0001021408-01-508432.txt : 20011026
0001021408-01-508432.hdr.sgml : 20011026
ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001021408-01-508432
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20011019
ITEM INFORMATION: Other events
FILED AS OF DATE: 20011019
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: VIROPHARMA INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000946840
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834]
IRS NUMBER: 232789550
STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 8-K
SEC ACT: 1934 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-21699
FILM NUMBER: 1762755
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 405 EAGLEVIEW BLVD
STREET 2: PO BOX 5000
CITY: EXTON
STATE: PA
ZIP: 19341
BUSINESS PHONE: 6104587300
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 76 GREAT VALLEY PARKWAY
CITY: MALVERN
STATE: PA
ZIP: 19355
8-K
1
d8k.txt
FORM 8-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 19, 2001
VIROPHARMA INCORPORATED
-----------------------
(Exact name of issuer as specified in charter)
DELAWARE 0-021699 23-2789550
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or file Identification
Organization) number) Number)
405 EAGLEVIEW BOULEVARD
EXTON, PENNSYLVANIA 19341
(Address of principal executive offices)
(610) 458-7300
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Item 5 - Other Events.
ViroPharma Incorporated ("ViroPharma") is filing a set of "Frequently Asked
Questions" and the answers to these questions. The "Frequently Asked Questions"
reflect information that experience has demonstrated to be often requested by
analysts and investors.
ViroPharma Incorporated
Frequently Asked Questions
See "Important Information Regarding the Answers to
these Frequently Asked Questions" below.
(Revised through October 2001)
Pleconaril and Picornavirus Diseases
------------------------------------
What are picornaviruses and what diseases do they cause?
Picornaviruses are a large, very prevalent group of RNA viruses that
are responsible for a significant portion of all human viral disease.
These viruses, particularly the rhinovirus and enterovirus members of
the picornavirus family, cause a diverse range of illnesses. They are
the predominant cause of viral respiratory infection (VRI, often
referred to as the common cold), myocarditis, encephalitis,
bronchitis, otitis media, neonatal enteroviral disease and viral
meningitis. Infections by these viruses can also lead to acute disease
exacerbations in individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). Immunocompromised patients, including
transplant patients and patients receiving chemotherapy, are extremely
susceptible to severe and life-threatening diseases caused by
picornavirus infections.
Currently, there are no antiviral medicines available to treat
picornavirus infections.
Did you select a brand name for pleconaril?
Yes. We have selected Picovir(TM) as the brand name for pleconaril. We
expect to submit this name to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) for its final approval with our new drug application (NDA) for
Picovir(TM).
How do you pronounce Picovir(TM)?
Picovir(TM) is pronounced PIKE-o-veer.
What is Picovir(TM)?
Picovir(TM) is a proprietary, orally administered small molecule
inhibitor of picornaviruses that was discovered by scientists who
founded or are currently with VIROPHARMA. Picovir(TM) has been
demonstrated to inhibit picornavirus replication in vitro by a novel,
virus-specific mode of action. Picovir(TM) works by inhibiting the
function of the viral protein coat, also known as the viral capsid,
which is essential for virus infectivity and transmission. Laboratory
studies have shown that Picovir(TM) integrates within the picornavirus
capsid at a specific site that is common to a majority of
picornaviruses, including rhinoviruses and enteroviruses, and disrupts
several stages of the virus infection cycle. Based on these laboratory
studies, our clinical trials completed to date, and Picovir's(TM)
broad spectrum anti-picornavirus activity, we believe that Picovir(TM)
may be useful in treating a number of picornavirus diseases. There are
currently no antiviral medicines available to treat these diseases.
What were the results of your two pivotal studies of Picovir(TM) in
adults for the treatment of VRI?
On March 15, 2001, we announced preliminary analyses of the results
from two pivotal studies with Picovir(TM) (pleconaril) for the
treatment of viral respiratory infection (VRI, often referred to as
the common cold) in adults. Preliminary analyses of results from these
pivotal studies conducted at 200 clinical sites throughout the United
States and Canada demonstrated that patients with a VRI caused by a
picornavirus who were treated with pleconaril experienced a
statistically significant decrease in disease duration and in cold
symptom severity. Additionally, these patients experienced a
statistically significant treatment benefit within 24 hours of first
dose. In these studies, pleconaril-treated patients also experienced
consistent reductions in other endpoint measures, and a significant
decrease in viral shedding early in the treatment period. Pleconaril
was well tolerated, with a side effect profile similar to placebo.
In the phase 3 studies, adult patients were randomized to receive 400
mg of pleconaril or placebo three times daily for five days. In the
combined enrollment of 2,096 patients, 65% of patients had a VRI
caused by a picornavirus, the leading cause of the common cold. The
primary endpoint in these studies was time to complete resolution of
rhinorrhea and reduction in all other evaluated disease symptoms to
absent or mild for 48 hours. The primary analysis population in these
studies was patients with a VRI caused by a picornavirus, as
determined by research assays based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
technology.
In the primary analysis population in both studies,
picornavirus-infected patients treated with pleconaril experienced a
statistically significant reduction in the primary endpoint when
compared to placebo (6.2 days versus 7.7 days, p=0.001; and 6.6 days
versus 7.2 days, p=0.037, respectively).
In all randomized patients in both studies, pleconaril treated
patients experienced a reduction in the primary endpoint when compared
to placebo. In one study, the reduction was statistically significant
(6.2 days versus 7.1 days, p=0.015; and 6.4 days versus 6.9 days,
p=0.201, respectively).
In a combined analysis of both studies, picornavirus-infected and all
randomized patients treated with pleconaril experienced statistically
significant reductions in the primary endpoint when compared to
placebo (for picornavirus-infected patients: 6.3 days versus 7.3 days,
p = (less than)0.001; for all randomized patients: 6.3 days versus 7.0
days, p = 0.009).
Pleconaril-treated patients in the primary analysis population
experienced clinically meaningful and statistically significant
reductions in several secondary endpoints, including a reduction in
viral shedding early in the treatment period, a decrease in symptom
severity and a reduction in the time to a patient's assessment of
having "no cold."
Are you performing any additional studies with Picovir(TM)?
Yes. We are studying Picovir(TM) in order to explore its utility in
pediatric patients suffering from VRI and to determine its potential
for prophylactic use.
Have you submitted an NDA for Picovir(TM)?
Yes. We submitted an NDA (new drug application) to the FDA requesting
permission to market Picovir(TM) for the treatment of VRI in adults on
July 31, 2001. In September 2001, the FDA notified us that our NDA was
accepted for review.
When do you think you will hear from the FDA about its decision on
your NDA?
The standard review time for a new drug application is 12 months. We
have been working collaboratively with the FDA and we will expedite
the process to the extent possible.
When do you plan on launching Picovir(TM)?
If we receive approval, we plan to be able to launch the product
candidate as soon as we can after receiving approval. Based upon a 12
month review period, we could expect to launch in the 3rd quarter of
2002.
What will be the primary indication for Picovir(TM)?
Picovir(TM) currently is not approved for use in any indication. A
number of clinical trials with Picovir(TM) have been completed and
still others are ongoing and planned to evaluate the safety and
effectiveness of Picovir(TM) in various clinical situations. To date,
Picovir(TM) has been administered to over 4,000 individuals and has
been found to have a safety and tolerability profile similar to that
of placebo. We submitted an NDA to the FDA requesting permission to
market Picovir(TM) for the treatment of VRI in adults. However, the
details of the final indication as described in Picovir's(TM) labeling
will depend on FDA's review of the NDA, and on our discussions with
FDA.
How will you commercialize Picovir(TM)?
In September 2001, we announced that we have formed a collaboration to
co-develop and co-promote Picovir(TM) in the United States with
Aventis Pharmaceuticals, the U.S. pharmaceutical company of Aventis
Pharma AG. As part of the agreement, if Picovir(TM) is approved by the
FDA, Aventis will distribute and record revenues from sales of
Picovir, and both companies will share net profits: 55 percent to
Aventis and 45 percent to ViroPharma. ViroPharma will co-promote
certain Aventis Pharmaceuticals prescription products to primary care
physicians in the United States.
ViroPharma intends to hire the first portion of its sales force by
early 2002, initially to co-promote two of Aventis' prescription
products to primary care physicians in the United States. If
Picovir(TM) is approved, the ViroPharma sales force would then be able
to continue to promote one of the two products. If ViroPharma hires
its sales force by early 2002, then this co-promotion right will
continue for a minimum of two years and may be extended. During this
period, ViroPharma will receive detailing fees for calls made to
promote Aventis's products.
Have you determined the price of a course of treatment for
Picovir(TM)?
No. The price for Picovir(TM) will depend on our completion of pricing
analyses. Also, we currently are in the process of identifying a
strategic partner to help us market Picovir(TM). Our partner would, of
course, participate in these analyses. We will not set the price for
Picovir(TM) until shortly before launch. We will not speculate on the
price before that time.
What are your projected sales for Picovir(TM)?
Sales are related to the price for Picovir(TM) among many other
factors. We will not be in a position to comment on sales projections
for some time. If and when we decide to
comment on this topic, we will do so in a manner that ensures that
this information is broadly accessible and disseminated.
What are some of the key points in your revised agreement with
Sanofi-Synthelabo for Picovir(TM)?
Sanofi-Synthelabo will receive a royalty on our sales of Picovir(TM).
Sanofi-Synthelabo agreed to reduce the royalty rates applicable to our
sales of Picovir(TM) in the United States and Canada after our
selection of a copromotion partner from a rate in the mid-teens to an
effective rate in the high-single digits. The royalty rate applicable
to Sanofi-Synthelabo's sales of Picovir(TM) in the rest of the world
also will be reduced to the low-single digits. We expanded our
intellectual property rights around Picovir(TM) by obtaining the
exclusive rights to a series of additional patents covering compounds
that are either structurally related to Picovir(TM) or that have
antiviral activity. In connection with this expansion of patent
rights, we issued Sanofi-Synthelabo 750,000 shares of our common
stock. The issuance of these shares resulted in an accounting charge
of approximately $16,500,000 to our results of operations for the
first quarter of 2001. We also have no further obligations to pay
milestones to Sanofi-Synthelabo under the revised agreement, or to pay
for clinical development in Europe.
Why did Sanofi-Synthelabo agree to reduce the royalty rates in your
agreement with them for Picovir(TM)?
Because Sanofi-Synthelabo will receive a royalty on our sales of
Picovir(TM), we believe that Sanofi-Synthelabo realizes that our
ability to increase the commercial potential of the product will
benefit them. Engaging a co-promotion partner with a strong U.S.
primary care sales force is important for us in order to accomplish
this objective. Sanofi agreed to the rate reduction to assist us in
attracting a top-tier primary care partner. In other words, we believe
that higher sales with a lower royalty rate is likely to be more
beneficial to Sanofi-Synthelabo than lower sales with a higher royalty
rate.
Hepatitis C Program
-------------------
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is recognized as a major cause of chronic
hepatitis worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates
that 170 million people are infected throughout the world. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are
nearly 4 million people infected with HCV in the United States.
Approximately 85 percent of persons infected with HCV develop chronic
hepatitis, of which 20 percent progress to liver cirrhosis. Chronic
HCV infection can also lead to the development of hepatocellular
carcinoma and liver failure. There are no vaccines or
specific antiviral treatments available for hepatitis C, and current
treatments are effective in only 10% to 40% of patients.
Do you have a product candidate to treat hepatitis C?
Yes. VIROPHARMA, with its HCV partner American Home Products
Corporation, is committed to finding and developing antiviral
treatments for hepatitis C. Toward this end, the VIROPHARMA-AHP team
is pursuing a broad research and development program. Our lead
candidate is a small molecule virus inhibitor that was originally
discovered by VIROPHARMA scientists. This hepatitis C product
candidate is a member of a novel group of small molecule compounds
that has been shown in laboratory studies to specifically inhibit a
key replication activity of HCV.
Is your hepatitis C product candidate in human clinical trials?
Yes. We initiated Phase II studies with our first HCV product
candidate, VP50406, in adult patients infected with HCV during the
fourth quarter of 2000. These initial Phase II studies are designed to
evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of the compound, but will
also assess the effect of the product candidate on virus load in
patients.
Can you describe these HCV trials?
We are evaluating our HCV product candidate both in adult patients who
are treatment naive and in patients who are non-responders to standard
therapies. The objectives of our Phase II program in hepatitis C are
to monitor safety and to evaluate different doses for VP50406. Our
study is evaluating doses ranging from 200 mg. to 800 mg. We perform
these dose ranging tests to determine the dose level, if any, at which
VP50406 may demonstrate specific antiviral activity. The current
portion of our study is focused on the 800 mg. dose as the 200 mg. and
400 mg. doses indicate that we need to evaluate higher dosage levels.
We continue to pursue aggressively other promising compounds in our
HCV alliance with American Home Products in order to maximize the
program's chances for success and in anticipation of the need,
suggested by partial results from our current study to date, to
advance additional compounds into clinical trials.
When will you announce results from your Phase II studies in HCV?
Currently, we expect to announce preliminary results from our Phase
IIa HCV clinical program during the second half of 2001.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Program
-----------------------------------------
What is RSV and RSV disease?
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a major viral respiratory
tract pathogen that often causes pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Yearly
RSV disease epidemics in the U.S. typically begin in November and
continue through April. The virus is highly contagious and infects
individuals of all ages, generally causing respiratory symptoms that
include runny nose, cough and wheezing. More than 90% of children
throughout the world are infected during the first two years of life.
However, previous RSV infection does not protect against subsequent
infection. Consequently, symptomatic RSV re-infections are very
frequent events throughout life. Infants and young children that are
premature or have various heart or lung diseases are at great risk of
serious RSV morbidity and mortality.
RSV can also cause serious disease in adults and the elderly.
Epidemiological data indicate that the impact of RSV in older adults
may be similar to that of influenza. Hospitalization costs due to RSV
in infants and the elderly are estimated up to $1 billion annually in
the U.S. Other individuals at risk of serious and life-threatening
complications arising from RSV infections include bone marrow
transplant patients and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (including bronchitis and emphysema) and asthma. More than 42
million Americans fall into these groups.
There currently are no vaccines available for the prevention of RSV
disease. Immunoglobulin products are available for prophylactic use in
certain high risk infants with RSV infections. Supportive care is the
principle therapy for the disease, although more severe cases may
require oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. Ribavirin,
administered by aerosol to minimize the drug's adverse effects, is
occasionally used for treatment of cases of RSV pneumonia and
bronchiolitis.
Do you have a product candidate to treat RSV disease?
Yes. Scientists at VIROPHARMA have discovered a novel antiviral
product candidate for the potential treatment of RSV disease that has
proven to be extremely potent and very selective in laboratory
studies. The product candidate, designated VP14637, is a member of a
novel small molecule compound series that has been shown in laboratory
studies to inhibit RSV replication by affecting functions of the viral
F (fusion) protein, a highly conserved RSV protein that is essential
for virus reproduction.
We are developing VP14637 as part of our broader RSV antiviral
program. Currently we are developing this compound for administration
by inhalation using drug delivery device technology that we licensed
from Battelle Pulmonary Therapeutics. We believe that this technology
is well suited for VP14637 and can efficiently administer the drug
directly to the primary site of virus infection, the lungs.
Is your RSV product candidate in human clinical trials?
Yes. During the fourth quarter of 2000, we initiated human clinical
trials with VP14637. These studies are designed to evaluate the safety
and pharmacokinetics of the compound in healthy human volunteers. If
the drug exhibits a favorable safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic
profile in these initial studies, we would expect to initiate Phase II
trials in patients infected with RSV sometime during the second half
of 2001. In October 2001, we filed an Investigational New Drug
application, or IND with the FDA for this product candidate.
Corporate Information
---------------------
When will you announce operating results?
VIROPHARMA's practice is to announce results for the first three
calendar quarters during the last week of the month following the
close of the applicable quarter, and to announce fourth quarter and
year-end operating results by the end of February.
Important Information Regarding the Answers to these
"Frequently Asked Questions"
------------------------------
The answers to these "Frequently Asked Questions" contain forward-looking
statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including those
relating to:
. our estimated timeframes for the initiation of clinical trials for
Picovir(TM) and our other product candidates;
. our expected patient populations for our HCV and RSV clinical trials;
. our estimated timeframes for the release of clinical data;
. our estimated timeframes for the review of our NDA for Picovir(TM) by
the FDA;
. our expected initial approved indication for Picovir(TM);
. our estimated timeframes for the launch of Picovir(TM);
. the market opportunity for Picovir(TM) and the effect of a marketing
partner on such market opportunity; and
. our selection of the name Picovir(TM) as our proposed brand name for
pleconaril.
There can be no assurance that:
. we can initiate clinical trials for Picovir(TM) or for our other
product candidates during the timeframe that we expect;
. the patient populations for our HCV and RSV clinical trials will be
the populations that we expect;
. clinical data for any of our clinical trials will be released during
the timeframe that we expect;
. FDA will review the NDA for Picovir(TM) during the timeframe that we
expect;
. FDA or other regulatory authority approval for Picovir(TM) or any
other product candidate that we have under development will be granted
on a timely basis or at all;
. even if approved, Picovir(TM) will be indicated initially for the
treatment of adults suffering from viral respiratory infection;
. even if Picovir(TM) is approved, that Picovir(TM) (or any of our other
product candidates) will be launched during the timeframe that we
expect, will achieve market acceptance, or that a commercialization
partner will be able to maximize the potential for Picovir(TM); or
. FDA will approve of our use of the name Picovir(TM) as the brand name
for pleconaril.
Investigational pharmaceutical products, such as all of our product candidates,
require significant time and effort for research and development, laboratory
testing and clinical testing prior to regulatory approval and commercialization.
As a result, all of the activities described in the answers to the "Frequently
Asked Questions" are subject to risks and uncertainties. These factors, and
other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from the
expectations expressed answers to the "Frequently Asked Questions", include, but
are not limited to, those described in our most recent registration statement on
Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking
statements contained in the answers to the "Frequently Asked Questions" may
become outdated over time. VIROPHARMA does not assume any responsibility for
updating any forward-looking statements. From time-to-time, statements made by
VIROPHARMA may modify or replace prior statements found in the "Frequently Asked
Questions" or other releases and investors should refer to the most recently
dated material available. Presenting information in the "Frequently Asked
Questions" or updating this information from to time should not be deemed an
acknowledgement that such information is material or otherwise required to be
disclosed.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of
1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
VIROPHARMA INCORPORATED
Date: October 19, 2001 By: /s/ Michel de Rosen
-------------------
Michel de Rosen
President and Chief Executive Officer