AL-704 is a nucleotide based NS5B polymerase inhibitor also known as JNJ-54257099, by Alios Biopharma, part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies.
It is intended for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in combination with other direct acting antiviral agents.
In 2008, Medivir entered a research & development agreement in the field of HCV polymerase with Janssen Products.
AL-704 is the second candidate drug developed under this deal that enters into clinical development.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-part Phase I trial of orally administered AL-704 will evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of single ascending doses and food-effect in healthy volunteers, and multiple doses in subjects with chronic hepatitis C infection of genotype 1 and 3.