Achillion Announces Nomination of ACH-3422 as Nucleotide for Treatment of Chronic HCV

Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

today announced the nomination of the preclinical compound, ACH-3422, a novel small molecule nucleotide prodrug of a uridine analog designed to inhibit HCV NS5B polymerase. This compound will be advanced as a development candidate for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) viral infection. Achillion plans to complete regulatory submissions during the first quarter of 2014, with first-in-human studies anticipated in the first half of 2014, followed by combination development in the second half of 2014. "Our research and discovery team has always maintained the highest standards for developing proprietary best-in-class compounds, and this has led to the nomination of ACH-3422, which we are now advancing toward the clinic," commented Milind Deshpande, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer. "The addition of ACH-3422 gives Achillion a portfolio of assets that also includes a 2nd generation protease inhibitor, sovaprevir, and a 2nd generation NS5A inhibitor, ACH-3102, which together