STOCKHOLM, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 29, 2005--The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) collaboration with Tibotec Pharmaceuticals Ltd has recently designated a Candidate Drug (CD). The aim of the research collaboration is to identify and develop orally active inhibitors of the HCV protease NS3/4A. The collaboration was initiated in November 2004 and attaining a CD designation represents an important step on the way towards clinical development. Separately, the first milestone for preclinical development has been reached in the program, triggering a milestone payment to Medivir of EUR 5m.
