Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Lonafarnib / Ritonavir With and Without Pegylated Interferon -Alfa-2a

Two LNF-containing regimens will be evaluated in the D-LIVR Phase 3 study: (1) LNF/RTV/PEG IFN-alfa-2a and (2) LNF/RTV. Each of these arms will have efficacy endpoints that measure clinical benefit with regard to viral suppression and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization. For each LNF-containing regimen, a composite endpoint of EOT (48 weeks) virologic response and ALT normalization will be used. Virologic response will be defined as a 2 log10 IU/mL reduction from baseline.

This partially double-blind, randomized study will employ a matrix (factorial) design to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LNF 50 mg/RTV 100 mg twice per day (BID) with and without PEG IFN-alfa-2a 180 mcg once-weekly (QW) for 48 weeks compared to no treatment (placebo LNF and placebo RTV) in patients chronically infected with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and receiving anti-HBV (hepatitis B virus) nucleos(t)ide maintenance therapy.

Approximately 400 patients will be randomized with an allocation ratio of 7:5:2:2 All patients will receive/maintain background anti-HBV nucleos(t)ide therapy with entecavir or tenofovir for at least 12 weeks prior to initiating study therapy.

All patients who complete 48 weeks of treatment will have a liver biopsy for histology assessment at EOT and will be followed for an additional 24 weeks off study treatment.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Chronic HDV infection for at least 6 months in duration, documented by a positive HDV antibody test and HDV RNA ≥ 500 IU/mL.

   Note: All genotypes of HDV permitted.
2. Demonstrable suppression of HBV DNA following at least 12 weeks of anti-HBV nucleos(t)ide treatment with entecavir or tenofovir prior to initiating therapy.
3. Serum ALT \> 1.3 x upper limit of the normal range (ULN) and \< 10 x ULN.
4. Baseline liver biopsy demonstrating evidence of chronic hepatitis.
5. ECGs demonstrating no acute ischemia or clinically significant abnormality.
6. Normal dilated retinal examination.

Exclusion Criteria:

General Exclusions

1. Previous use of LNF within 12 months.
2. Current or previous history of decompensated liver disease.
3. Co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis C virus (HCV) by detectable HIV RNA and HCV RNA, respectively.
4. Evidence of significant portal hypertension.
5. Current evidence or history of ascites requiring diuretics or paracentesis, or hepatic encephalopathy.
6. History of hepatocellular carcinoma.
7. Patients with any of the following:

   * Current eating disorder
   * Evidence of alcohol substance use disorder.
   * Drug abuse within the previous 6 months before screening.
8. Prior history or current evidence of any of the following:

   * Immunologically mediated disease,
   * Retinal disorder or clinically relevant ophthalmic disorder,
   * Any malignancy within 5 years before screening,
   * Cardiomyopathy or significant ischemic cardiac or cerebrovascular disease,
   * Chronic pulmonary disease,
   * Pancreatitis or colitis,
   * Severe or uncontrolled psychiatric disorder.
9. Other significant medical condition that may require intervention during the study.
10. Any condition that may impact proper absorption.
11. Therapy with an immunomodulatory agent, IFN-α (eg, IFN alfa-2a or IFN-alfa-2b, or pegylated IFN-alfa-2a or alfa 2b), cytotoxic agent, or chronic systemic corticosteroids within 12 months of screening.
12. Use of heparin or warfarin.
13. Systemic antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals for treatment of active infection other than HBV.
14. Receipt of systemic immunosuppressive therapy.
15. History or evidence for any intolerance or hypersensitivity to LNF, RTV, PEG IFN-alfa-2a, tenofovir or entecavir.