AEGiS-PRn: Schering-Plough Discontinues Phase II Study of Vicriviroc in Treatment-Naive HIV Patients, Continues Phase II Study in Treatment-Experienced HIV Patients PRNewswireImportant note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Schering-Plough Discontinues Phase II Study of Vicriviroc in Treatment-Naive HIV Patients, Continues Phase II Study in Treatment-Experienced HIV Patients

PRNewswire - October 27, 2005

KENILWORTH, N.J., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) today reported that it has discontinued a Phase II study with its investigational CCR5 receptor antagonist, vicriviroc, used in combination with Combivir in treatment-naive HIV patients. This decision was due to a return of detectable virus in some patients late in therapy compared to the control regimen of Combivir and Sustiva, a current standard of care for treatment-naive patients living with HIV.

The company noted that this decision was not based on hepatotoxicity or other significant safety issues in patients receiving vicriviroc in the study or in a second Phase II study in treatment-experienced HIV patients, which is continuing. The Phase II study in U.S. treatment-experienced patients is being conducted by the NIH-sponsored AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) and is fully enrolled.

Schering-Plough said that it discontinued its Phase II treatment-naive study following a recommendation from the independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), which has been meeting regularly to conduct reviews of the safety and efficacy data. The increased incidence of detectable virus was only seen in some patients after several weeks of treatment. The study had been under way since spring 2004 in 23 centers in Europe and Canada, with 92 patients enrolled. Patients already enrolled in the treatment-naive study will continue to receive vicriviroc until they can be switched to an alternative regimen in consultation with their physician. Clinical trial investigators for the study, their Ethics Committees and Health Authorities are being notified.

"We believe this decision is the appropriate action to take to ensure that patients receive the most effective treatment available," said Robert J. Spiegel, M.D., chief medical officer and senior vice president of medical affairs, Schering-Plough Research Institute. "We will continue to evaluate the potential use of vicriviroc in combination with other treatment regimens, including those used in the treatment-naive patient population."

Schering-Plough Corporation is a global science-based health care company with leading prescription, consumer and animal health products. Through internal research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough discovers, develops, manufactures and markets advanced drug therapies to meet important medical needs. Schering-Plough's vision is to earn the trust of the physicians, patients and customers served by its more than 30,000 people around the world. The company's Web site is http://www.schering-plough.com .

SCHERING-PLOUGH DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information in this press release contains certain "forward-looking" statements, including statements relating to the timing of clinical trials and the potential for vicriviroc. Forward- looking statements relate to expectations or forecasts of future events. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from Schering-Plough's forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements may be affected by general market and economic factors, uncertainties in the regulatory approval process, federal and state regulations and legislation, and other uncertainties described in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings under the heading "Disclosure Notice" including the company's second quarter 2005 10-Q. The company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

Reference

Combivir is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline

Sustiva is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

SOURCE Schering-Plough Corporation

Web Site: http://www.schering-plough.com


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