-- 12-Week Results with the Investigational ACC Inhibitor Show
Inhibition of De Novo Lipogenesis and Significant Reductions in Liver
Fat and Stiffness --
FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 21, 2017--
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:GILD) today announced results from an
open-label, proof-of-concept study evaluating GS-0976, an
investigational inhibitor of Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), in patients
with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The data, from ten patients
treated with GS-0976 20 mg taken orally once daily for 12 weeks,
indicated that treatment was associated with statistically significant
improvements in liver fat content and noninvasive markers of fibrosis,
via inhibition of hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL). The
late-breaking data were presented today during a general session at The
International Liver Congress™ 2017 in Amsterdam (#GS-009).
“The identification of novel strategies for reducing liver fibrosis is a
core focus in the development of therapies for patients with NASH,” said
Eric J. Lawitz, MD, lead study author and Vice President of Scientific
and Research Development, Texas Liver Institute and Clinical Professor
of Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio. “We know that
elevated DNL is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of NASH and
these data suggest that decreasing DNL through inhibition of ACC can
lead to significant reductions in both liver fat content and stiffness,
with early decreases in markers of liver fibrosis.”
Based on a novel approach involving the labeling of newly synthesized
palmitate by deuterated water administration, patients receiving GS-0976
experienced a median decrease of 29 percent in hepatic DNL from baseline
after 12 weeks. At week 12, patients receiving GS-0976 experienced a 43
percent median relative decrease in liver fat content, from 15.7 percent
to 9.0 percent (p=0.006), as measured by magnetic resonance
imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). Median liver stiffness,
a noninvasive marker of fibrosis, declined from 3.4 to 3.1 kPa at week
12 (p=0.049), as assessed by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). In
addition, patients with reductions in hepatic fat demonstrated
improvements in liver biochemistry and serum markers of fibrosis and
apoptosis, supporting the biological activity of GS-0976.
All adverse events were Grade 1 or 2 in severity. No patients
prematurely discontinued study medication.
Preclinical data from a mouse model of NASH are also being presented at
The International Liver Congress demonstrating that GS-0976 reduces
hepatic steatosis, liver biochemistry and the expression of pro-fibrotic
and pro-inflammatory genes in the liver (#FRI-352).
GS-0976 is an investigational therapy and has not been determined to be
safe or efficacious.
A separate Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
evaluating GS-0976 in 125 patients with NASH is ongoing. ACC catalyzes
the first step in DNL, the synthesis of fatty acids that contributes to
hepatic steatosis (fatty infiltration) and, subsequently, inflammation
and liver fibrosis. ACC also regulates beta oxidation, the burning of
fat by hepatic mitochondria.
About NASH
NASH is a chronic liver disease associated with steatosis, or
accumulation of fat within the liver, that can lead to inflammation,
progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis. The median survival for a NASH
patient with cirrhosis (F4) is approximately five years.
About Gilead’s Clinical Programs in NASH
Gilead is advancing multiple novel investigational compounds for the
treatment of NASH with advanced fibrosis. Gilead is currently planning
or conducting Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating
single-agent and combination therapy approaches against multiple core
pathways associated with NASH – metabolic dysregulation, inflammation
and fibrosis. Compounds in development include the apoptosis
signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) inhibitor, selonsertib; the selective,
non-steroidal Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, GS-9674; and GS-0976,
an inhibitor of ACC. Phase 3 trials evaluating selonsertib among NASH
patients with bridging fibrosis (F3) or cirrhosis (F4) are ongoing (the
STELLAR program). GS-9674 and GS-0976 are currently in Phase 2 NASH
studies.
Selonsertib, GS-9674 and GS-0976, alone and in combination, are
investigational therapies and have not been determined to be safe or
efficacious.
About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops
and commercializes innovative therapeutics in areas of unmet medical
need. The company’s mission is to advance the care of patients suffering
from life-threatening diseases. Gilead has operations in more than 30
countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are
subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including Gilead’s
ability to complete its Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trial programs
evaluating GS-0976, selonsertib and GS-9674 in patients with NASH in the
currently anticipated timelines or at all. In addition, there is the
possibility of unfavorable results from further clinical trials
involving these compounds. Further, it is possible that Gilead may make
a strategic decision to discontinue development of GS-0976, selonsertib
and GS-9674 if, for example, Gilead believes commercialization will be
difficult relative to other opportunities in its pipeline. As a result,
the compounds may never be successfully commercialized. These risks,
uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ
materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. The
reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.
These and other risks are described in detail in Gilead’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as filed with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements
are based on information currently available to Gilead, and Gilead
assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.
For more information on Gilead Sciences, please visit the company’s
website at www.gilead.com,
follow Gilead on Twitter (@GileadSciences) or call Gilead Public Affairs
at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or 1-650-574-3000
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170421005026/en/
Source: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Gilead Sciences, Inc.Sung Lee, 650-524-7792 (Investors)Nathan
Kaiser, 650-522-1853 (Media)
