Start-Ups Look For Places In Future HCV Combo Regimens

With more than 50 drugs in development for hepatitis C, what comes next after first-generation protease inhibitors and what opportunity might there be for small start-up firms in a space where so many Big Pharma and specialty pharma companies are active? Approvals of direct-acting antiviral therapies are just around the corner in hepatitis C, and smaller companies are looking to provide parts of the puzzle in next-generation drug cocktails that will tackle the growing disease. However, in order for small companies to succeed in this highly competitive space they'll need highly differentiated products. START-UP profiles AiCuris, Avila Therapeutics, Okairos, Viroblock and Zirus.