May 01, 2008
Highly Effective Against HCV Genotype 1
When tested on people with Hepatitis C genotype 1, R7128 proved to be an effective addition to combination therapy after just four weeks' time. In addition to its anti-viral effect, polymerase inhibitor R7128 received good marks for safety and minimal side effects.
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Posted by Editors at 02:01 PM
April 30, 2008
Investigational Drug Beats Standard Therapy in Hepatitis C Study
A Phase IIa trial investigating triple combination therapy with PEGASYS, COPEGUS and Roche's investigational drug R1626, demonstrated a higher response rate than traditional combination therapy alone. While R1626's effectiveness and high barrier to resistance makes it a top Hepatitis C contender, the following six months will determine if its ability to clear the virus lasts.
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Posted by Editors at 02:26 PM
April 29, 2008
Hepatitis C Complications Helped by Maintenance Interferon
A four-year study confirms that low-dosage maintenance interferon therapy prevents disease progression in those with portal hypertension or cirrhosis from Hepatitis C.
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Posted by Editors at 02:15 PM
Improves Outcome for Hep C Genotype 4
Currently approved for treating contagious diarrhea in children, nitazoxanide has been found to make pegylated interferon-based treatment for Hepatitis C genotype 4 more effective. Prompting new trials in the U.S. and Europe, this drug is now being evaluated for Hepatitis C genotype 1.
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Posted by Editors at 01:57 PM
April 28, 2008
Lapatinib Stabilizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma
New research was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research supporting the use of Lapatinib for those with advanced liver cancer. Although currently approved for treating breast cancer, this drug represents hope for those who have progressed from chronic Hepatitis C to hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Posted by Editors at 02:03 PM
April 18, 2008
News: Fluvastatin Lowers Cholesterol and Hepatitis C Viral Load
Researchers from Oklahoma have revealed that a drug commonly prescribed for high cholesterol also lowers Hepatitis C viral load. Although not capable of clearing Hepatitis C on its own, a Phase II trial will reveal its effectiveness in combination with interferon and ribavirin.
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Posted by Editors at 10:20 AM
Development of HCV Drug Candidate Ends
Due to phase II safety trial results, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and ViroPharma Inc. agreed to discontinue developing their Hepatitis C drug HCV-796. Executives report that HCV-796's capacity to inflict liver damage was too great to maintain its candidacy.
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Posted by Editors at 10:13 AM
April 17, 2008
Can Insect Bites Spread Hepatitis?
The warmer weather is here and so are those pesky flies and insects. Learn if you should be worried about being infected with viral hepatitis from insect bites.
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Posted by Editors at 04:04 PM
Should You See a Specialist for Hepatitis C?
Even though you may be on a first name basis with your general practitioner, research from Germany proves that your chances for successfully eliminating the Hepatitis C virus are greater when treated by a hepatologist.
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Posted by Editors at 01:50 PM
April 07, 2008
Improving Response to HCV Treatment
Of special interest for those who have relapsed after Hepatitis C pegylated interferon therapy: Medical experts are gaining insight into why some courses of treatment are unsuccessful. By aiming to eliminate the likely causes for previous failures, more non-responders may be good candidates for re-treatment.
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Posted by Editors at 02:32 PM
April 04, 2008
Hepatitis C Protein May Help Fight HIV
Scientists have discovered a unique property of a segment of one of Hepatitis C's proteins - inhibition of HIV. Continued research on this Hepatitis C component could lead to a new therapy capable of preventing HIV from being sexually transmitted.
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Posted by Editors at 03:47 PM
Hepatitis C Drug ITMN-191 Appears Safe
In addition to demonstrating a Hepatitis C anti-viral effect, an early trial investigating ITMN-191 met safety goals. With this good news, a Phase II study will evaluate this drug in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin.
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Posted by Editors at 03:27 PM
1-in-4 People Have Fatty Liver Disease
With a shocking 25 percent of Americans living with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, California researchers claim that this condition is associated with a decline in cardiac and respiratory fitness levels.
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Posted by Editors at 02:15 PM
April 01, 2008
Gregg Allman, Co-Founder of Allman Brothers, Fighting Hepatitis C
Musician Gregg Allman is undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C. As one of the estimated five million Americans with this virus, Allman's fight against Hepatitis C reminds us that this disease affects people from all walks of life.
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Posted by Editors at 09:20 AM
March 31, 2008
Do You Want to Participate in a Hepatitis-C Clinical Trial?
Presently, there are many clinical trials devoted to Hepatitis C. While participating in a study offers some people a chance at improved health, the decision to enroll must be carefully considered.
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Posted by Editors at 10:28 AM
March 28, 2008
New Experimental Drug Blocks Hep C Virus and Lowers Cholesterol
By interfering with RNA, drug company Santaris may have launched a new generation of drugs. Following a successful animal trial, an unusual new drug has sparked interest due to its ability to lower cholesterol and block the Hepatitis C virus.
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Posted by Editors at 10:49 AM
March 27, 2008
Researchers Find a Way to Interrupt Hepatitis C Virus
Scripps researchers found the protein needed to assemble Hepatitis C by using technology borrowed from molecular genetics. By altering the protein NS5A, this discovery may have significant impact on the development of new therapeutic agents.
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Posted by Editors at 04:21 PM
March 20, 2008
Therapeutic Hepatitis C Vaccine Gets Its First Human Safety Marks
Currently in clinical trials for safety, the first human has completed treatment on the therapeutic DNA vaccine known as ChronVac-C®. By utilizing an innovative electroporation-based DNA delivery system, ChronVac-C® now has concrete evidence of its safety and ability to invoke the desired immune response against Hepatitis C.
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Posted by Editors at 09:18 AM
Taribavirin Showing Lower Anemia Rates than Ribavirin
When combined with pegylated interferon for Hepatitis C treatment, taribavirin may be a better option than ribavirin. Compared to ribavirin, preliminary results of a Phase IIb trial show that taribavirin is similar in viral load reduction yet superior with fewer incidences of treatment related anemia.
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Posted by Editors at 09:04 AM
March 17, 2008
3 Healthy Lifestyle Choices to Make Now
People with Hepatitis C can slow the liver's cycle of inflammation by making these three healthy lifestyle changes. By eliminating certain risk factors, one can live a long life with HCV.
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Posted by Editors at 02:00 PM
March 13, 2008
New, Interactive Internet Program Answers Hepatitis C Questions
A national, non-profit, public charity, the Caring Ambassadors Hepatitis C Program makes it easier for people with Hepatitis C to learn about the virus, its implications and up-to-date treatments. By utilizing the internet, people can get a customized response to their specific Hepatitis C concerns.
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Posted by Editors at 03:44 PM
March 07, 2008
Fast Food Likely to Accelerate Hepatitis C
According to new research from Sweden, grabbing a quick burger and fries is just as harmful to the liver as drinking alcohol. Since liver damage carries a graver risk to those living with Hepatitis C, eating low-fat meals is more important to this population than ever.
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Posted by Editors at 04:54 PM
Non-Invasive Testing for HCV Fibrosis Progression Improved
Michigan researchers have found that a new combination of markers may best predict the progression of cirrhosis for people with chronic Hepatitis C. Although requiring additional study for confirmation, these three serum fibrosis markers demonstrated a higher level of accuracy than other non-invasive tests.
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Posted by Editors at 02:52 PM
March 03, 2008
Re-Used Equipment at Nevada Clinic May Have Spread Hepatitis C
People treated at a Nevada Health Center may have been infected with Hepatitis C from an unsafe medical procedure. Thousands of people are being notified that they may have been exposed to this and other blood-borne viruses from the re-use of contaminated anesthesia equipment.
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Posted by Editors at 09:22 AM
February 28, 2008
6 Tips for Improving HCV Outlook
As your main environment, make sure that your home serves you best. Six simple feng shui suggestions give people with Hepatitis C some tips for improving the energy flow in their home to benefit their liver's health.
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Posted by Editors at 01:57 PM
Update: What You Need to Know About Grapefruit and Hepatitis C
Even though there are more reasons than ever for those with chronic Hepatitis C to have a daily glass of grapefruit juice, there is a catch. Unfortunately, there is a long list of medications that can be dangerous when combined with this fruit.
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Posted by Editors at 09:44 AM
February 26, 2008
Agreement to Bring Rapid, Oral HCV Test Outside the U.S.
Two big pharmaceutical companies, Schering-Plough and OraSure, have agreed to work together to deliver a rapid, oral Hepatitis C test. In addition to their collaboration within the United States, this new agreement focuses on bringing this technology to additional markets.
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Posted by Editors at 09:55 AM
February 18, 2008
How Grapefruit Reduces the Spread of HCV
Massachusetts researchers have found that a compound in grapefruit blocks the Hepatitis C virus from infecting additional cells. Since the Hepatitis C virus depends on cholesterol metabolism to proliferate, future trials may prove that lipid-lowering drugs or supplements, such as that found in grapefruit, may inhibit the virus.
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Posted by Editors at 01:45 PM
February 12, 2008
Will STAT-C Replace Today's HCV Standard Therapy?
Experts in the field agree that STAT-C drugs combined with pegylated interferon and possibly ribavirin are the future for treating Hepatitis C. Learn more about STAT-C, as well as the three factors limiting interferon treatment.
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Posted by Editors at 02:17 PM
January 28, 2008
Hep C May Affect More than the Liver
A new study from Bulgaria proves that Hepatitis C infection is not only a liver disease, but affects many different parts of the body. Their research demonstrates that over three quarters of people with Hepatitis C have extra-hepatic manifestations and it helps physicians identify who is at the greatest risk.
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Posted by Editors at 11:41 AM
Roche Stands By Their HCV Drugs Citing "IDEAL" Study Design Issues
Indicating patient preference for PegIntron™, Schering-Plough recently publicized their Hepatitis C trial, "IDEAL." However, competitor Roche indicates several IDEAL trial design issues that make for a poor comparison to their PEGASYS® with COPEGUS®.
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Posted by Editors at 11:40 AM
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Less Likely with Hepatitis C Treatment
After following participants for one year, a large Japanese study concludes that treating Hepatitis C aggressively reduces the occurrence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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Posted by Editors at 11:39 AM
HCV Alert: Another Doctor Reuses Syringes
Unfortunately, another Long Island doctor put patients in jeopardy of acquiring Hepatitis C when it was discovered that he reused syringes between patients. Unlike the Finkelstein case, New York authorities are moving quickly to inform the public and notify patients.
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Posted by Editors at 11:35 AM
January 24, 2008
New NYS Law to Improve Infection Control
A new law is aimed at preventing the Hepatitis C transmission that occurred in Dr. Harvey Finkelstein's office. In New York, more stringent accreditation and reporting guidelines are now required by certain medical practices to enforce good infection control practices.
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Posted by Editors at 05:07 PM
January 17, 2008
Fibrin Glue May Have Transmitted HCV
Used in Japan in the 1980s, a surgical adhesive made from fibrin is another suspect for the transmission of Hepatitis C. Primarily utilized for treating burns, nosebleeds and to aid in plastic surgery, fibrin glue may have been tainted with HCV-infected fibrinogen before proper testing was conducted.
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Posted by Editors at 03:15 PM
Proteomic Profiling Improves Liver Cancer Identification
Boston researchers have demonstrated that proteomics demonstrates a higher specificity and sensitivity for detecting liver cancer than traditional methods. This breakthrough may detect liver cancer tumors earlier, when they are easier to treat.
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Posted by Editors at 03:11 PM
Japan Offers Aid to Recipients of HCV Tainted Blood
Lawmakers in Japan have publicly recognized the government's responsibility in Hepatitis C transmission from tainted blood products. While a recently passed bill will offer compensation to those affected, it will be interesting to see if other administrations follow suit.
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Posted by Editors at 03:08 PM
January 14, 2008
Hepatitis C, Liver Fibrosis and Marijuana
According to a recently published California study, daily use of marijuana may increase the risk of fibrosis in people with Hepatitis C.
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Posted by Editors at 10:38 AM
ANA598 Shows Potential as an HCV Anti-Viral Drug
Animal studies of Anadys Pharmaceutical's new non-nucleoside Hepatitis C inhibitor have delivered some hopeful results. Although the subjects were primates, ANA598's demonstration of rapid viral load decline, favorable pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability profiles support its continued development.
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Posted by Editors at 10:25 AM
January 10, 2008
An Updated Report on Hepatitis C Genotypes
The importance of learning your Hepatitis C genotype is crucial in determining a recommended treatment plan. As researchers discover yet another genotype, prescribed medicines will become increasingly tailored to each individual's Hepatitis C infection.
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Posted by Editors at 03:04 PM