Shares of ViroPharma Inc. (Nasdaq:VPHM) are sagging on news after the close on Wednesday that the Exton, Pa.-based company has cancelled the development of a drug for the treatment of hepatitis C due to safety issues from ongoing clinical trials with sick patients.

“Clearly, this is a disappointing outcome for patients suffering from this difficult disease,” CEO Vincent Milano said in a statement. “However, the risk associated with potential hepatotoxicity ultimately posed too high of a hurdle to merit further development.”

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease that can cause liver inflammation and cirrhosis.

At 2:11 p.m. ET, the stock was off $0.36, or 4%, to $9.26.

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