WuXi PharmaTech Congratulates Novira Therapeutics

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.