SHANGHAI, Nov. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- WuXi PharmaTech
(Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: WX), a leading open-access R&D capability
and technology platform company serving the pharmaceutical,
biotechnology, and medical device industries, congratulates our
partner and WuXi Venture Fund portfolio company Novira Therapeutics
for its agreement to be acquired by Johnson and Johnson.
Novira's lead compound, NVR 3-778, is a small-molecule,
direct-acting antiviral for oral administration in patients with
hepatitis B virus (HBV). The compound inhibits the HBV core
or capsid protein, a novel and promising drug target because it is
involved in multiple activities required for viral replication and
persistence. HBV infection afflicts about 350 million people
worldwide, and currently approved treatments rarely result in a
cure. WuXi provided integrated medicinal chemistry,
pharmacology, DMPK, ADME and toxicology services for NVR 3-778 that
contributed to its rapid preclinical progression and selection as a
clinical candidate. WuXi Venture Fund invested in Novira in
August 2012.
"We commend our partner Novira on this significant milestone,"
said Dr. Ge Li, Chairman and CEO of
WuXi PharmaTech. "WuXi is proud to have played a part in
Novira's journey of bringing innovative antiviral drugs closer to
patients, and we wish Novira's programs continued
success."
About WuXi PharmaTech
WuXi PharmaTech is a leading open-access R&D capability and
technology platform company serving the pharmaceutical,
biotechnology, and medical device industries, with operations in
China and the United States.
As a research-driven and customer-focused company, WuXi PharmaTech
provides a broad and integrated portfolio of services throughout
the drug and medical device R&D process. WuXi is also
building a platform to provide clinical diagnostic services
directly to physicians and their patients globally. WuXi
PharmaTech's services are designed to assist its global partners in
shortening the cycle and lowering the cost of drug and medical
device R&D. WuXi PharmaTech's operating subsidiaries are known
as WuXi AppTec. For more information, please visit:
http://www.wuxiapptec.com.
For more information, please contact:
WuXi PharmaTech
Ronald Aldridge (for
investors)
LaVoieHealthScience
+1 617-374-8800 x109
+1 617-792-2459
ir@wuxiapptec.com
Aaron Shi (for the media)
Director, Corporate Communications
WuXi PharmaTech
+86-21-5046-4362
pr@wuxiapptec.com
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SOURCE WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc.