Epiphany Biosciences has initiated enrollment in shingles study with valomaciclovir (MIV-606, EBP-348) licensed from Medivir

Epiphany Biosciences has initiated enrollment in shingles study with
valomaciclovir (MIV-606, EBP-348) licensed from Medivir

Epiphany Biosciences announced today that the first patient was enrolled in a
Phase IIb clinical trial with valomaciclovir for the treatment of herpes zoster,
also known as shingles. Valomaciclovir is a highly potent anti-viral with
enhanced delivery and bioavailability.

“The initiation of this dose-finding study is an important milestone in our
development of valomaciclovir,” said Fred Volinsky, MD, Chief Executive Officer.
“Shingles, especially in the elderly population, can pose a serious threat to
quality of life. Despite the approval of the adult zoster vaccine, we believe
that the potential market for effective zoster medications will double in size
based on the published vaccine efficacy rates and the aging of the baby
boomers.”

“There are roughly one million cases of herpes zoster in the United States
annually and current therapy requires multiple dosing, anywhere from three to
five times a day.  These dosing schedules can be problematic for patient
populations who are already taking multiple medications for other co-morbid
conditions,” stated Brian Murphy, MD, Chief Medical Officer. “This clinical
trial is designed to examine the safety and efficacy of once-daily
valomaciclovir against an active comparator, three times daily Valtrex, and is
adequately powered to assess a number of pivotal outcomes.” 

“Advancing a therapy that is conducive to better compliance is sorely needed in
this therapeutic space,” noted Dr. Stephen Tyring, Professor of Medicine at the
University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and principal investigator
for the study.  “In light of the improved pharmacodynamic profile offered by
this drug, it is important to study it in larger, diverse populations that can
be affected by herpes zoster.”

The number of elderly patients at-risk for this disease is expected to increase
dramatically over the next decade as the world population ages. “While we are
working to advance valomaciclovir to become the next global brand for the
management of shingles, we are pleased that this compound also exhibits activity
both in vitro and in vivo against other types of viruses.  We plan to explore
these potential broad therapeutic possibilities given the spectrum of this
anti-viral profile,” said Dr. Volinsky."It is very encouraging that clinical studies with valomaciclovir now are
managed in a very competent way. Shingles patients need better treatments, that
is obvious to all who have been hit by this often long lasting and painful
disease" says Professor Bo Öberg, CEO Medivir HIV Franchise. "It will also be
exciting to see if valomaciclovir can help patients with other infections than
shingles".

About Epiphany Biosciences
Epiphany Biosciences is focused on advancing new therapies for viral disease.
Epiphany has formed a world-class virology team that includes two Lasker Award
winners. Epiphany is located in San Francisco, California, USA.  

Additional information on Epiphany Biosciences may be obtained at the company
website, www.epiphanybio.com, or by contacting company representatives at +1 415
765 7193.

For additional information, please contact
Bo Öberg, Prof, Medivir HIV Franchise AB, +46 8 5468 3116 or mobile +46 708
986440
Rein Piir, CFO & Vice President, Investor Relations, Medivir AB, +46 8 5468 3123
or 
+46 708 53 72 92.

For further information on Medivir, please see our website: www.medivir.se