Human Genome Sciences Modifies Dosing in Achieve Trials of Al...( ROCKVILLE Md. Jan. 23 /- Human Ge...),Health

ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Human Genome Sciences Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) announced today that it will modify the dosing in one arm of each of its ACHIEVE clinical trials of Albuferon(R) (albinterferon alfa-2b) for chronic hepatitis C. Patients in the Phase 3 trials who have been receiving the 1200-mcg dose will now receive a 900-mcg dose. The change is based on recommendations made by the studies' independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC). HGS continues to expect to have all Phase 3 data available by spring 2009 to support the filing of global marketing authorization applications by fall 2009.

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"For some time we have viewed the 900-mcg dose administered every two weeks as the most likely marketed dose of Albuferon," said H. Thomas Watkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, HGS. "The 900-mcg dose demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety to Pegasys in Phase 2 - with half the injections, improvements in quality of life and fewer missed days of work during treatment. We continue to believe that Albuferon could become the market-leading interferon for the treatment of hepatitis C if Phase 2 900-mcg results are confirmed in Phase 3."

Consistent with its charter, the DMC routinely reviews all adverse events for each treatment group. Serious pulmonary adverse events, while expected and rare during interferon therapy, were higher in the treatment group receiving 1200-mcg Albuferon administered every two weeks. The DMC did not express any safety concerns about the 900-mcg dose of Albuferon. Based on the DMC's review and conclusions, the patients receiving a 12
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