Research & Treatment News
March 31, 2010
Printer-friendly version
A mainstay in viral hepatitis treatment, several safety concerns about interferon alpha must now be prominently displayed. If you are taking this medication, make sure you know what problems to look out for.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Used to treat Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and several types of cancers, interferon alpha is a potent and useful medication. Since this medicine is often associated with challenging side effects, it has never been assumed to be an innocuous drug. However, an accumulation of statistics finally led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require interferon alpha manufacturers to better label interferon alpha with some of its more serious safety issues.
The announcement to update label warnings on interferon alpha products was made by the FDA on September 1, 2009. Up until then, the labels on these drugs issued vague warnings for ophthalmologic and pulmonary disorders. In addition to listing several serious health conditions on its label, interferon alpha products must also provide detailed risk information in the Medication Guide.
According to the FDA, several serious events had been identified in previous months related to reported experiences with alpha interferon products. Each approved alpha interferon product will now include statements regarding possible risk of:
· Stroke
· Serous retinal detachment
· Peripheral neuropathy
· Pulmonary hypertension
The FDA also requires the following subsections be added under interferon alpha's WARNINGS:
· Peripheral neuropathy has been reported when alpha interferons were given in combination with the drug Tyzeka.
· Ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular events have been observed in patients treated with interferon alpha-based therapies. Events occurred in patients with few or no reported risk factors for stroke, including patients less than 45 years of age.
· Alpha interferons may cause lung problems including: trouble breathing, pneumonia, inflammation of lung tissue and new or worse pulmonary hypertension, which can be severe and lead to death.
· Cases of weakness, loss of coordination and numbness due to stroke have been reported in patients taking alpha interferons, including patients with few or no expected risk factors for stroke.
· Changes in vision such as a decrease or loss of vision may happen in some patients. You should have an eye exam before you take alpha interferons. If you have eye problems or have had them in the past you may need eye exams during alpha interferon treatment. Tell your healthcare provider or eye doctor right away if you have any changes in your vision while taking alpha interferons.
While the FDA is to be commended on these steps to warn of interferon alpha's risks, there may still be some uncertainty regarding what this caution is all about. Further clarifications of what these safety concerns mean to a person with hepatitis are provided below.
About Tyzeka and Peripheral Neuropathy
Tyzeka is an antiviral medication used to treat chronic Hepatitis B in adults. Peripheral neuropathy is a problem with the nerves that carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord. This can produce pain, loss of sensation and an inability to control muscles. Although more common symptoms include nerve pain, a lack of coordination and movement problems, the symptoms depend on which type of nerve is affected.
Symptoms of a Stroke
According to the American Stroke Association, one or more of these warning signs for a stroke constitute a medical emergency. Get immediate medical attention if you experience:
· Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
· Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
· Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
· Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
· Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
About Serous Retinal Detachment
A medical emergency, retinal detachment is a disorder of the eye in which the retina peels away from its underlying layer of support tissue. Initial detachment may be localized, but without rapid treatment the entire retina may detach, leading to vision loss and blindness. Serous retinal detachment results from fluid accumulation under the sensory retina without a retinal break. This is typically associated with moderate vision loss, a defect of vision in which objects appear to be distorted or a visual field deficit.
About Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is a lung disorder in which the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs become narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow through the vessels. As a result, the blood pressure in these arteries rises far above normal levels and strains the heart. Although symptoms of pulmonary hypertension do not usually occur until the condition has progressed, signs include shortness of breath with everyday activities, fatigue, dizziness, fainting spells, ankle swelling, bluish lips and skin and chest pain.
Since many people with chronic viral hepatitis are already on a course of interferon alpha therapy (Pegasys or PegIntron), they may not be aware of this new labeling regulation. Knowing the signs of a stroke, serous retinal detachment, pulmonary hypertension and peripheral neuropathy can help those taking interferon alphas recognize a potential problem - before it turns into an emergency.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinal_detachment, Retinal Detachment, Retrieved September 10, 2009, Wikimedia Foundation Inc, 2009.
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/pulmonary_hypertension/hic_pulmonary_hypertension_causes_symptoms_diagnosis_treatment.aspx', Pulmonary Hypertension, Retrieved September 10, 2009, The Cleveland Clinic, 2009.
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4742, Stroke Warning Signs, Retrieved September 10, 2009, American Heart Association, 2009.
http://www.drugs.com/tyzeka.html, Tyzeka, Retrieved September 10, 2009, drugs.com, 2009.
https://www.google.com/health/ref/Peripheral+neuropathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Retrieved September 10, 2009, A.D.A.M., Inc., 2009.
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_b/news/2009/090409_a.html, FDA Requires Updated Labeling for Interferon Alpha Products Due to Recent Identified Safety Issues, Retrieved September 9, 2009, hivandhepatitis.com, September 2009.
http://www.revoptom.com/HANDBOOK/SECT5R.HTM, Retinal Detachment, Retrieved September 10, 2009, Handbook of Ocular Disease Management, Jobson Publishing LLC, 2009.
Posted by Editors at 11:55 AM --- Printer-friendly version
March 30, 2010
Printer-friendly version
Discover which six foods to make part of your regular meal plan - foods that can help your liver better cope with chronic viral hepatitis.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Sometimes, our best resources to apprehend a problem lie right under our nose. When it comes to preventing the progression of chronic viral hepatitis, many experts believe that some of our safest, most potent allies reside in the kitchen. Because certain foods can help the liver better handle and neutralize an overload of toxins, six edibles capable of reducing the liver's susceptibility to hepatitis viruses are described below.
We are constantly being exposed to toxic materials that the liver must remove from our circulatory system. Whether in the form of toxins from our environment, chemicals in our food supply or naturally produced waste, the liver is continually recruited to cleanse and purify blood. Despite its effective system for detoxification, the liver's ability to perform this duty is hindered when it is infected with viral hepatitis:
· When viral hepatitis causes inflammation in the liver, the cells are consumed by the inflammatory response and less able to perform their duties.
· Chronic hepatitis could have already damaged some liver cells, leaving fewer functioning units available to perform detoxification.
· When greater quantities of toxins are in the blood, the liver is more susceptible to permanent damage, the risk of brain damage (hepatic encephalopathy) grows and there is a greater possibility of developing cancerous cells.
Thus, people with chronic viral hepatitis are helping their liver out when they take steps to assist detoxification. Certain foods are particularly helpful because they contain nutrients the body needs to produce and activate dozens of enzymes involved in the various phases of detoxification.
Six common foods that can help with detoxification, include:
1. Garlic - Besides its antiviral property that could battle a hepatitis virus, garlic helps cleanse bacteria, parasites and other unwanted living pathogens that pollute the blood supply. While only fresh garlic has this characteristic, adding this raw, aromatic to your food will help minimize fatty buildup in the arteries, which can harbor toxins. In addition, garlic contains sulfur compounds, which help the liver break down certain cancer-causing toxins.
2. Kale - A leafy green vegetable that is delicious steamed or sautéed, kale also contains sulfur-containing phytonutrients. The compounds specifically found in kale, glucosinolates and cysteine sulfoxides, activate detoxifying enzymes in the liver that help neutralize potentially carcinogenic substances.
3. Lemons - Lemons are known to be excellent liver detoxifiers. Lemons contain high amounts of vitamin C, which is needed to manufacture glutathione - a substance used by virtually every cell in the body to neutralize toxins. Since lemons help increase the amount of glutathione in the body, they assist the liver in detoxification.
4. Blueberries - These bright colored, little fruits are loaded with anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. Thus, this natural anti-inflammatory may help calm the inflammation characteristic of chronic viral hepatitis. In addition, blueberries are purported to help block toxins from crossing the blood-brain barrier - an especially useful function for those with end stage liver disease who are vulnerable to hepatic encephalopathy.
5. Watercress - Because it increases detoxification enzymes and lowers cancerous cells, this peppery leafy green makes a fantastic addition to any salad or sandwich. In a 2009 German study, researchers found that watercress successfully increased enzymes that foster detoxification.
6. Grapefruit - This slightly tart, slightly sweet citrus fruit has compounds that cleanse harmful viruses from the body. Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Engineering in Medicine showed that naringerin, a flavonoid found in grapefruit, blocks the secretion of Hepatitis C virus from infected cells. However, make sure you are aware of all of the medications that grapefruit interacts with before making it a staple in your diet.
Tapping into the knowledge behind nutritional science gives anyone the power to protect his or her liver from chronic hepatitis. Accessible in most grocery stores, the six foods listed above can help your liver get rid of toxins. Even though including garlic, kale, lemons, blueberries, watercress and grapefruit into your diet does not require a medical degree, eating these foods can turn everyday meals into powerful, effective medicine.
References:
http://food.yahoo.com/blog/beautyeats/30/top-10-detox-foods, Top 10 Detox Foods, Retrieved October 3, 2009, Yahoo! Inc., 2009.
http://naturalhealthremediesanddetox.blogspot.com/2008/12/garlic-natural-health-remedy-for.html, Garlic, a Natural Health Remedy for Catarrh, Retrieved October 4, 2009, Natural Health Remedies & Detox, 2009.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/top-15-cleansing-foods.html, Top 15 Cleansing Foods, Retrieved October 3, 2009, Michelle Schoffro Cook, The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan, John Wiley & Sons, 2006.
http://www.doctormurray.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97, Hepatitis, Dr. Murray Natural Living, 2009.
http://www.epidemic.org/theFacts/theLiver/detoxification/, Detoxification, Retrieved October 4, 2009, Trustees of Dartmouth College, 2009.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19636603, Modulation of detoxification enzymes by watercress: in vitro and in vivo investigations in human peripheral blood cells, Hofmann T, et al, Retrieved October 4, 2009, European Journal of Nutrition, July 2009.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=38, Kale, Retrieved October 4, 2009, The George Mateljan Foundation, 2009.
Posted by Editors at 10:50 AM --- Printer-friendly version
March 26, 2010
Printer-friendly version
Based on currently available data and expert opinions, a research and advisory firm projects that the next decade will witness triple and quadruple therapies as the gold standard for treating Hepatitis C.
In 2013, the Telaprevir/peg-IFN-a-2a/ribavirin Regimen Will Earn Decision Resources' Proprietary Clinical Gold Standard for Hepatitis C Virus Treatment-Naive Patients
In 2018, a Quadruple Therapy Regimen Will Likely Be Widely Used for the Treatment-Naive Patient Population, According to a New Report from Decision Resources
WALTHAM, Mass., March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Resources, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms for pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that, based on available data and expert opinion, the telaprevir/peg-IFN-a-2a/ribavirin* regimen will earn Decision Resources proprietary clinical gold-standard status for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (treatment-naive population) in 2013, following telaprevir's approval for the indication in 2011.
The telaprevir/peg-IFN-a-2a/ribavirin regimen will earn gold standard status in 2013 owing to its competitive advantages in efficacy and delivery over all currently available hepatitis C virus therapies. In 2009, Decision Resources' clinical gold standard for hepatitis C virus (treatment-naive population) was peg-IFN-a-2a/ribavirin.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-2013-the-telaprevirpeg-ifn-a-2aribavirin-regimen-will-earn-decision-resources-proprietary-clinical-gold-standard-for-hepatitis-c-virus-treatment-naive-patients-89119027.html
Posted by Editors at 10:20 AM --- Printer-friendly version
March 25, 2010
Printer-friendly version
Zalbin is a Hepatitis C drug in development that could lead to the highly desired monthly or bi-monthly dosing.
Human Genome Sciences reports hepatitis drug study
The Associated Press March 24, 2010
ROCKVILLE, Md.
Human Genome Sciences Inc. said Wednesday a midstage study of the potential hepatitis C treatment Zalbin showed a monthly dose of the drug candidate could be as effective as a weekly dose of the standard treatment.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9EL00D82.htm
Posted by Editors at 10:14 AM --- Printer-friendly version
March 15, 2010
Printer-friendly version
For those living with Hepatitis C, discover why most routes toward getting a tan are not worth the effort.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Despite the dangers of sunburn or skin cancer, many fair-skinned folk strive for a golden tan. Whether that color is obtained via sun worship, tanning beds, lotions, sprays or pills, our society seems to treasure a sun-kissed glow. However, several ways people achieve beautiful, bronzed skin have particularly unpleasant consequences for those living with Hepatitis C.
Ultraviolet Rays
A recent report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, concluded that tanning is more dangerous than previously thought. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from the sun or indoor tanning beds, can cause:
· Skin cancer
· Skin burns
· Premature skin aging
· Eye damage (both short- and long-term)
Dr. Len Lichtenfeld of the American Cancer Society warns that claims that some tanning beds are "safe" because they use more UVA than UVB radiation in the bulbs have been proven false, and that there is no safe tanning bed. Studies show that the risk of developing skin cancer increases 75 percent in young adults who use tanning beds. Although many types of skin cancer are not deadly, the risk of deadly melanoma increased 20 percent with the use of a tanning bed.
UV radiation does not directly worsen Hepatitis C. However, it does pose problems for those undergoing antiviral treatment, and by adding the risk of skin cancer to an already challenging illness.
Photosensitivity
In many people, certain medications increase skin sensitivity to UV radiation. The current standard of therapy for Hepatitis C, interferon and ribavirin, are included in the ranks of photosensitive drugs. Thus, anyone being treated for Hepatitis C must protect him or herself from the sun and avoid tanning beds.
In a discussion of Hepatitis C therapy, liver expert Melissa Palmer, MD, says "itching may occur anywhere on the body but is most common in sun-exposed areas and at the injection sites. Pruritus (skin itching) frequently occurs at the site of injection of interferon. This type of skin reaction typically occurs within a day or two and may not resolve for up to a month after the injection." In addition, Palmer cautions, "Avoid tanning salons, as this too may worsen pruritus that occurs while on treatment. If pain, swelling and redness accompany pruritus at the injection site, it should immediately be reported to the doctor or nurse, as it may be a sign of infection."
A consequence of drug-induced photosensitivity, severe sunburns can occur from sunbathing during Hepatitis C therapy. Before going outside during the day, individuals receiving treatment are encouraged to cover themselves with protective clothing and a hat, as well as use an SPF of at least 30 on the face and any exposed areas.
The Immune System
If you have chronic Hepatitis C, your body's immune system plays an integral role in the daily battle against this virus. As one of the more important components of a healthy immune system, T cells are critical immune cells that help to destroy infected cells and coordinate the overall immune response. Our defense against bacteria and viruses, the strength of our immune system is essential in preventing Hepatitis C from replicating.
According to Daniel Sauder, chief of dermatology at Johns Hopkins, tanning beds not only damage the skin, but they also do considerable damage to the immune system. According to Sauder, spending a few hours in the sun will alter T cell function. However, spending a short time in a tanning bed decreases T cell capability much more, earning tanning beds a place among immunosuppressive agents. Unfortunate for someone with Hepatitis C, the last thing he or she wants to accomplish is immune system suppression.
Tanning Pills
Although tanning pills are illegal in the U.S., they may still be obtainable on the Internet. While swallowing a pill to get some color sounds like an ideal solution to the dangers of tanning, there is a reason these pills are on the black market. Sunless tanning pills typically contain the color additive canthaxanthin, which is known to cause liver damage. Obviously, someone with Hepatitis C risks worsening the condition of his or her liver by taking tanning pills.
Sunless Tanning
Sunless tanning products can give the skin a tanned look without exposing it to harmful radiation. Applied topically to the skin, sunless tanning products may be in the form of creams, gels, lotions, mists and sprays. The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When applied to the skin, DHA reacts with dead cells in the outermost layer of skin to temporarily darken the skin's appearance. While it doesn't wash off, the color will fade in a few days as dead skin cells slough off.
Topical sunless tanning products are generally considered safe alternatives to sunbathing, as long as they're used as directed. Due to the potentially unknown hazards of inhaling or ingesting DHA, tans that are sprayed or misted on could pose a risk to those with Hepatitis C if the person's airways are not properly protected.
Even though they may not be your first choice, sunless tanning lotions appear to be the safest ways to darken your skin - whether or not you are battling Hepatitis C. Because ultraviolet radiation can weaken the immune system and be dangerous for those on antiviral therapy, inhaled DHA safety is unknown and tanning pills are extremely hazardous for those with Hepatitis C, managing this virus presents the perfect opportunity to embrace pale skin.
References:
http://thyroid.about.com/od/endocrineautoimmune1/l/blwork.htm, How Does the Immune System Work?, Mary J. Shomon, Retrieved March 11, 2010, About.com, 2010.
http://www.fda.gov/radiation-emittingproducts/radiationemittingproductsandprocedures/tanning/default.htm, Tanning, Retrieved March 11, 2010, US Food and Drug Administration, 2010.
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/health/2009/july/Tanning-Beds-Cause-Cancer--But-Will-People-Stop-Tanning-.html#1, Tanning Beds Cause Cancer, But Will People Stop Tanning?, Haley A. Lovett, Retrieved March 10, 2010, Dulcinea Media, Inc., 2010.
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/03/post_2.html, How Your Immune System Can Help Defeat Hepatitis C, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Retrieved March 11, 2010, Natural Wellness, 2010.
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hnf/hnf_3077.htm, Dangers of Tanning Beds: Part Two, Elizabeth Tracey, Retrieved March 10, 2010, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 2010.
http://www.liverhealthtoday.org/viewarticle.cfm?aid=164, Pruritus in its most severe form can be debilitating, Geoff Drushel, Retrieved March 10, 2010, Liver Health Today, 2010.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunless-tanning/SN00037, Sunless tanning: A safe alternative to sunbathing, Retrieved March 10, 2010, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2010.
Posted by Editors at 10:43 AM --- Printer-friendly version
March 12, 2010
Printer-friendly version
A recent study from Columbia University Medical Center on milk thistle gives those who are unsure about using herbal supplements for Hepatitis C reason to reconsider.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
An estimated four to five million Americans are chronically infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). While approximately half of those with HCV are able to clear it from their liver with the current standard of treatment, the remaining fifty percent must protect their liver from this virus. One of the most advised and respected ways to accomplish this goal is with the herb milk thistle. Despite decades of studies demonstrating milk thistle's ability to protect and support the liver, skeptics have always doubted herbal medicine's potential. New research released from Columbia University Medical Center gives those with Hepatitis C one more reason to supplement with this amazing herb.
For those who are not candidates for, or who don't respond to Hepatitis C treatment, there is little a physician can prescribe to prevent HCV from progressing to advanced liver disease. To prevent further damage to this key organ, alternative medical practitioners often turn to herbal supplements that support the liver via:
1. aiding in detoxification
2. neutralizing threats to the liver (like free radicals)
3. helping liver cells deflect potential hazards
Milk thistle is believed to accomplish all three of these goals. Thus, it is no surprise that those with Hepatitis C choose milk thistle more than any other vitamin or herbal supplement.
A plant native to Europe, milk thistle has a long history of use as a folk remedy for liver and gallbladder disorders. Although milk thistle does not possess antiviral properties, hundreds of studies have concluded that it helps maintain liver health - even in the presence of a liver-damaging virus.
Even with all of the documented benefits of milk thistle, many people remain wary of herbal medicine. This viewpoint could stem from the following:
· Not having enough information - From the moment we are born, our culture is steeped in western medical practices. Learning about herbal medicine requires expanding what we know about human health.
· A trusted physician's influence over their patients - Physicians without training in herbal medicine often discourage their patients from taking herbs because they do not know how they will react with pharmaceuticals.
· Wanting fast results - In lieu of patiently strengthening a weakened body system (as herbs usually do), many people desire a quick fix (as pharmaceuticals usually do).
· Fear of herb quality - Because they are not held to strict government regulation, many herbs are not subject to the same kind of standardization and purification specifications as drugs are. Thus, un-researched herbs have the potential for having contaminants or not being as potent as advertised.
There are admitted limits to both western medicine and herbal medicine. Those whose health seems to benefit the most are individuals who combine the strengths of both disciplines. To evaluate the potential of herbal medicine in the western setting, Elena Ladas, MS, RD, of Columbia University Medical Center and colleagues set out to test whether milk thistle could help treat people with chemotherapy-associated liver problems. As published in the December 2009 edition of the journal Cancer, milk thistle's ability to treat chemotherapy-associated hepatotoxicity was investigated.
Upon administering milk thistle to children who had acute lymphoblastic leukemia with liver toxicity related to chemotherapy, the research team found the following:
· Those who had received milk thistle had improvements in their liver enzymes (significantly lower levels of AST and ALT) compared to the children in the placebo group.
· Milk thistle also seemed to help keep fewer patients from having to lower the dose of their chemotherapy drugs (61 percent vs. 72 percent).
· Milk thistle did not interfere with chemo's cancer-fighting properties.
Ladas' study has little to do with Hepatitis C. However, it does provide those with chronic liver disease more reason to trust milk thistle's ability to safely shield the liver from toxins.
As more professionals in both the fields of western medicine and alternative healthcare recognize how these disciplines can help one another, the use of herbs alongside pharmaceuticals will continue to grow. Western medicine has been making great strides in developing a drug regimen that will see a greater percentage of people triumph over Hepatitis C. Until a cure is ensured for everyone with HCV, people will be searching for ways to keep their liver healthy. Thanks in part to studies like this one from Columbia University Medical Center, supplementing with milk thistle is becoming a standard practice for those with Hepatitis C, both in alternative healthcare environments AND in most western medical physicians' offices.
References:
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsad/a/Milk_Thistle.htm, Milk Thistle, Cathy Wong, Retrieved December 24, 2009, About.com, 2009.
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2009/08/four_more_benef.html, Four More Key Benefits of Milk Thistle, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Retrieved December 25, 2009, Natural Wellness, 2009.
http://www.ktradionetwork.com/2009/12/15/herb-may-treat-chemotherapy-liver-damage/, Herb May Treat Chemotherapy Liver Damage, Steven Reinberg, Retrieved December 24, 2009, The Kevin Trudeau Show, 2009.
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20091214/herb-may-treat-chemotherapy-liver-damage, Herb May Treat Chemotherapy Liver Damage, Bill Hendrick, Retrieved December 23, 2009, WebMD, LLC, December 2009.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/123211007/abstract, A randomized, controlled, double-blind, pilot study of milk thistle for the treatment of hepatotoxicity in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Elena J. Ladas, MS, RD, Retrieved December 23, 2009, Cancer, December 2009.
Posted by Editors at 10:35 AM --- Printer-friendly version
March 11, 2010
Printer-friendly version
Combined with interferon and ribavirin, clinical trials on Vertex's telaprevir demonstrate twice the success rate in clearing Hepatitis C in half the time as traditional combination therapy. While this alone is exciting, Vertex is exploring a range of drug combination options for battling the Hepatitis C virus.
Vertex Maps Out Combo Drug Game Plan for Treating Hepatitis C
Luke Timmerman 3/8/10
HIV has taught the pharmaceutical industry that the best way to fight an infectious virus that resists a single drug is to make a cocktail that attacks the virus in more than one way. Vertex Pharmaceuticals and its competitors are now following a similar formula with new therapies for hepatitis C.
Vertex, the Cambridge, MA-based company with operations in San Diego, offered a glimpse last week into its strategy for a two-drug combo that could significantly change hepatitis C treatment. If the company has mapped this out correctly, it could rid people of the virus while letting them ditch the detested standard therapies that force them to endure months of flu-like symptoms.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2010/03/08/vertex-maps-out-combo-drug-as-new-game-plan-for-treating-hepatitis-c/
Posted by Editors at 9:48 AM --- Printer-friendly version
Printer-friendly version
A review in the February 2010 issue of Gastroenterology cites viral resistance against new medications as incentive for using triple therapy to treat Hepatitis C.
Resistance Likely to Develop With New Hepatitis C Drugs
Addition of drugs to interferon and ribavirin treatment improves efficacy
THURSDAY, Feb. 25 (HealthDay News) -- New drugs that block the replication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) are likely to lead to resistance if given as monotherapy and should be given in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, according to a review in the February issue of Gastroenterology.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.modernmedicine.com/modernmedicine/Modern+Medicine+Now/Resistance-Likely-to-Develop-With-New-Hepatitis-C-/ArticleNewsFeed/Article/detail/658994?contextCategoryId=40142
Posted by Editors at 9:43 AM --- Printer-friendly version
March 5, 2010
Printer-friendly version
Hepatitis C drug candidates ABT-450, ABT-333 and ABT-072 move into Phase II testing.
Abbott, Enanta moving Hepatitis C drug development
March 2, 2010
NEW YORK
Abbott Laboratories and partner Enanta Pharmaceuticals on Tuesday said they will move potential hepatitis C treatments into midstage development.
The companies said they will evaluate three potential hepatitis C drugs in Phase 2 clinical trials.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9E6J6M81.htm
Posted by Editors at 9:27 AM --- Printer-friendly version
March 3, 2010
Printer-friendly version
Find out how some with Hepatitis C unintentionally expose their skin to bath water contaminants that can place an additional burden on their liver.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Many people are careful not to drink contaminated water but don't necessarily think about the cleanliness of the water they bathe in. We usually consider showering or bathing as part of taking care of ourselves. After all, washing up gets rid of dead skin cells, removes lingering pathogens and aromas, clears the pores of dirt, eases body pain and hydrates the skin. While all of these benefits can be healthful to those with Hepatitis C, the water being used to bathe with could harbor toxins. Unfortunately, such toxins are easily absorbed in a bathing environment and can have detrimental consequences to a liver fighting Hepatitis C.
The reason bath water poses such a concern to those with Hepatitis C is because a warm shower or bath opens the pores, causing the skin to act like a sponge. As a result, water droplets are not only inhaled, but they are also absorbed through the skin, directly into the bloodstream. Thus, contaminants in bathing water can gain easy access to your blood supply.
The first step in finding out if your liver is in danger from your bathroom's water supply is to determine your water's safety. When investigating what is in your water, it is important to recognize that contaminants can originate from the water supply - or they can come from your home's pipes. There are two main ways to learn about your water:
1. Municipal Water Report - For those who have public water, U.S. law requires that everyone have access to their municipal water report. Once you have obtained this report, it should be easy to determine what an appropriate range is for the different contaminants and whether your water supply is within that range.
2. Home Water Test Kit - For those who have a well or are concerned with what potential toxins may come from their pipes, home water test kits are relatively inexpensive and simple to use. Just like the municipal water report, a home water test kit will help you determine if the contaminants found in your water are within a normal range.
According to Mehment Oz, MD, host of The Dr. Oz Show, Vice-Chair and Professor of Surgery at Columbia University and Director of the Cardiovascular Institute & Complementary Medicine Program at NY Presbyterian, there are five contaminants in water to look out for. These include:
· Nitrates and Nitrites - With the potential to damage cells in the body, these chemicals may be in water as a result of runoff from fertilizer or sewage. While a little bit in water is acceptable, make sure your amount does not exceed the acceptable range.
· Arsenic - Arsenic is an odorless and nearly tasteless element that occurs naturally in the earth's crust. There is no tolerable limit in water for this substance, which is toxic to the liver.
· Mercury - Mercury is a metal that occurs naturally in the environment, but it is extremely toxic to humans. There is no tolerable limit of mercury in water.
· Cyanide - Cyanide can be toxic to the liver, and only a miniscule amount can be tolerated by the body.
In addition, there is sufficient reason to be concerned about additives put in water to "disinfect" it. Chlorine and substances that chlorine breaks down into (like chloroform and dichloroacetic acid), readily contribute to cellular damage. Since people living with Hepatitis C must work extra hard to protect the cells they have from injury, it seems obvious to minimize their exposure to chlorine.
Before giving up on the splendors of bathing, there is a solution for toxins found in your water supply. While you don't have to pump bottled water into your shower, you can filter your shower water. If municipal and/or home water tests show contaminants in your home's water supply, you can install a filter right on the showerhead - or put your entire home on a filtration system. Keep in mind that in their daily duties of removing contaminants, most water filtration systems require some sort of maintenance. In addition, Dr. Oz suggests the following for those who are unable to filter their showerhead or bath faucet:
· Do not put your shower's misting capabilities up high. This will contribute to more mist that can be more easily inhaled and can more easily penetrate the skin.
· Do not shower in hot water. The hotter the temperature is, the more your pores will open and absorb whatever it comes in contact with.
It may seem that being concerned about the quality of your bathroom's water is overkill. However, some experts report that under the right conditions, toxins can make their way into your bloodstream six times more readily through absorption than consumption. If and when clinical trials prove this fact, shower filtration systems will become standard practice for those with liver concerns - especially for those living with chronic Hepatitis C.
References:
http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=3, Arsenic, Retrieved October 23, 2009, US National Library of Medicine, 2009.
http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/chlorinyours.html, Chlorine in Your Shower Water, Retrieved October 22, 2009, annieappleseedproject, 2009.
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dont-drink-water, Don't Drink the Water Video, Retrieved October 22, 2009, ZoCo 1, LLC, 2009.
http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw000/contaminants/dw_contamfs/cyanide.html, Ground Water and Drinking Water, Retrieved October 23, 2009, Environmental Protection Agency, 2009.
Posted by Editors at 12:02 PM --- Printer-friendly version
Printer-friendly version
Those who are educated about Hepatitis C know that time is of the essence when it comes to receiving treatment. Unfortunately, some Australians with this virus have to wait a reported six years to see a specialist.
Six year wait list for Hep C treatment
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Peter Dowling MP, LNP Member for Redlands is calling on the State Government to reveal information about waiting times for specialist outpatient services and act to reduce a 6 year wait for patients needing Hepatitis C treatment in Queensland hospitals.
Mr Dowling wants Health Minister Paul Lucas to come clean on excessive waiting times for Hepatitis C treatments and disclose the number of Category 1, 2 and 3 patients waiting for treatment in Queensland hospitals.
"There is a resident in my electorate who has been told that he can expect to wait up to 6 years before he can see a doctor for treatment", Mr Dowling said.
"Unbelievable as it seems, he's been on a waiting list to see a specialist at the Princess Alexandra hospital since 2006."
Continue reading this entire article:
http://bayjournal.com.au/joomla/bayislandsjournal/56/2354-six-year-wait-list-for-hep-c-treatment.html
Posted by Editors at 9:38 AM --- Printer-friendly version
March 2, 2010
Printer-friendly version
While there are several notable exceptions, discover four significant ways that crying can help someone with Hepatitis C.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Whoever proclaims that real men don't cry has a lot to learn about the human condition. Shedding tears involves a complex combination of physical and emotional mechanisms. Sometimes, incessant crying can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed. However, crying often serves a specific role to our biological and psychological wellness. In fact, having a good cry can actually be healthful for those living with chronic Hepatitis C.
Most of us have experienced a good cry - an event marked by feeling better and having gained an improved perspective on our current situation. Published in the December 2008 issue of Current Directions in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, University of South Florida psychologists Jonathan Rottenberg and Lauren M. Bylsma, along with their colleague Ad J.J.M. Vingerhoets of Tilburg University investigated the psychology of crying.
Upon analyzing accounts of over 3,000 crying episodes, these psychologists found that the majority of respondents reported improvements in their mood following a bout of crying. Their research also demonstrated that the potential benefits depend on who is crying. Those who do not seem to benefit from crying, include:
· Individuals with anxiety or mood disorders
· Those suffering from depression
· People who lack insight into their emotional lives (a condition known as alexithymia). Researchers hypothesize that these individuals lack the emotional insight required for a cognitive change that would transform a negative perspective into a positive one.
Besides those who are not in touch with their feelings, some with Hepatitis C have reason to be concerned about a crying habit. This is because coping with Hepatitis C and its treatment can be associated with depression. When crying interferes with daily life, clinical depression could be the culprit. People who are depressed have most or all of the following symptoms nearly every day, all day, for two or more weeks:
· Feeling sad, hopeless and having frequent crying spells
· Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy (including sex)
· Feeling guilty, helpless or worthless
· Thinking about death or suicide
· Sleeping too much, or having problems sleeping
· Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss or gain
· Feeling very tired all the time
· Having trouble paying attention and making decisions
· Having aches and pains that don't get better with treatment
· Feeling restless, irritated and easily annoyed
If depression is at the root of your crying, you must talk to your doctor for help. Physicians have access to a variety of ways to help someone with depression.
Besides those with alexithymia or depression, some of the ways someone with Hepatitis C can benefit from sobbing, include:
1. Immune Assistance - Tears contain lysozymes, a virus and bacteria killing substance. Since the last thing someone with Hepatitis C needs is an additional pathogen to fight, shedding tears is almost like excreting a mini defense shield on your face.
2. Toxin Removal - Crying is not the most efficient means for ridding the body of toxins. However, tears may assist the liver in detoxification because they are believed to be a way of escorting toxins out of the body. Those with chronic Hepatitis C are encouraged to utilize all routes to aid detoxification in an effort to relieve some of the liver's burden.
3. Stress Reduction - Stress can worsen many health problems, including Hepatitis C. Suppressing tears is known to increase stress levels. Shedding tears has documented calming effects that include a slower breathing rate. Thus, a good cry is a sound approach for stress relief.
4. Emotional Release - Managing chronic Hepatitis C can cause an accumulation of stress. From a Traditional Chinese Medical perspective, unreleased stressors impede the flow of blood (and energy) throughout the liver. Because crying is a physical means to release emotional stress, it helps restore liver circulation, a bonus for livers fighting the Hepatitis C virus.
Crying is a natural physiological mechanism. As long as depression, anxiety, mood disorders or a lack of insight into your emotions is not applicable, weeping serves a valuable purpose, especially to those with Hepatitis C. So the next time a pit of emotion forms in the base of your throat, don't try to restrain it. Since allowing yourself to cry aids the immune system, removes toxins, relieves stress and releases constrained emotions - sobbing should be prized for its healthfulness to a liver battling Hepatitis C.
References:
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/infections/hepatitis/071.html, Hepatitis C, Retrieved January 3, 2010, American Academy of Family Physicians, 2010.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-reasons-why-crying-is-good-for-you.html, 7 Reasons Why Crying Is Good for You, Therese Borchar, Retrieved January 1, 2010, DivineCaroline, Care2.com, Inc, 2010.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/133552.php, The Psychology Of Crying, Retrieved January 3, 2010, MediLexicon International, Ltd., 2010.
Posted by Editors at 3:35 PM --- Printer-friendly version
March 1, 2010
Printer-friendly version
Solving the ongoing challenge of how to test potential liver disease drugs before experimenting on humans, Salk Institute researchers have perfected a system where medications can be tested in mice with mostly human livers.
Mouse With Human Liver: New Model for Treatment of Liver Disease
ScienceDaily (Feb. 23, 2010) -- How do you study-and try to cure in the laboratory-an infection that only humans can get? A team led by Salk Institute researchers does it by generating a mouse with an almost completely human liver. This "humanized" mouse is susceptible to human liver infections and responds to human drug treatments, providing a new way to test novel therapies for debilitating human liver diseases and other diseases with liver involvement such as malaria.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100222182144.htm
Posted by Editors at 10:46 AM --- Printer-friendly version
Printer-friendly version
Thanks to research from Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy, scientists have confirmed that some individuals have genetic protection against ribavirin-induced anemia. Since ribavirin is part of the standard Hepatitis C treatment protocol, this discovery will better enable physicians to foretell who can best withstand Hepatitis C therapy.
Enzyme Deficiency Protects Hepatitis C Patients from Treatment-Related Anemia
ScienceDaily (Feb. 24, 2010) -- Many people who undergo treatment for hepatitis C develop hemolytic anemia, a disorder that destroys red blood cells. In some cases, it is so severe they have to reduce their medication or stop therapy altogether. But now, scientists in Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy (IGSP) have discovered two genetic alterations linked to a benign enzyme condition that keep some patients anemia-free.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100221143232.htm
Posted by Editors at 10:42 AM --- Printer-friendly version
