Improving Response to Immunotherapy in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection With Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy

To learn if giving immune checkpoint therapy (such as atezolizumab) and bevacizumab to patients who have HCC and are receiving DAAs may help to control HCC and hepatitis C.

Start Date17 Mar 2023

Sponsor / Collaborator

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

[+1]

EUCTR2020-003879-18-PL / Not yet recruitingPhase 4IIT

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in children aged 6 – 18 years using a pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir)

Start Date21 Apr 2021

Sponsor / Collaborator

Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny

100 Clinical Results associated with Velpatasvir

100 Translational Medicine associated with Velpatasvir

100 Patents (Medical) associated with Velpatasvir

571

Literatures (Medical) associated with Velpatasvir

01 Feb 2025·SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY

An environmentally sustainable synchronous spectrofluorimetric method coupled with second derivative signal processing for simultaneous determination of velpatasvir and simeprevir in pharmaceutical and plasma samples

Article

Author: Ramzy, Sherif ; Abduljabbar, Maram H ; Almalki, Atiah H ; Althobaiti, Yusuf S. ; Alzhrani, Rami M ; Abduljabbar, Maram H. ; Almalki, Atiah H. ; Alshehri, Sameer ; Alzhrani, Rami M. ; Althobaiti, Yusuf S

Velpatasvir and simeprevir are two direct acting antivirals that are often used in combination with sofosbuvir to treat HCV infections. Herein, an environmentally benign spectrofluorimetric method was developed for simultaneous quantification of velpatasvir and simeprevir in pharmaceutical and plasma samples. To address the issue of overlapping fluorescence spectra presented by these compounds, this method integrates synchronous fluorescence and second-derivative spectroscopy. By employing the second derivative of the synchronous fluorescence spectra measured at Δλ of 140 nm, the accurate determination of velpatasvir at 400 nm and simeprevir at 426 nm was achieved without any interference. Different experimental parameters affecting the synchronous fluorescence of the studied drugs were carefully optimized. The plots of second-derivative amplitudes against concentrations showed linearity in the range of 5-400 ng/mL for velpatasvir and 80-800 ng/mL for simeprevir. The method was very sensitive, with lower detection limits of 1.11 ng/mL and 25.40 ng/mL, and quantification limits of 3.36 ng/mL and 76.96 ng/mL for velpatasvir and simeprevir, respectively.The method was effectively used to determine velpatasvir and simeprevir simultaneously in their pure forms, pharmaceutical dosage forms, and human plasma with no interference. The suggested technique was additionally evaluated for its eco-friendliness through the utilization of the Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) and Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) evaluation metrics, revealing that the method is indeed sustainable.

01 Dec 2024·Gastroenterologia y Hepatologia

Evaluation of the clinical and economic value of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) in patients with chronic hepatitis C in Spain during the last 5 years

Article

Author: Casado, Miguel Ángel ; Domínguez-Hernández, Raquel ; Esteban, Rafael ; Cantero, Helena

OBJECTIVE:

Direct-acting antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) represented a paradigm shift. In 2017, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL-Epclusa®) was approved, which showed a high cure rate in all patient, contributing to HCV elimination. The analysis aimed to quantify the clinical and economic value of SOF/VEL in HCV chronic patients since its approval in Spain.

METHODS:

An economic evaluation was elaborated adapting a Markov model that simulated the lifetime disease progression in of all HCV chronic patients treated with SOF/VEL (30,488 patients) since its launch (5-years), compared to previous therapies. Patients entered the model and were distributed between the fibrosis states (F0-to-F4) in treated and untreated. All patients (100%) were treated with SOF/VEL regardless of their fibrosis, and 49% with previous therapies in ≥F2. The average sustained viral response (SVR) rates 98.9% SOF/VEL versus 61.0% previous therapies. All parameters for the analysis were obtained from real-life data and literature. Only direct healthcare costs associated with disease management were included. The SOF/VEL value was measured as the number of hepatic complications avoided and their associated cost, and hepatic mortality compared to previous therapies. National Health System perspective and a 3% discount rate was applied.

RESULTS:

SOF/VEL decreased the number of liver complications, avoiding 92% decompensated cirrhosis, 80% hepatocellular carcinomas, and 87% liver transplants, as well as 85% liver-related mortality. Their cost associated was reduced, amounting to savings of 197M€.

CONCLUSION:

SOF/VEL adds relevant value to the HCV treatment, reducing the clinical and economic disease burden and contributing to HCV elimination in Spain.

01 Dec 2024·COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY

Drug repositioning identifies potential autophagy inhibitors for the LIR motif p62/SQSTM1 protein

Article

Author: Cordani, Marco ; Nayeri, Zahra ; Asghari, Narjes ; Saei, Ali Kian ; Moosavi, Mohammad Amin

Autophagy is a critical cellular process for degrading damaged organelles and proteins under stressful conditions and has casually been shown to contribute to tumor survival and drug resistance. Sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1/p62) is an autophagy receptor that interacts with its binding partners via the LC3-interacting region (LIR). The p62 protein has been a highly researched target for its critical role in selective autophagy. In this study, we aimed to identify FDA-approved drugs that bind to the LIR motif of p62 and inhibit its LIR function, which could be useful targets for modulating autophagy. To this, the homology model of the p62 protein was predicted using biological data, and docking analysis was performed using Molegro Virtual Docker and PyRx softwares. We further assessed the toxicity profile of the drugs using the ProTox-II server and performed dynamics simulations on the effective candidate drugs identified. The results revealed that the kanamycin, velpatasvir, verteporfin, and temoporfin significantly decreased the binding of LIR to the p62 protein. Finally, we experimentally confirmed that Kanamycin can inhibit autophagy-associated acidic vesicular formation in breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 cells. These repositioned drugs may represent novel autophagy modulators in clinical management, warranting further investigation.

News (Medical) associated with Velpatasvir

22 Oct 2024

·www.biospace.com

Gilead to Present Latest Research Across Key Liver Disease Indication at the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) Meeting 2024

- Key Insights from Viral Hepatitis, PBC, and MASH/Fibrosis Studies Highlight Gilead’s Ongoing Commitment to Advancing Life-Changing Liver Disease Research - FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced new research to be presented at The Liver Meeting ® 2024, hosted by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) from November 15-19 in San Diego, Calif. More than 40 abstracts will be presented with key data, including 11 abstracts reporting new data on primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The data will include findings from the RESPONSE trial that demonstrate the efficacy and safety pro Livdelzi ® (seladelpar) in people living with PBC and compensated cirrhosis. Additionally, data will be presented on the effects of Livdelzi on pruritus (chronic itching), a symptom that has significant impact on the quality of life of people living with PBC, along with interim long-term efficacy and safety results from the ongoing ASSURE study. Beyond PBC, Gilead will be presenting an interim analysis of the Phase 3 MYR301 study, which is evaluating people living with hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) who received bulevirtide monotherapy (2 mg for 144 weeks; 10 mg for 144 weeks; or 10 mg for 96 weeks) for chronic HDV and have been off treatment for 48 weeks. The study is evaluating whether or not patients treated with bulevirtide monotherapy for 2-3 years maintained virological and biochemical responses one year after stopping treatment. An additional 144-week analysis of patient-reported outcomes for individuals treated with bulevirtide 2 mg will also be presented, adding to the wealth of long-term data for the treatment for chronic HDV. “We’re excited to share our latest research at The Liver Meeting, as we push the boundaries of what’s possible in liver disease treatment. The breadth of this research reflects Gilead’s unwavering dedication to advancing life-changing science and shaping healthier futures for people living with liver disease,” said Anu Osinusi, Vice President of Clinical Development for Hepatitis, Respiratory and Emerging Viruses, Gilead Sciences. “The depth and range of our data, spanning both viral and inflammatory liver diseases, underscores our commitment to making a meaningful impact at every stage of a person’s journey in liver disease. Our goals go far beyond treatment alone—our work spans awareness, education, screening, diagnosis, and long-term care, all intending to address unmet needs and enhance treatment outcomes.” Gilead will also present hepatitis C virus (HCV) data which will include safety and tolerability outcomes for Epclusa ® (velpatasvir/sofosbuvir) in pregnant individuals with chronic HCV (the STORC study). As a special population that is often excluded from clinical research, these results may help clinicians better support pregnant people living with HCV, which in turn may reduce the risk of transmission to infants. Furthermore, real-world findings from the SVR10K study on HCV will be showcased, demonstrating the effects of direct-acting antivirals against all HCV genotypes across diverse regions. Late-breaking data from a Phase 2a open-label study assessing the safety and efficacy of novel combination therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) will also be presented by Gilead. Key Abstracts at AASLD 2024: ID Abstract Title PBC 164 Efficacy and Safety of Seladelpar in Patients with PBC and Compensated Cirrhosis in the Phase 3 Placebo-controlled RESPONSE Trial 167 Attenuation, Near Resolution, and Prevention of Pruritis in Patients with PBC Treated with Seladelpar: A Secondary Analysis of Patterns of Pruritis Change in the RESPONSE Trial 4339 Alkaline Phosphatase Changes with Seladelpar Across Subgroups of Primary Biliary Cholangitis Patients in the RESPONSE Trial 4342 Seladelpar and Reductions in Lipids in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis with and without Statin use in the Phase 3 Placebo-controlled RESPONSE Study 4341 Long-term Safety of Seladelpar 10 mg with up to 5 Years of Treatment in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) 151 Associations Between Biomarkers and Magnetic Resonance Imaging-derived ANALI Score in Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Analysis from the Phase 3 PRIMIS Study HDV 1147 Efficacy and Safety of BLV Monotherapy for Chronic Hepatitis Delta: Post Treatment Results through 48 Weeks after the End of Treatment from an Interim Analysis of a Randomized Phase 3 Study MYR301 1193 Patient-reported Outcomes among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis Delta Treated with Bulevirtide 2 mg: A Long-term Analysis of the Phase 3 MYR301 Trial at 144 Weeks 139 Long-term Bulevirtide Monotherapy in Patients with HDV-related Compensated Cirrhosis: Effectiveness, Safety and Clinical Outcomes from the Retrospective Multicenter European Study (SAVE-D) HCV 222 Safety, Tolerability, and Outcomes of Velpatasvir/Sofosbuvir in Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus during Pregnancy (STORC) 1455 The SVR10K Study: A Real-world Data with Pangenotypic Direct-acting Antivirals across Multiple Diverse Regions 1476 Hepatitis C Treatment Uptake Differs by Gender among a Commercially Insured Population in the United States HBV 1380 Results from a Phase 2a, Open-label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Novel Combination Therapies Containing VIR-2218, Selgantolimod, and Nivolumab for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B 1252 Effectiveness and Safety of Tenofovir Alafenamide in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Suboptimal Response to Antiviral Therapy 1337 Characterization of Changes in Noninvasive Fibrosis Markers over 8 Years of Tenofovir-based Treatment in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Enrolled in Two Phase 3 Trials Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)/Fibrosis 1520 Prospective Validation of the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) for Point-of-care Assessment of Diet Quality in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease For more information, including a complete list of abstract titles being presented at the meeting, please visit the AASLD website . In July 2023, the European Commission (EC) granted full Marketing Authorization (MA) for bulevirtide 2 mg for the treatment of adults with chronic HDV and compensated liver disease. 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 and Australia in 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. Bulevirtide 10 mg is an investigational product and has not been approved anywhere. Cilofexor and selgantolimod are investigational compounds and are not approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority; their safety and efficacy have not been established. Please see below for the U.S. Indications and Important Safety Information, including BOXED WARNINGS, for Epclusa and Livdelzi. U.S. Important Safety Information And Indication for EPCLUSA BOXED WARNING: RISK OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION IN HCV/HBV COINFECTED PATIENTS Test all patients for evidence of current or prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before initiating treatment with EPCLUSA. HBV reactivation has been reported in HCV/HBV coinfected patients who were undergoing or had completed treatment with HCV direct acting antivirals (DAAs) and were not receiving HBV antiviral therapy. Some cases have resulted in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death. Cases have been reported in patients who are HBsAg positive, in patients with serologic evidence of resolved HBV, and also in patients receiving certain immunosuppressant or chemotherapeutic agents; the risk of HBV reactivation associated with treatment with HCV DAAs may be increased in patients taking these other agents. Monitor HCV/HBV coinfected patients for hepatitis flare or HBV reactivation during HCV treatment and post-treatment follow-up. Initiate appropriate patient management for HBV infection as clinically indicated. Contraindications If EPCLUSA is used in combination with ribavirin (RBV), all contraindications, warnings and precautions, in particular pregnancy avoidance, and adverse reactions to RBV also apply. Refer to RBV prescribing information. Warnings and Precautions Serious Symptomatic Bradycardia When Coadministered with Amiodarone: Amiodarone is not recommended for use with EPCLUSA due to the risk of symptomatic bradycardia, particularly in patients also taking beta blockers or with underlying cardiac comorbidities and/or with advanced liver disease. A fatal cardiac arrest was reported in a patient taking amiodarone who was coadministered a sofosbuvir containing regimen. In patients without alternative, viable treatment options, cardiac monitoring is recommended. Patients should seek immediate medical evaluation if they develop signs or symptoms of bradycardia. Risk of Reduced Therapeutic Effect Due to Use with P-gp Inducers and/or Moderate to Strong Inducers of CYP2B6, CYP2C8 or CYP3A4 : Rifampin, St. John’s wort and carbamazepine are not recommended for use with EPCLUSA as they may significantly decrease sofosbuvir and/or velpatasvir plasma concentrations. Adverse Reactions The most common adverse reactions (≥10%, all grades) with EPCLUSA in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older were headache and fatigue; and when used with RBV in adults with decompensated cirrhosis were fatigue, anemia, nausea, headache, insomnia and diarrhea. The most common adverse reactions (≥10%, grade 1 or 2) in pediatric patients less than 6 years of age were vomiting and spitting up the drug. Drug Interactions Coadministration of EPCLUSA is not recommended with topotecan due to increased concentrations of topotecan. Coadministration of EPCLUSA is not recommended with proton-pump inhibitors, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifapentine, efavirenz, and tipranavir/ritonavir due to decreased concentrations of sofosbuvir and/or velpatasvir. Consult the full Prescribing Information for EPCLUSA for more information on potentially significant drug interactions, including clinical comments. Indication EPCLUSA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 3 years of age and older with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis and in combination with ribavirin for those with decompensated cirrhosis. U.S. Important Safety Information for LIVDELZI Warnings and Precautions Fractures: Fractures occurred in 4% of LIVDELZI-treated patients compared to no placebo-treated patients. Consider the risk of fracture in the care of patients treated with LIVDELZI and monitor bone health according to current standards of care. Liver Test Abnormalities: LIVDELZI has been associated with dose-related increases in serum transaminase (AST and ALT) levels > 3 x ULN in patients receiving 50 mg and 200 mg once daily (5x and 20x higher than the recommended dosage of 10 mg once daily). Perform baseline clinical and laboratory testing when starting LIVDELZI and monitor thereafter according to routine patient management. Interrupt treatment if the liver tests (ALT, AST, total bilirubin, and/or ALP) worsen, or if the patient develops signs and symptoms of clinical hepatitis (eg, jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, eosinophilia). Consider permanent discontinuation if liver tests worsen after restarting LIVDELZI. Biliary Obstruction: Avoid use of LIVDELZI in patients with complete biliary obstruction. If biliary obstruction is suspected, interrupt LIVDELZI and treat as clinically indicated. Adverse Reactions The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) with LIVDELZI were headache (8%), abdominal pain (7%), nausea (6%), abdominal distension (6%), and dizziness (5%). Drug Interactions OAT3 Inhibitors and Strong CYP2C9 Inhibitors: Avoid coadministration with LIVDELZI due to increased LIVDELZI exposure. Rifampin: Monitor biochemical response (e.g., ALP and bilirubin) when patients initiate rifampin during LIVDELZI treatment. Coadministration may result in delayed or suboptimal biochemical response of LIVDELZI. Dual Moderate CYP2C9 and Moderate-to-Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors and BCRP Inhibitors (eg, cyclosporine): Monitor closely for adverse effects. Concomitant administration with LIVDELZI may increase LIVDELZI exposure. CYP2C9 Poor Metabolizers Using Moderate-to-Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Monitor more frequently for adverse reactions as concomitant use of a moderate-to-strong CYP3A4 inhibitor in patients who are CYP2C9 poor metabolizers may increase LIVDELZI exposure and risk of LIVDELZI adverse reactions. Bile Acid Sequestrants: Administer LIVDELZI at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking a bile acid sequestrant, or at as great an interval as possible. Pregnancy and Lactation Pregnancy: There are insufficient data from human pregnancies exposed to LIVDELZI to allow an assessment of a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Report pregnancies to Gilead Sciences, Inc., at 1-800-445-3235. Lactation: There are no data on the presence of LIVDELZI in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for LIVDELZI and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from LIVDELZI. Indication LIVDELZI is indicated for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in combination with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in adults who have an inadequate response to UDCA, or as monotherapy in patients unable to tolerate UDCA. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on a reduction of ALP. Improvement in survival or prevention of liver decompensation events have not been demonstrated. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s). Limitations of Use: Use of Livdelzi is not recommended in patients who have or develop decompensated cirrhosis (e.g., ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy). 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 5 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 PBC PBC is a rare, chronic inflammatory liver disease primarily affecting women (1 in 1,000 women over the age of 40 or about 130,000 total people in the U.S.). PBC is characterized by impaired bile flow (known as cholestasis) and the accumulation of toxic bile acids in the liver, leading to inflammation and destruction of the bile ducts within the liver and causing increased levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), enzymes found primarily in the liver, as well as total bilirubin. The most common symptoms of PBC are pruritus and fatigue, which can be debilitating for some people. Progression of PBC is associated with an increased risk of liver-related mortality. 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 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 Epclusa, Hepcludex (bulevirtide), Livdelzi (seladelpar), cilofexor and selgantolimod (such as the ASSURE, RESPONSE, MYR301, STORC and SVR10K studies); 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 or subject to withdrawal or other adverse actions by the applicable regulatory authority; the possibility that Gilead may make a strategic decision to discontinue development of investigational programs for indications that are currently under evaluation and, as a result, these programs may never be successfully commercialized for the indications currently under evaluation; 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 June 30, 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. Epclusa, Hepcludex, Livdelzi, 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 , follow Gilead on Twitter (@Gilead Sciences) or call Gilead Public Affairs at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or 1-650-574-3000. Contacts Meaghan Smith, Media public_affairs@gilead.com Jacquie Ross, Investors investor_relations@gilead.com

Phase 2Clinical ResultDrug ApprovalPhase 3

25 Oct 2023

·www.globenewswire.com

Hepion Pharmaceuticals’ Rencofilstat Demonstrates Anti-Cancer Activity in Hepatitis C-Associated Cancer Model

- Rencofilstat, but not sofosbuvir or velpatasvir, significantly suppressed tumor growth -EDISON, N.J., Oct. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:HEPA), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on Artificial Intelligence (“AI”)-driven therapeutic drug development for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (“NASH”), fibrotic diseases, hepatocellular carcinoma (“HCC”), and other chronic diseases, today announced the publication of a new research study in mice, where Hepion’s lead drug candidate, rencofilstat, prevented the growth of liver tumors that occurred as a result of chronic infection with the human hepatitis C virus (“HCV”). The study was published in the peer-reviewed, open access scientific journal, Viruses, and was conducted by Drs. Winston Stauffer, Philippe Gallay, and colleagues at The Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, California). Mice were infected with HCV, which caused the development of small liver nodules at around 12 weeks post-infection that progressed to very large tumors by 24 weeks post-infection. Daily rencofilstat treatment was initiated at week 0 or later time points: When initiated at week 0, rencofilstat treatment completely prevented HCC development measured at week 30 likely because the drug also blocked HCV infection and therefore eliminated a key driver of HCC development;When initiated at week 12, when tumors were in a small nodular stage, rencofilstat treatment similarly resulted in no visible nodules or tumors at week 30, suggesting that rencofilstat was able to completely regress small cancerous nodules; andWhen initiated at week 16, when livers contained many small-to-medium-sized nodules and tumors, rencofilstat treatment resulted in significantly decreased numbers and sizes of tumors (“tumor burden”) measured at week 30, which also indicated preventative or regressive anti-tumor activity. To investigate whether some of rencofilstat’s anti-HCC effects occurred independent of its anti-HCV activity, rencofilstat was compared to the anti-HCV agents sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, which belong to the recently developed direct-acting class of HCV drugs representing billions of dollars in annual sales. Sofosbuvir, velpatasvir and rencofilstat treatments initiated at week 16 all eliminated HCV infection. However, only rencofilstat decreased tumors when measured at week 30. Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir-treated mice developed the same large tumor burden as mice that received no drug treatment, whereas the tumor burden of rencofilstat-treated mice was 80% lower. “These results highlight one of rencofilstat’s greatest strengths, which is the ability to exert pleiotropic effects that can be harnessed to treat multiple diseases,” said Dr. Daren Ure, Hepion’s Chief Scientific Officer. “This contrasts with highly selective drugs that target single mechanisms, such as the currently available anti-HCV drugs that do not effectively treat liver cancer arising from HCV infection. We believe that rencofilstat is the ideal treatment for this kind of cancer as it stops viral replication and suppresses cancer through separate and complementary pathways.” Dr. Robert Foster, Hepion’s CEO, added “The antiviral, anti-cancer, and antifibrotic activities of rencofilstat address many of the most deadly and prevalent diseases affecting people today. Not only could rencofilstat have an enormous impact on human health, but the investment growth opportunities associated with treating these high-need, global-scale diseases are equally large.” Hepion recently announced a new mechanism by which rencofilstat exerts anti-cancer activity in liver cancer and the drug’s anti-cancer activity in numerous cell lines representing 86% of cancer types. The Viruses journal article, entitled “The Cyclophilin Inhibitor Rencofilstat Decreases HCV-Induced Carcinoma Independently of Its Antiviral Activity”, can be accessed here. About Hepion Pharmaceuticals The Company's lead drug candidate, rencofilstat, is a potent inhibitor of cyclophilins, which are involved in many disease processes. Rencofilstat has been shown to reduce liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma tumor burden in experimental disease models and is currently in Phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of NASH. In November 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) granted Fast Track designation for rencofilstat for the treatment of NASH. That was followed in June 2022 by the FDA’s granting of Orphan Drug designation to rencofilstat for the treatment of HCC. Hepion has created a proprietary Artificial Intelligence deep machine learning (“AI/ML”) platform designed to better understand disease processes and identify patients that are rencofilstat responders. This AI/ML has the potential to shorten development timelines and increase the observable differences between placebo and treatment groups. In addition, Hepion’s AI/ML can be used to drive its ongoing NASH and HCC clinical development programs and identify other potential therapeutic indications for cyclophilin inhibition with rencofilstat. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimated,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Hepion Pharmaceuticals’ current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, substantial competition; our ability to continue as a going concern; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; risks associated with delays, increased costs and funding shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; uncertainties with respect to lengthy and expensive clinical trials, that results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results; uncertainties of government or third party payer reimbursement; limited sales and marketing efforts and dependence upon third parties; and risks related to failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations. As with any drug candidates under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of new products. There are no guarantees that future clinical trials discussed in this press release will be completed or successful, or that any product will receive regulatory approval for any indication or prove to be commercially successful. Hepion Pharmaceuticals does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in Hepion Pharmaceuticals’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For further information, please contact: Stephen KilmerHepion Pharmaceuticals Investor RelationsDirect: (646) 274-3580skilmer@hepionpharma.com

Fast TrackOrphan DrugPhase 2Clinical Result

25 Oct 2023

·www.biospace.com

Hepion Pharmaceuticals’ Rencofilstat Demonstrates Anti-Cancer Activity in Hepatitis C-Associated Cancer Model- Rencofilstat

EDISON, N.J., Oct. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:HEPA), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on Artificial Intelligence (“AI”)-driven therapeutic drug development for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (“NASH”), fibrotic diseases, hepatocellular carcinoma (“HCC”), and other chronic diseases, today announced the publication of a new research study in mice, where Hepion’s lead drug candidate, rencofilstat, prevented the growth of liver tumors that occurred as a result of chronic infection with the human hepatitis C virus (“HCV”). The study was published in the peer-reviewed, open access scientific journal, Viruses, and was conducted by Drs. Winston Stauffer, Philippe Gallay, and colleagues at The Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, California). Mice were infected with HCV, which caused the development of small liver nodules at around 12 weeks post-infection that progressed to very large tumors by 24 weeks post-infection. Daily rencofilstat treatment was initiated at week 0 or later time points: When initiated at week 0, rencofilstat treatment completely prevented HCC development measured at week 30 likely because the drug also blocked HCV infection and therefore eliminated a key driver of HCC development; When initiated at week 12, when tumors were in a small nodular stage, rencofilstat treatment similarly resulted in no visible nodules or tumors at week 30, suggesting that rencofilstat was able to completely regress small cancerous nodules; and When initiated at week 16, when livers contained many small-to-medium-sized nodules and tumors, rencofilstat treatment resulted in significantly decreased numbers and sizes of tumors (“tumor burden”) measured at week 30, which also indicated preventative or regressive anti-tumor activity. To investigate whether some of rencofilstat’s anti-HCC effects occurred independent of its anti-HCV activity, rencofilstat was compared to the anti-HCV agents sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, which belong to the recently developed direct-acting class of HCV drugs representing billions of dollars in annual sales. Sofosbuvir, velpatasvir and rencofilstat treatments initiated at week 16 all eliminated HCV infection. However, only rencofilstat decreased tumors when measured at week 30. Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir-treated mice developed the same large tumor burden as mice that received no drug treatment, whereas the tumor burden of rencofilstat-treated mice was 80% lower. “These results highlight one of rencofilstat’s greatest strengths, which is the ability to exert pleiotropic effects that can be harnessed to treat multiple diseases,” said Dr. Daren Ure, Hepion’s Chief Scientific Officer. “This contrasts with highly selective drugs that target single mechanisms, such as the currently available anti-HCV drugs that do not effectively treat liver cancer arising from HCV infection. We believe that rencofilstat is the ideal treatment for this kind of cancer as it stops viral replication and suppresses cancer through separate and complementary pathways.” Dr. Robert Foster, Hepion’s CEO, added “The antiviral, anti-cancer, and antifibrotic activities of rencofilstat address many of the most deadly and prevalent diseases affecting people today. Not only could rencofilstat have an enormous impact on human health, but the investment growth opportunities associated with treating these high-need, global-scale diseases are equally large.” Hepion recently announced a new mechanism by which rencofilstat exerts anti-cancer activity in liver cancer and the drug’s anti-cancer activity in numerous cell lines representing 86% of cancer types. The Viruses journal article, entitled “The Cyclophilin Inhibitor Rencofilstat Decreases HCV-Induced Carcinoma Independently of Its Antiviral Activity”, can be accessed here. About Hepion Pharmaceuticals The Company's lead drug candidate, rencofilstat, is a potent inhibitor of cyclophilins, which are involved in many disease processes. Rencofilstat has been shown to reduce liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma tumor burden in experimental disease models and is currently in Phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of NASH. In November 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) granted Fast Track designation for rencofilstat for the treatment of NASH. That was followed in June 2022 by the FDA’s granting of Orphan Drug designation to rencofilstat for the treatment of HCC. Hepion has created a proprietary Artificial Intelligence deep machine learning (“AI/ML”) platform designed to better understand disease processes and identify patients that are rencofilstat responders. This AI/ML has the potential to shorten development timelines and increase the observable differences between placebo and treatment groups. In addition, Hepion’s AI/ML can be used to drive its ongoing NASH and HCC clinical development programs and identify other potential therapeutic indications for cyclophilin inhibition with rencofilstat. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimated,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Hepion Pharmaceuticals’ current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, substantial competition; our ability to continue as a going concern; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; risks associated with delays, increased costs and funding shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; uncertainties with respect to lengthy and expensive clinical trials, that results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results; uncertainties of government or third party payer reimbursement; limited sales and marketing efforts and dependence upon third parties; and risks related to failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations. As with any drug candidates under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of new products. There are no guarantees that future clinical trials discussed in this press release will be completed or successful, or that any product will receive regulatory approval for any indication or prove to be commercially successful. Hepion Pharmaceuticals does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in Hepion Pharmaceuticals’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For further information, please contact: Stephen Kilmer Hepion Pharmaceuticals Investor Relations Direct: (646) 274-3580 skilmer@hepionpharma.com

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R&D Status

10 top R&D records.

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Indication	Highest Phase	Country/Location	Organization	Date
Hepatitis C, Chronic	Phase 2	US	Gilead Sciences, Inc.	01 Apr 2013
Hepatitis C, Chronic	Phase 2	PR	Gilead Sciences, Inc.	01 Apr 2013

Clinical Result

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Study	Phase	Population	Analyzed Enrollment	Group	Results	Evaluation	Publication Date


NCT05717400 (CTgov)	Phase 4	Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma \| Hepatitis C, Chronic	2	atezolizumab+sofosbuvir+velpatasvir+voxilaprevir+bevacizumab	jrnfdocljy(jiurxrdctk) = ywcncjmkye wshezjhipf (vcxpyzsapt, vbkvyyjguw - zaqagqptsp) View more	-	10 Dec 2024
AASLD2023	Not Applicable	Hepatitis C, Chronic	12	SOF/VEL/VOX	zdjfuipngy(axrfxajrdo) = mukpourdwm qejbhzbavm (neboidurxe )	-	10 Nov 2023
AASLD2023	Not Applicable	Hepatitis C, Chronic	65	Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir with Ribavirin	lisqsqnrbf(zdcoanldop) = xqgrghnzhv mngibxvmay (mdstsyhsvz ) View more	-	10 Nov 2023
AASLD2023	Not Applicable	Hepatitis C, Chronic	65	Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir without Ribavirin	lisqsqnrbf(zdcoanldop) = xbrnpgqaij mngibxvmay (mdstsyhsvz ) View more	-	10 Nov 2023
AASLD2023	Not Applicable	-	746	Voxilaprevir/Velpatasvir/Sofosbuvir	dlwygptxjv(odrhtsypwz) = mxlgwjhuxv hesfvlflmm (dwnzuwltgp )	-	10 Nov 2023
AASLD2023	Not Applicable	Hepatitis C	-	28-dose prescription with two refills	cvojcvhsba(prrhqhvdja) = wjlaupcuqg dczhmnlxwk (rrvawldmna ) View more	-	10 Nov 2023
AASLD2023	Not Applicable	Hepatitis C	-	single 84-dose fill	cvojcvhsba(prrhqhvdja) = ouaplzzmcr dczhmnlxwk (rrvawldmna ) View more	-	10 Nov 2023
AASLD2023	Not Applicable	Hepatitis C	452	Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir	bwvzuoptaq(zqyjidlyvi) = showed a significant decrease from baseline to SVR12(-2.91 vs. -3.11 P < 0.001) spnnbxbkte (fzulbakinf ) View more	-	10 Nov 2023
AASLD2023	Not Applicable	Hepatitis C	452	Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir with Ribavirin		-	10 Nov 2023
HEP-C II TURKEY STUDY (AASLD2023)	Not Applicable	Hepatitis C, Chronic	127	Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir/Voxilaprevir	vlumlfbjwp(ddwksroqyd) = afsrofcgmm ubjlmjlcae (gbdsupxvjs ) View more	-	10 Nov 2023
ACTG A5360 (Pubmed \| Clin Infect Dis)	Not Applicable	Hepatitis C, Chronic	400	Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir	hbzgwaowjh(sxatbnzccu) = uqppzptlxo vbthfqqkfs (nzpzphkhlv, [94.1% - 97.9%]) View more	-	24 Jan 2023
Pubmed Manual	Not Applicable	Hepatitis C	299	Sofosbuvir+Velpatasvir+Kanamycin Sulfate	jioavsthse(vvjdzzxowt) = oesddvcoqf klqzjeprlf (nyevxzaxck, 95.4 - 99.3) View more	Positive	20 Apr 2022
NCT02002767 (CTgov)	Phase 1	Hepatitis C	19	velpatasvir (Normal Renal Function)	xhzebrznwg(yrefnahpek) = oefklgyfgj jewpfbuwcr (kyxhevogdb, uodsstyaox - zaqztfjuow) View more	-	16 Nov 2020
NCT02002767 (CTgov)	Phase 1	Hepatitis C	19	velpatasvir (Severe Renal Impairment)	xhzebrznwg(yrefnahpek) = xfagapqocd jewpfbuwcr (kyxhevogdb, aolbrsitay - vzbavnjdmj) View more	-	16 Nov 2020

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