Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) has officially halted development of BMS-986094, a once-promising nucleotide polymerase (NS5B) inhibitor, according to a statement from the company released Thursday, August 23. The decision follows the termination of a Phase II clinical trial of the drug, in which one volunteer experienced heart failure and died and eight other patients were hospitalized for heart- and kidney-related problems. “In the interest of all patients participating in hepatitis C clinical studies, and in cooperation with the FDA, we will make relevant information on BMS-986094 available to inform the development of other investigational compounds to treat hepatitis C. We will also work expeditiously to share the results of our further investigations more broadly in the medical and scientific community,” said Elliott Sigal, MD, PhD, executive vice president and chief scientific officer at BMS.

To read the Phase II clinical trial termination report, click here.