BioChem Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: BCHE;
TSE: BCH) announced today that it was issued a U.S. patent on
lamivudine in combination with other antiviral agents, expiring in 2018.
U.S. Patent No. 6,180,639 covers pharmaceutical compositions
comprising lamivudine in combination with other antiviral agents, as well
as methods of treatment for HIV infection using lamivudine and other
antiviral agents. Marketed as Epivir and 3TC, lamivudine is a nucleoside
analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor which was discovered by
BioChem Pharma and approved by the U.S.
FDA in 1995. It has
become the most widely used antiretroviral agent for the treatment of
HIV infection and
AIDS.
"This is an important patent which covers some of 3TC’s main
strengths, it’s safety and potency when used in combination with other
agents." said Dr. Gervais Dionne, Chief Scientific Officer at BioChem
Pharma. "Potent antiviral activity, unique safety profile, and ease of use
make 3TC an integral part of the multi-drug combination regimens taken
by most patients with HIV infection."
BioChem Pharma is an innovative and fast-growing biopharmaceutical
company focused on
infectious diseases and cancer.
On December 11, 2000, BioChem entered into an agreement to merge
with
Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc, to form a leading global
specialty pharmaceutical company. More details on this proposed
merger and other aspects of the company are available on the BioChem
website at www.biochempharma.com
Under agreement, BioChem Pharma receives royalties from
GlaxoSmithKline on sales of its discovery lamivudine for use in
treatment of both HIV/AIDS (3TC/Epivir/Combivir/Trizivir) and HBV
(Zeffix/Zefix/Epivir-HBV/Heptovir/Heptodin). GlaxoSmithKline has the
right to develop, manufacture and sell lamivudine worldwide, except in
Canada, where BioChem Pharma and GlaxoSmithKline have formed a
commercialization partnership.