Vertex: FDA Hep C Panel Live Blog

BETHESDA, Md. (TheStreet) -- An FDA advisory panel meets today to review a new hepatitis C drug from Vertex Pharmaceuticals(VRTX).

The Vertex drug, known as telaprevir, is one of the most advanced entrants in a new class of oral drugs that acts directly against the hepatitis C virus and promises to radically improve cure rates while cutting treatment duration.

The same panel of FDA-appointed experts voted 18-0 Wednesday to recommend approval of a competing hepatitis C drug developed by Merck(MRK).

Both telaprevir and boceprevir could be approved and launched later this year, transforming the way hepatitis C is treated and leading to blockbuster sales.

In a preliminary review of telaprevir posted to its web site Tuesday, the FDA agreed with Vertex's clinical data demonstrating that the drug increases cure rates for hepatitis C over standard treatment. The FDA raised some concerns about rash caused by telaprevir.

The FDA advisory panel will end Thursday's meeting with a vote on whether to recommend approval of telaprevir. FDA makes the final approval decision. The agency is expected to issue its ruling by May 23.

Vertex shares closed Wednesday at $55.54.

--Written by Adam Feuerstein in Boston.

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