Worcester pharmaceutical firm AbbVie has received priority review status from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for its drug meant to treat those suffering from chronic hepatitis C virus.
The priority review – granted only for drugs expected to significantly improve serious medical conditions – shortens the review period from the standard 10 months to six months.
AbbVie has partnered with Watertown research-and-development firm Enanta Pharmaceuticals to develop this Viekira Pak treatment regimen. The various components of the regimen are designed to treat chronic hepatitis infections, including some who may suffer from cirrhosis.
Roughly 2.7 million Americans suffer from the chronic hepatitis C virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
