Singapore: Bristol-Myers Squibb has discontinued the development of BMS-986094 (formerly known as INX-189), a nucleotide polymerase (NS5B) inhibitor that was in phase II development for the treatment of hepatitis C. The decision was made in the interest of patient safety after the company voluntarily suspended drug administration in the trial on August 1, 2012. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) subsequently placed the compound on clinical hold.

The initial case of heart failure, which was the basis for halting the study, subsequently resulted in death. The company is working in close collaboration with the FDA and clinical study investigators to conduct ongoing, comprehensive assessments and close follow-up of all BMS-986094 study patients. To date, nine patients have been hospitalized. While the cause of these unexpected events, which involve heart and kidney toxicity, has not been definitively established, the company has determined that it is in the best interest of patients to halt development of BMS-986094.

"The decision to halt development of BMS-986094 has been guided by our overriding interest in protecting patients," said Dr Elliott Sigal, executive vice president and chief scientific officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "In the interest of all patients participating in hepatitis C clinical studies, and in cooperation with the FDA, we will make relevant information on BMS-986094 available to inform the development of other investigational compounds to treat hepatitis C. We will also work expeditiously to share the results of our further investigations more broadly in the medical and scientific community."