NEW HAVEN, Conn., Aug. 19, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACHN ) today announced that the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office has granted Achillion U.S. Patent No. 8,809,313, covering composition-of-matter and method of use claims for ACH-3102 and structurally related NS5A inhibitor compounds. ACH-3102 is Achillion's second generation Phase 2 NS5A inhibitor being investigated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This patent is entitled "Substituted aliphanes, cyclophanes, heteraphanes, heterophanes, hetero-heteraphanes and metallocenes useful for treating HCV infections," and provides a patent term which lasts until 2032.
"We believe that this key patent grant will provide another important anchor for Achillion's intellectual property portfolio. With the issuance of this patent for our differentiated NS5A inhibitor, ACH-3102, along with the previously granted patent for sovaprevir, our NS3/4A protease inhibitor, we are pleased to recognize the talented Achillion team that discovered and has advanced these compounds into Phase 2 trials evaluating their use in all-oral combination regimens for the treatment of chronic HCV," commented Milind Deshpande, President and Chief Executive Officer of Achillion.
About HCV
The hepatitis C virus is the most common cause of viral hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver. It is currently estimated that more than 150 million people are infected with HCV worldwide including more than 5 million people in the United States. Three-fourths of the HCV patient population is undiagnosed; it is a silent epidemic and a major global health threat. Chronic hepatitis, if left untreated, can lead to permanent liver damage that can result in the development of liver cancer, liver failure or death.
About Achillion Pharmaceuticals
Achillion is an innovative pharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing important new treatments to patients with infectious disease. Achillion's discovery, clinical development, and commercial teams have advanced multiple novel product candidates with proven mechanisms of action into studies and toward the market. Achillion is focused on solutions for the most challenging problems in infectious disease including HCV and resistant bacterial infections. For more information on Achillion Pharmaceuticals, please visit www.achillion.com or call 1-203-624-7000.
Cautionary Note Regarding 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 important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including statements with respect to the Company's expectations about the expected benefits of its recently issued patents on ACH-3012. Achillion may use words such as "expect," "anticipate," "project," "intend," "plan," "aim," "believe," "seek," " estimate," "can," "focus," "will," and "may" and similar expressions to identify such forward-looking statements. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are risks relating to, among other things Achillion's ability to: obtain and maintain patent protection for its drug candidates and the freedom to operate under third party intellectual property; demonstrate in any current and future clinical trials the requisite safety, efficacy and combinability of its drug candidates; advance the preclinical and clinical development of its drug candidates, including ACH-3422, ACH-3102 and sovaprevir, under the timelines it projects in current and future clinical trials; obtain and maintain necessary regulatory approvals; establish commercial manufacturing arrangements; identify, enter into and maintain collaboration agreements with appropriate third-parties; compete successfully with other companies that are seeking to develop improved therapies for the treatment of HCV; manage expenses; manage litigation; raise the substantial additional capital needed to achieve its business objectives; and successfully execute on its business strategies. These and other risks are described in the reports filed by Achillion with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and its subsequent SEC filings.
In addition, any forward-looking statement in this press release represents Achillion's views only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Achillion disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.
Company Contact: Glenn Schulman Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Tel. (203) 624-7000 Media: Laurie Masonson Ogilvy PR Tel. (917)459-6164 Investors: Mary Kay Fenton Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Tel. (203) 624-7000 Investors: Tricia Truehart The Trout Group, LLC Tel. (646) 378-2953
