Overview
Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is engaged in the discovery and development of drugs for the treatment of human viral and other infectious diseases. Building on its expertise in nucleoside chemistry and other small molecule chemistry and biology, the Company is well positioned to become a leader in antiviral pharmaceuticals. Idenix’s current focus is on the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. The Company has previously discovered and developed antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV/AIDS.
Idenix discovered, co-developed and co-launched telbivudine (Tyzeka®/ Sebivo®) for the treatment of HBV, for which Novartis AG now has worldwide commercialization rights. Idenix discovered and licensed in 2009 the drug candidate IDX899 (now referred to as GSK2248761) to ViiV Healthcare, an affiliate of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Idenix has focused its current efforts towards HCV due to the global unmet medical need for this viral disease. It is estimated that more than 170 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HCV.