Conatus Pharmaceuticals has treated its first patient in a multi-center phase IIb clinical trial evaluating CTS-1027 in combination with Peginterferon Alfa-2a (PegasysR) and ribavirin (CopegusR) in a treatment experienced, hepatitis C (HCV) null responder patient population.

CTS-1027 inhibits the activity of key members of a class of protease enzymes, the matrix metalloproteinases or MMPs. CTS-1027 has reduced and/or blocked HCV infection in in vitro preclinical models. It has potential to amplify the effectiveness of existing therapies in HCV-infected patients. CTS-1027 has well established anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects shown in models of acute hepatitis and liver fibrosis.

This clinical trial is a placebo-controlled, multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial. Dosing will last for up to 48 weeks. The company expects to enroll approximately 260 patients and will be conducted at up to 50 medical centers in the U.S.