ViroPharma falls, stops developing hepatitis drug
Shares of ViroPharma Inc. (Nasdaq:VPHM) are sagging on news after the close on Wednesday that the Exton, Pa.-based company has cancelled the development of a drug for the treatment of hepatitis C due to safety issues from ongoing clinical trials with sick patients.
“Clearly, this is a disappointing outcome for patients suffering from this difficult disease,” CEO Vincent Milano said in a statement. “However, the risk associated with potential hepatotoxicity ultimately posed too high of a hurdle to merit further development.”
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease that can cause liver inflammation and cirrhosis.
At 2:11 p.m. ET, the stock was off $0.36, or 4%, to $9.26. For detailed price information and recent news stories about ViroPharma, click VPHM.
