Biotron develops capsule form of HIV/HCV drug

Biotron (ASX:BIT) has successfully completed a phase I trial of a new capsule formulation of its Hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV candidate BIT225.

During the trial, the capsule formulation achieved absorption and a relative bioavailability around 1.6 times greater than the previous powder formulation.

Biotron Managing Director Dr Michelle Miller said the results mean the safety profile of BIT225 can be improved by using lower dose levels.

“In essence, this trial has demonstrated we can use lower doses of BIT225 to achieve higher blood levels of the compound in patients safely and efficiently,” she said. “These results bolster BIT225’s overall data package and increase its appeal to potential licensing partners.”

The single-dose, two-phase crossover study involved 12 healthy Australian volunteers. Subjects were randomised to receive 400 mg of BIT225 in either capsule or powder form. Blood sampling was conducted after 96 hours. Two week later, participants received the alternate formulation.

Biotron plans to use the new capsules for a three-month phase IIb trial of BIT225 in Hepatitis C patients due to commence later this year.

Biotron said it developed the new capsule in collaboration with a specialist US pharmaceutical company.

The company is also trialling BIT225 in patients co-infected with both HIV and HCV. Prior trials suggest the drug has the ability to target HIV reservoir cells.

Biotron (ASX:BIT) shares were trading unchanged at $0.087 as of around 12 pm on Friday.