Atea reports Phase 3 HCV win, HEV progress, and new Hercules credit line

Atea Pharmaceuticals said on November 9, 2026 that its Phase 3 "C-BEYOND" trial met its goals for the combination of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir (BEM/RZR) in hepatitis C. In the modified intent-to-treat population of 905 patients, BEM/RZR achieved a 93.91% sustained virologic response rate versus 94.75% for SOF/VEL (Epclusa) at Week 24, encompassing SVR at 12 weeks post-treatment, the accepted definition of cure for HCV, in both arms.¹ Non-inferiority was also met on secondary endpoints, including the per-protocol analysis, and rates of virologic failure were low and similar between arms.¹ Safety results for BEM/RZR tracked closely with the comparator regimen, the company said.

The second pivotal study, "C-FORWARD," run outside North America, has completed enrollment with more than 880 patients across 17 countries, and topline results are expected in early 2027.¹ Those results are meant to show BEM/RZR's efficacy across a broad range of HCV genotypes to support an NDA submission to the FDA targeted for mid-2027.¹

On the hepatitis E side, the Phase 1 study of AT-587 has completed its single ascending dose portion and is now in the multiple ascending dose portion, with a proof-of-concept study anticipated in the first half of 2027.¹

Separately, Atea entered a credit facility with Hercules Capital for up to $200 million on November 9, 2026, drawing $65 million at closing on November 6, 2026.¹ The company may access up to $135 million more if it hits specified milestones.¹ Atea said its current cash, equivalents and investments, combined with this facility, are expected to fund operations into mid-2028.¹ At quarter end, cash and investments stood at $191.2 million, down from $301.8 million at December 31, 2025.¹