Research & Treatment News
January 27, 2010
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By strategically interspersing liver cells and other specialized cells on growth plates, researchers have figured out how to grow Hepatitis C outside of the body - a critical tool to develop and test new Hepatitis C treatments.
Engineering a new way to study hepatitis C
January 25, 2010
Advance that could allow scientists to develop and test new treatments for the disease
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. Researchers at MIT and Rockefeller University have successfully grown hepatitis C virus in otherwise healthy liver cells in the laboratory, an advance that could allow scientists to develop and test new treatments for the disease.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=73852007
Contact: Jennifer Hirsch
jfhirsch@mit.edu
617-253-1682
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Slowing down efforts to prevent or cure Hepatitis C, this virus has an uncanny ability to mutate and become resistant to new drugs. By identifying compounds that interfere with Hepatitis C's replication process, scientists at Stanford University have uncovered a potentially new approach for suppressing Hepatitis C that does not appear to be vulnerable to drug resistance.
Potential New Class of Drugs to Combat Hepatitis C Identified
ScienceDaily (Jan. 25, 2010) -- Stanford University School of Medicine scientists have discovered a novel class of compounds that, in experiments in vitro, inhibit replication of the virus responsible for hepatitis C. If these compounds prove effective in infected humans as well, they may dramatically accelerate efforts to confront this virus's propensity to rapidly acquire drug resistance, while possibly skirting some of the troubling side effects common among therapies in current use and in late-stage development.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100120143958.htm
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January 26, 2010
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An isomer of PSI -7851 (a polymerase inhibitor that has already demonstrated encouraging clinical results for Hepatitis C), Pharmasset believes that PSI-7977 would be more potent and better suited for manufacturing. Hence, Pharmasset has initiated a Phase 2a trial to test this substance on treatment naïve participants with Hepatitis C genotype 1.
Pharmasset Initiates Phase 2a Trial With PSI-7977, A Chirally Pure Isomer Of PSI-7851
Article Date: 23 Jan 2010
Pharmasset, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRUS) announces the initiation of a 28-day Phase 2a study with PSI-7977, a chirally pure isomer form of PSI-7851, a nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor in development for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV). The trial will evaluate various doses of PSI-7977 in combination with Pegasys (peginterferon alfa 2a) and Copegus (ribavirin) in patients with HCV genotype 1 who have not been treated previously.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176924.php
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January 20, 2010
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Used as both a culinary flavor and medicinal herb by cultures across the globe, learn how ginger can help many conquer Hepatitis C by improving adherence to combination therapy.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Defeating the Hepatitis C virus with combination therapy is a possibility for approximately half of those infected. These odds improve for those who are able to complete treatment for the full length of time at the originally prescribed dosage. In order to finish Hepatitis C combination therapy at its intended strength for the duration advised, patients must persevere through some potentially severe side effects. Easing one of combination therapy's most common side effects, ginger can help improve Hepatitis C treatment compliance - thus improving the chances of eliminating this troublesome virus.
Adherence
Currently, the standard of treatment for Hepatitis C is combination therapy consisting of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Over the past several years, clinical trials evaluating the success of this therapy have all reached a similar conclusion - that those whose treatment side effects prevent them from adhering to a full dosed regimen have a reduced chance of achieving a positive treatment outcome. A positive treatment outcome is universally defined as a sustained viral response, where no Hepatitis C virus can be detected six months following the end of treatment.
A study published in the September 2009 edition of the Korean Journal of Hepatology continues to affirm the link between combination therapy adherence and elimination of Hepatitis C. After analyzing 92 chronic Hepatitis C patients receiving peg-interferon alpha and ribavirin combination therapy, the researchers concluded the following:
· Adherence to therapy is a key factor in achieving a sustained viral response.
· Supportive strategies to improve adherence will increase overall sustained viral response rates.
Nausea
Nausea is the most common gastrointestinal side effect of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy. Originating in the stomach, nausea is a feeling of unease or sickness that gives the urge to vomit. While there are many causes of nausea, the drug-induced inhibition of digestion is likely related to combination therapy. Used in a variety of forms, ginger has been used in many cultures to ease or relieve nausea.
Ginger
The root of the plant of the plant Zingiber officinale, ginger is available in many preparations including raw, dried, candied, pickled, in soda, in a capsule, extract or in a teabag. Classified as a warm spicy herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are many theories explaining why ginger eases nausea. However, most practitioners believe that ginger's ability to improve digestion is because it prevents food from accumulating in the stomach. Ginger accomplishes this by helping promote the secretion of digestive enzymes in the stomach, relaxing taut stomach muscles and increasing intestinal movement.
Although side effects from ginger are rare, there are some documented concerns. Ginger may:
· Reduce blood clotting ability - Combination therapy and/or cirrhosis can also interfere with blood clotting, so there may be an increased risk of bleeding if ginger dosage is too high.
· Some physicians advise that individuals who have had ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones or blocked intestines should use ginger supplements cautiously and avoid large amounts of freshly cut ginger.
· Because it increases stomach acid production, ginger may work against the effects of antacids, anti-reflux medications and proton pump inhibitors.
Whether munching on the pickled ginger served next to sushi, sipping some ginger tea, nibbling a gingerbread cookie or drinking ginger ale - ginger can prevent stagnation in the stomach. Without stagnation in the stomach, a major source of nausea is eliminated. As one of Hepatitis C treatment's most common side effects, nausea could dissuade someone from adhering to the full dosage of combination therapy. Thus, ginger has the potential to help people tolerate pegylated interferon and ribavirin - ultimately increasing their likelihood of a successful Hepatitis C outcome.
References:
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4588065_ginger-help-nausea.html, How Does Ginger Help With Nausea?, Sabrina Ashley, Retrieved November 1, 2009, eHow, Inc., 2009.
http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=prtop04-cs-01##SnauseaX, Interferon and Ribavirin Treatment Side Effects, Retrieved November 1, 2009, US Department of Veteran Affairs, 2009.
http://hepatitis-c.healthytreatment.com/herbs-that-help-the-side-effects/, Herbs that Help the Side Effects, Retrieved October 31, 2009, What is Hepatitis C Symptoms - Hepatitis C Information and Hepatitis C Advice, 2009.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/HERBS_color.pdf, Herbs & Hepatitis C - 2nd Edition, Lucinda K. Porter, RN, Retrieved October 31, 2009, Hepatitis C Support Project, 2009.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19783883?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=4, Impact of adherence to peginterferon-ribavirin combination therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients on achieving a sustained virologic response, Jeong SW, et al, Retrieved November 1, 2009, Korean Journal of Hepatology, September 2009.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-ginger.html, Ginger, Retrieved October 31, 2009, National Institutes of Health, 2009.
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January 18, 2010
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Baby boomers constitute the majority of Hepatitis C infections in the United States. Unfortunately, they are also less responsive to conventional therapy.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
As individuals born between the years 1946 and 1964, baby boomers are currently between the ages of 46 and 64. Constituting a majority of documented Hepatitis C infections, a recent study has found that this generation is less likely to triumph over Hepatitis C than younger generations. Despite the scientific data that implies an uphill battle for baby boomers with Hepatitis C, most experts believe that there are ways to achieve a positive outcome. Healthcare practitioners have the liberty of being hopeful because they know that a myriad of strategies can effectively boost Hep C treatment success, regardless of a person's age bracket.
Described as those who were born soon after World War II, there are an estimated 75 million baby boomers in the United States, or about 29 percent of America's total population. It is inevitable that this large proportion of the workforce is approaching the age where health issues typically escalate. Unfortunately, boomers with Hepatitis C face an additional challenge; a new study claims that they are less responsive than younger generations to antiviral treatment.
According to a report prepared by the actuarial firm Milliman, Inc., baby boomers account for two out of every three cases of chronic Hepatitis C. Thus, a significant proportion of people with Hepatitis C are close to or over 50-years old. Based on a study published in the October 2009 edition of Journal of Viral Hepatitis, individuals with genotype 1 chronic Hepatitis C who are older than 50 have a lower rate of treatment success with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, compared to patients under age 50.
In this study, data was evaluated from over 550 patients with genotypye 1 chronic Hepatitis C taking pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and weight-based dosing of ribavirin for 12 months. Known as a sustained virologic response (SVR), successful treatment is assumed if a person has no detectable Hepatitis C viral load six months after the completion of therapy. Upon looking at SVR, the researchers found the following:
· 52 percent of patients aged 50 or younger achieved SVR.
· 39 percent of patients over 50 achieved SVR.
· 41 percent of patients over 50 relapsed.
· 25 percent of patients aged 50 or younger relapsed.
Even though this data shows a statistical advantage for those under age 50 in fighting Hepatitis
C, the researchers also found these variables improved SVR in those over age 50:
· Lower baseline viral load
· Absence of cirrhosis
In addition, SVR rates were high among patients over 50 without liver cirrhosis who were able to maintain adequate drug dosage levels.
Based on this information, it is especially important for baby boomers with Hepatitis C to employ strategies for lowering viral load and preventing cirrhosis so they can better tolerate interferon/ribavirin therapy at full dosage. Improving the liver's strength so that it can better fight the Hepatitis C virus and tolerate antiviral therapy can be accomplished via:
· Supplementing with high quality milk thistle - Because this herb strengthens liver cell walls, it protects the liver from increased scarring that could lead to cirrhosis.
· Boycotting alcohol - Since those over 50 have a greater chance of achieving SVR if their baseline viral load is low, alcohol must be avoided. This is because alcohol not only increases scarring of the liver, but it also fosters viral replication - which magnifies Hepatitis C viral load.
· Choosing your food carefully - Eating nutritious foods loaded with fiber, antioxidants and protein while reducing potentially harmful foods (those containing refined sugar, fat and chemicals) reduces unnecessary drag on liver function. By eliminating this burden, the liver's health is supported.
· Exercising regularly - While exercise does not cure Hepatitis C, it does help maintain adequate circulation through the liver. By stimulating blood to flow in the liver, there is less of an opportunity for toxins to stagnate and further damage liver cells.
Even though research demonstrates that baby boomers have a lower chance of achieving SVR, those in this age bracket needn't be discouraged. Anyone diagnosed with Hepatitis C can improve his or her chances of successfully beating the virus by taking milk thistle, eating well, exercising and avoiding alcohol. Baby boomers are particularly encouraged to employ these strategies for reducing their viral load and preventing cirrhosis so that their age will no longer hinder their chance of a successful treatment outcome.
References:
http://www.bbhq.com/whatsabm.htm, So What's a Boomer, Anyhow?, Retrieved December 8, 2009, Baby Boomer Headquarters, 2009.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/news/HepC%20Baby%20Boomers%202009.html, New Report Forecasts Hepatitis C Virus Epidemic Among Baby Boomers; Untreated HCV Progressing to Severe Liver Disease Seen Driving U.S. Costs to $85 Billion, Retrieved December 8, 2009, Hepatitis C Support Project, 2009.
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2009/120109_b.html, Hepatitis C Patients over Age 50 Are Less Likely to Achieve Sustained Treatment Response, Liz Highleyman, Retrieved December 8, 2009, hivandhepatitis.com, 2009.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122279540/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0, Peginterferon alfa-2a (40kDa) and ribavirin: comparable rates of sustained virological response in sub-sets of older and younger HCV genotype 1 patients, K. R. Reddy, et al, Retrieved December 8, 2009, Journal of Viral Hepatitis, March 2009.
Posted by Editors at 12:50 PM --- Printer-friendly version
January 8, 2010
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Researchers recently learned that Quercetin, a popular antioxidant, inhibits the synthesis of proteins needed for Hepatitis C replication.
Natural compound blocks hepatitis C infection
Finding may lead to a new treatment
January 4, 2010: Researchers have identified two cellular proteins that are important factors in hepatitis C virus infection, a finding that may result in the approval of new and less toxic treatments for the disease, which can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis.
An estimated 270 to 300 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C and the conventional treatments - interferon and ribavirin - can have significant side effects. A new drug targeting cellular proteins rather than viral proteins would be a valuable addition to the treatment arsenal, said Samuel French, an assistant professor of pathology and senior author of the study.
French and his team set out to identify the cellular factors involved in hepatitis C replication and, using mass spectrometry, found that heat shock proteins (HSPs) 40 and 70 were important for viral infection. HSP 70 was previously known to be involved, but HSP 40 was linked for the first time to hepatitis C infection, French said. They further showed that the natural compound Quercetin, which inhibits the synthesis of these proteins, significantly inhibits viral infection in tissue culture.
Continue reading the entire article:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/uoc--ncb010410.php
Contact: Kim Irwin
kirwin@mednet.ucla.edu
310-206-2805
University of California - Los Angeles
Posted by Editors at 2:56 PM --- Printer-friendly version
January 6, 2010
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Thanks to progress made in 2009, triple therapy that improves responses to Hepatitis C treatment will likely be available within the next few years.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Looking back on the research and development of 2009, the scientific community witnessed unprecedented innovation in the fight against the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Based on what has emerged this past year in the pharmaceutical industry, we can expect great strides in HCV treatments well into this new decade.
With an estimated 170 million people worldwide with chronic Hepatitis C, this virus has emerged as one of the most problematic infections of the 21st century. For nearly half of those treated for the most common strain of HCV (genotype 1), the standard antiviral drugs (a combination of interferon and ribavirin) do not succeed in clearing the virus from the liver. Those who are unable to clear HCV are at risk of their liver disease advancing to debilitating - or even fatal consequences.
Hepatitis C does not play fair - especially in which people are most likely to beat the virus. Although about half of HCV genotype 1 infections can be conquered by current treatment, a person's genes can contribute or detract from those odds:
· Americans with Hepatitis C have between a 38 and 41 percent likelihood of responding to interferon/ribavirin treatment, depending on the level of virus in their bodies as well as the drug dosages.
· The likelihood of responding to HCV treatment is higher among European than American patients.
· Due to genetic differences, as few as 25 percent of African-Americans respond to HCV treatment.
That is why John McHutchison, a liver specialist at the Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, North Carolina, tells his patients with HCV that combination therapy would only give them a 40 percent chance of curing their infection. McHutchison also tells his patients that in about 18 months, new treatments could be available that would improve their chances.
The length of time people will have to wait for new HCV medication options depends on the outcomes of drugs currently in Phase III clinical trials. While interferon is a non-specific immune system booster and ribavirin is an antiviral medication, the strategy of most of the up and coming HCV drugs is to undermine the virus' ability to replicate.
The two drugs that are furthest along in development are the HCV protease inhibitors telaprevir and boceprevir. Right now, both of these drugs are being evaluated as a triple therapy, taken alongside pegylated interferon plus ribavirin.
· Triple therapy with telaprevir - In 2009, clinical trial data demonstrated that 69 percent of genotype 1 treatment-naïve patients cleared HCV in 24 weeks with a combination of telaprevir, pegylated interferon and ribavirin.
· Triple therapy with boceprevir - In 2009, clinical trial data demonstrated that 75 percent of genotype 1 treatment-naïve patients cleared HCV in 48 weeks with a combination of boceprevir, pegylated interferon and ribavirin.
Telaprevir and boceprevir will finish their development cycle in 2010, and the Phase III data is expected to be sent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for marketing approval in 2010-2011. If there are no glitches in the data, safety concerns or other roadblocks, the FDA could approve these drugs by 2011.
As we plunge into the next decade of Hepatitis C research and development, we are likely to see more effective drug combinations come to fruition. Even if something slows down the boceprevir or telaprevir Phase III clinical trials, a triple therapy for Hepatitis C is coming - and it promises to increase the chances of beating this virus for people from all backgrounds.
References:
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepC/HCVDrugs.html, Hepatitis C Treatments in Current Clinical Development, Alan Franciscus, Retrieved December 31, 2009, Hepatitis C Support Project, 2009.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/news/newsLetter/2010/advocate0110.html, HCV Pipeline, Alan Franciscus, Retrieved December 31, 2009,. Hepatitis C Support Project, 2009.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19684573, Genetic variation in IL28B predicts hepatitis C treatment-induced viral clearance, GE D, et al, Retrieved January 1, 2010, Nature, September 2009.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=hepatitis-virus-hcv-drug-treatment-vaccine&print=true, Triple-Drug Cocktail in the Works for Hepatitis C Therapy, Carina Storrs, Retrieved December 31, 2009, Scientific American, December 2009.
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