LETTER TO THE EDITOR : Timetable for Trials of Isis Compounds

Isis Pharmaceuticals was pleased to be included in the recent article on the challenges biotechnology companies face in raising the necessary capital to fund research and development (“The Rocky Road to New Drugs,” June 25). We would like to elaborate on the timing of clinical trials for two of the company’s compounds.

Isis currently has three compounds in clinical development, two of which were mentioned in the article. The compound in development as a treatment for CMV retinitis is in Phase III trials. Some of these trials may be completed toward the end of 1996, and a decision concerning the compound’s efficacy will be made following completion of these trials. If the results of these trials are positive, Isis plans to aggressively pursue U.S. and European registration of this compound in 1997.

The compound in development for genital warts is currently in a Phase II clinical trial. Results from that trial will be available toward the end of 1995. If the results of the Phase II trial support further development, Isis plans to proceed with quality studies.

--B. LYNNE PARSHALL

Senior vice president, Isis Pharmaceuticals