYR301 is an ongoing, Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the long-term efficacy and safety of bulevirtide in 150 people living with chronic HDV randomly allocated to treatment with bulevirtide 2 mg once daily (n=49), 10 mg once daily (n=50) or no antiviral treatment (delayed treatment, n=51). Primary efficacy and safety data were assessed at Week 48. After Week 48, patients in the delayed treatment group of the study were switched to bulevirtide 10 mg once daily for an additional 96 weeks. The total duration of treatment across all groups in the study is 144 weeks. The primary endpoint, combined response, is defined as an undetectable HDV RNA or ≥ 2log₁₀ IU/ml decline from baseline and ALT normalization at Week 48. Secondary endpoints at Week 48 include undetectable HDV RNA (key secondary endpoint), ALT normalization, and a change from baseline in liver stiffness measured by transient elastography.

About HDV

HDV is considered the most aggressive or severe form of viral hepatitis, associated with more rapid progression towards liver-related death and liver cancer in people with HBV. On average, HDV progresses to cirrhosis within five years and to liver cancer within 10 years. Nearly 5% of people who have a chronic infection with HBV are estimated to have HDV, equating to 12-15 million people worldwide. The prevalence of HDV infection is largely underestimated due to lack of universal testing of HBV positive individuals for HDV.

About Gilead Sciences in Liver Disease

For decades, Gilead has pioneered the way forward to improve the lives of people living with liver disease around the world. We have helped to transform hepatitis C from a chronic condition into one that can be cured for millions of people. For people living with hepatitis B or D, our focus on advancing our medicines drives hope that today’s research will turn into tomorrow’s cures. Beyond viral hepatitis, we’re working to deliver advanced treatments for people living with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). But our commitment doesn’t stop there. Through our ground-breaking science and collaborative partnerships, we strive to create healthier futures for everyone living with liver disease. We are committed to a future without liver disease.

About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer and inflammation. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including Gilead’s ability to initiate, progress or complete clinical trials or studies within currently anticipated timelines or at all, and the possibility of unfavorable results from ongoing or additional clinical trials or studies, including those involving Hepcludex (bulevirtide); uncertainties relating to regulatory applications and related filing and approval timelines, including the risk that the FDA and other regulatory authorities may not approve bulevirtide for the treatment of HDV, and the risk that any such approvals, if granted, may be subject to significant limitations on use; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. These and other risks, uncertainties and factors are described in detail in Gilead’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Gilead, and Gilead assumes no obligation and disclaims any intent to update any such forward-looking statements.

Hepcludex, Gilead and the Gilead logo are registered trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

For more information about Gilead, please visit the company’s website at www.gilead.com, follow Gilead on X (@Gilead Sciences), or call Gilead Public Affairs at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or 1-650-574-3000.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240606954431/en/

Meaghan Smith, Media

public_affairs@gilead.com

Jacquie Ross, Investors

investor_relations@gilead.com

Source: Gilead Sciences, Inc.

FAQ

What did the Phase 2b MYR204 study reveal about Gilead's bulevirtide treatment?

The study revealed that 46% of patients achieved undetectable HDV RNA at Week 24 post-treatment with bulevirtide 10 mg combined with PegIFN.

How effective is Gilead's bulevirtide monotherapy for HDV?

Bulevirtide 10 mg monotherapy resulted in 12% of patients achieving undetectable HDV RNA at Week 24 post-treatment.

What are the common adverse events for Gilead's bulevirtide treatment?

Common adverse events include leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Is Gilead's bulevirtide approved in the U.S.?

No, bulevirtide 10 mg is not approved in the U.S.; it remains investigational.

What is the significance of the NEJM publication for Gilead's bulevirtide?

The NEJM publication highlights the potential of bulevirtide 10 mg with PegIFN as a finite therapy for chronic HDV, with 46% achieving undetectable HDV RNA at Week 24 post-treatment.