- Previous: Hep C Treatment: Comparing the Pegylated Interferons
- Main
- Next: HCV Genotype 1 Viral Loads Decline
Former Anti-Itch Drug Useful Against Hep C
September 5, 2008
California scientists have found that an old antihistamine drastically reduces Hepatitis C viral replication.
Old drug shows new use against hepatitis C
STANFORD, Calif., Sept. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say they've developed a novel approach to fighting the hepatitis C virus's reproduction process using an obsolete antihistamine.
The Stanford University Medical Center scientists said the advance involves two discoveries. "One is that a protein called NS4B is instrumental in binding some of the genetic material, or RNA, and allowing the hepatitis C virus to replicate," the researchers said. "The other is that the former anti-itching drug clemizole hydrochloride could hinder that protein, resulting in a tenfold decrease in virus replication with no apparent harm to infected liver-like cells."
Since the former antihistamine drug has previously been used by people, it is automatically eligible for human testing.
"We're excited about this and we're actively moving forward toward clinical trials," said Dr. Jeffrey Glenn, an associate professor of gastroenterology and hepatology and a senior co-author of the paper with Professor Stephen Quake. The lead authors are Dr. Shirit Einav and bioengineer Doron Gerber.
The research that also included doctoral student Paul Bryson, postdoctoral student Ella Sklan, research associate Menashe Elazar and Sebastian Maerkl, a former member of Quake's group, appears in the online edition of the journal Nature Biotechnology.
© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
URL for article source: http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2008/09/02/Old_drug_shows_new_use
_against_hepatitis_C/UPI-92061220375093/
Posted by Editors at September 5, 2008 10:52 AM
Site Topics
HCV Symptoms
You'll find links to a comprehensive symptoms list, as well as various studies and discussions about Hepatitis C symptoms.
Lab Tests
What they are and what they mean. Helps you interpret & understand all the various hepatitis lab tests likely to be encountered.
Hepatitis C Genotypes
Learn about Hepatitis C Genotypes and their variants.
Viral Load
Includes a convenient Viral Load chart, as well as a link to a detailed discussion on how to analyze and interpret viral load numbers.
What is...?
Learn more about various Hepatitis C related topics, including HCV, Ascites, Biopsies, and much more.
HCV Medicines
Numerous links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of Ribavirin/Rebetron medicines.
Hepatitis C Doctors
A state-by-state and worldwide reference listing physicians who treat HCV, including an email link to submit your physician for inclusion.
Biopsy Info
A comprehensive resource of information relating to the liver biopsy.
Cirrhosis
Many discussions and analyses of cirrhosis, including causes, complications, pathology, symptoms, and much more.
Liver Cancer
Liver Cancer/Hepatocellular Carcinoma studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis.
Liver Disease Medicines
An exhaustive list of links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of the various drugs used to treat liver disease.
Hep-Central Email List
Sign up to learn about advances and breakthroughs in Hepatitis C research, including information about medical and complementary treatments.
HCV Links
Convenient links to other sites external to Hepatitis-Central.
Mother/Child Transmission
Discussions of the special problems and precautions necessary involving mother to child transmission of Hepatitis C.
HCV Natural Remedies
A number of herbal products useful in the management of liver disease.
HCV Books
Recommended reading for those interested in hepatitis information.
Hepatitis C Forum
A Bulletin Board for discussions on hepatitis, treatments, etc.
Hepatitis C Activism
An easy way to get involved in urging our government to do more for Hepatitis C awareness and treatment research.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Site Topics
HCV Symptoms, Lab Tests, Hepatitis C Genotypes, Glossary, Viral Load, What is...?, HCV Medicines, Hepatitis C Doctors, Biopsy Info, Cirrhosis, Liver Cancer, Liver Disease Medicines, Hep-Central Email List, HCV Links, Mother / Child Transmission, HCV Natural Remedies, HCV Books, Hepatitis C Forum, Hepatitis C Activism
Copyright ©1994-2009 Hepatitis Central. Information at this website is for educational purposes only; statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.