Biotron's BIT225 could work in all HCV strains

Shares in Biotron (ASX:BIT) grew 10% after the company announced independent research suggesting that lead compound BIT225 could be effective across all six major strains of hepatitis C virus (HCV).

A study published in Antiviral Research demonstrates that BIT225, a p7 inhibitor, is active against HCV genotypes 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 using an in vitro cell culture assay.

Biotron has previously demonstrated that BIT225 is active against genotypes 1 and 3 but has not yet had a chance to trial the compound in patients with other strains of the virus.

“This independent study further validates our plan to progress BIT225 as a new adjunctive therapeutic for Hepatitis C,” Biotron Managing Director Dr Michelle Miller said. “Importantly, this report extends the existing efficacy data and demonstrates that BIT225 has activity across previously untested genotypes.”

Biotron is also developing BIT225 in HIV and earlier this year published research confirming the ability of the compound to target HIV reservoir precursor cells.

The company is also trialling the drug in patients co-infected with both HIV and HCV.

Biotron (ASX:BIT) shares grew 10.13% on Wednesday after the publication of the study was announced. As of around 1.30 pm on Thursday, the shares were trading 1.15% lower at $0.086.