Research & Treatment News
December 28, 2011
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Six months after Incivek and Victrelis were approved by the FDA for Hepatitis C, a LaunchTrends® report indicates that triple therapy with these drugs is the new standard of care for treating genotype 1 Hepatitis C.
Incivek and Victrelis Usage as Part of Triple Therapy Hepatitis C Regimen is Emerging as the New Standard of Care for Genotype 1 Patients According to a Newly Released Report by BioTrends Research Group
By Benzinga Staff
December 22, 2011
Six months post-launch of Vertex's Incivek (telapravir) and Merck/Roche's Victrelis (boceprevir), specialists report a significant increase in usage of both products in their genotype 1 HCV patients compared to one month post-launch. Incivek remains the market share leader, though the gap in preference for Incivek over Victrelis is beginning to narrow compared to previous waves of research. Surveyed hepatologists reported using significantly more Incivek than infectious disease specialists.
In LaunchTrends®: Victrelis (boceprevir) and Incivek (telapravir) Wave 3 BioTrends surveyed a total of 83 physicians (gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and infectious disease specialists) and conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with a subset of the respondents about their current perceptions, early experience and anticipated future use of these products. In addition, feedback around patient type, product satisfaction, patient influence, obstacles to use, and promotional activities is captured.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/11/12/b2226050/incivek-and-victrelis-usage-as-part-of-triple-therapy-hepatitis-c-regim
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December 27, 2011
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Review tenofovir's pros and cons for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B infection.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Viread®, also known as tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, is a medicine used to treat chronic Hepatitis B. Since there are so many variables involved in treating the Hepatitis B virus, navigating through the medications can be confusing. If you are considering taking tenofovir, make sure you understand this powerful drug's strengths and weaknesses.
One of the newest antiviral drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Hepatitis B, tenofovir is a nucleotide analogue reverse transcriptase and Hepatitis B polymerase inhibitor. This type of drug interrupts important steps in the virus's reproductive cycle by stopping or interfering with DNA formation or replication. Although considered to be one of the most potent Hepatitis B medications, a 300-mg daily tablet of Viread® does not cure Hepatitis B. However, it is gaining a great deal of support because tenofovir:
• can significantly reduce Hepatitis B viral load.
• helps a small percentage of infected people clear the Hepatitis B virus.
• has a low potential for drug resistance.
• may improve the liver's condition.
The Hepatitis B virus's reproductive cycle is complex, and each type of antiviral medication disrupts a different step in that cycle. Over time, the Hepatitis B virus can develop drug resistance by mutating to avoid harm from a specific drug. Because antiviral drugs are typically taken for a long stretch of time, choosing a medication with a low incidence of drug resistance is highly desirable.
Although there are many factors that contribute to a decision on how to treat chronic Hepatitis B, therapy is usually advised when:
• Those who are Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive have a DNA level of greater than 20,000 IU/mL and when serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is elevated for 3-6 months.
• Those who are Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative have a DNA level of greater than 2,000 IU/mL and when serum ALT is elevated (ALT levels >20 U/L for females; 30 U/L for males) for 3-6 months.
Currently, tenofovir is one of four primary drugs used to help treatment-naïve Hepatitis B patients - although ongoing trials are investigating many new substances and drug combinations. The four drugs used as a first-line treatment for Hepatitis B include:
1. interferon alfa (IFN-a)
2. adefovir
3. entecavir
4. tenofovir
While a knowledgeable physician's expertise is needed to ascertain the right treatment for any person, several studies involving tenofovir give us encouraging information about this drug.
• Being a relative newcomer to the Hepatitis B arsenal, there is limited safety information for this drug. However, a study published August 2011 online in Hepato-Gastroenterology found that tenofovir was safe and effective in the long-term management (three years) of HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients with chronic Hepatitis B.
• Since spontaneous reactivation of chronic Hepatitis B virus can cause a sudden, severe worsening of liver disease, Indian researchers sought alternatives to a liver transplant for those with acute-on-chronic liver failure. As published in the March 2011 edition of the journal Hepatology, they found tenofovir to significantly reduce Hepatitis B viral load and improve the liver's condition in those with severe spontaneous reactivation of chronic Hepatitis B presenting as acute-on-chronic liver failure. The outcome with tenofovir greatly reduced the mortality rate in this group of high-risk individuals.
No potent drug is without its caveats, Viread® included. According to the manufacturer, Viread® can cause serious side effects, including:
• Lactic acidosis - A buildup of acid in the blood is a serious medical emergency that can be fatal. Signs that require immediate medical attention include feeling very weak or tired, unusual muscle pain, breathing difficulty, stomach pain with nausea/vomiting, feeling cold (especially in the arms and legs) feeling dizzy or lightheaded, or having a fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Severe liver problems - Be aware that the liver can become enlarged or fatty with this medication. Signs of a severe liver problem that require immediate medical attention include jaundice (yellow skin or whites of the eyes), dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, loss of appetite for several days, nausea or stomach pain.
• Exacerbating factors - Lactic acidosis or severe liver problems are more likely to occur in females, those who are obese or those who have been taking Viread® or similar medicine for a long time.
• Flare-up - Hepatitis B infection may worsen if Viread® is stopped. Therefore, stopping this medication must be done under the advice and guidance of a knowledgeable physician.
So far, the data that has surfaced demonstrates tenofovir to be a key player in managing the chronic Hepatitis B virus. Although this medication can suppress viral load and improve liver health, it is not a cure for Hepatitis B. In addition, only time will tell if drug resistance remains low with Viread® and if long-term use of tenofovir is safe.
References:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/177632-treatment, Hepatitis B Treatment and Management, Nikolaos T Pyrsopoulus, MD, PhD, MBA, FACP, Retrieved December 25, 2011, WebMD, LLC, 2011.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hep.24109/abstract, Tenofovir improves the outcome in patients with spontaneous reactivation of hepatitis B presenting as acute-on-chronic liver failure, Hitendra Garg, et al, Retrieved December 25, 2011, Hepatology, March 2011.
http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(10)01499-X/abstract, Three-Year Efficacy and Safety of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B, E. Jenny Heathcoate, et al, Retrieved December 21, 2011, Gastroenterology, January 2011.
http://www.hbvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Treatment-first.pdf , Which Hepatitis B Drug Treatment to Use First, Christine M. Kukka, Retrieved December 25, 2011, Hepatitis C Support Project, 2011.
https://www.hepato-gastroenterology.org/?p=1897, Comparison of the Efficacy of Entecavir and Tenofovir in Chronic Hepatitis B, Fatih Güzelbulut, et al, Retrieved December 21, 2011, Hepato-Gastroenterology, online August 2011.
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_b/news/2011/0510_2011_a.html, Tenofovir Improves Outcomes of HBV Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure, Liz Highleyman, Retrieved December 24, 2011, hivandhepatitis.com, 2011.
http://www.viread.com/en/, VIREAD®, Retrieved December 21, 2011, Gilead Sciences, Inc, 2011.
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December 20, 2011
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When under stress, some people grind their teeth. Though, there are several more reasons those with Hep C are vulnerable to and more prone to complications of teeth grinding.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
A significant percentage of those living with chronic Hepatitis C infection find themselves dealing with an array of oral health challenges. Bruxism, otherwise known as grinding, gnashing or clenching the teeth is a common habit that can be especially problematic for those managing the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). To protect yourself from the potential pitfalls of bruxism, make sure you know what makes it worse, what to look out for and how to put an end to this tension-building, potentially harmful habit.
Bruxism Causes
Even though there are a number of causes linked to bruxism, HCV in and of itself is not directly responsible for jaw clenching. However, several of the known precipitators of bruxism are often associated with Hepatitis C. Typical culprits include:
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Misalignment - where the upper and lower teeth don't fit together properly
• Smoking
• Excessive drinking
• Sleep disorders
• Antidepressant medications - such as SSRIs
• Neuromuscular disease of the face
Between its social implications, symptoms, treatment, management and progression, those with chronic HCV are not strangers to stress or anxiety. The pressures of living with this liver virus tend to spawn tension - which frequently lodges in the jaw and can lead to bruxism. Additionally, Hepatitis C patients may contend with sleeping problems and/or depression. Antidepressants, one of the known causes of bruxism, are commonly prescribed for HCV.
Symptoms and Effects of Bruxism
Just as the degree by which someone clenches his or her jaw or grinds his or her teeth ranges from mild to severe, so are the severity of symptoms. Symptoms that may point to bruxism include:
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Ear or jaw pain
• Insomnia
• Injured gums
If steps are not taken to ease bruxism, the symptoms can intensify and create more unwanted effects such as:
• Teeth Sensitivity - Continual grinding of the teeth can slowly wear away the outer enamel of the teeth and can lead to sensitivity.
• Physical Damage - Besides wearing down enamel, excessive grinding can also damage teeth and dental fillings, loosen teeth and cause recession of the gums.
• Local Pain - The muscular tension created by bruxism can lead to facial pain, intense headaches and jaw pain. The jaw pain is frequently linked to misalignment of the temporomandibular joint - a disorder that has been described as excruciating.
Bruxism Co-Factor
Formally known as xerostemia, a dry mouth is extremely common in those with Hepatitis C. Studies have shown an increased incidence of xerostemia in those with HCV, especially if on antidepressants. The mouth's natural lubrication has many roles, including cleaning, chemical protection and antibody formation. As such, insufficient saliva can have an array of detrimental effects on oral health.
Indicators of xerostemia include:
• A severely dry mouth - especially at night
• Sore oral tissues - particularly gums, tongue and cheeks
• Frothy, foamy and stringy saliva
• Difficulty talking, eating and swallowing
• Bad breath
• Dental decay and tooth sensitivity
Gone untreated, a severe case of xerostomia can lead to increased levels of tooth decay and mouth infections. According to Dr. Martin Greenberg, chairman of the department of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, "If a patient has a dry mouth, the chance of dental caries (cavities) climbs."
When it comes to tooth decay and sensitivity, adding xerostemia to bruxism magnifies the likelihood of poor oral health. Those with HCV are especially prone to both conditions. Thus, these individuals are advised to be proactive in minimizing their jaw's tension and maximizing their mouth's lubrication.
Being Proactive
Tips for managing dry mouth and teeth clenching can go a long way in preserving teeth. The management of xerostemia generally involves the following:
• Boosting the mouth's lubrication with sugar-free chewing gum, increased fluid intake and artificial saliva (if necessary).
• Improving oral hygiene (regular brushing and flossing) to remove as much dental plaque as possible.
• Using saliva replacements to protect against the breakdown of oral tissues.
Key ways to manage bruxism involve:
• Stress Relief - To contend with bruxism, experts suggest stress relief as one of the most important treatments. Stress relief could entail counseling, therapy, biofeedback, exercise, yoga, meditation, aromatherapy or receiving a massage. Whatever solution works best for you, find a healthful stress relief approach to prevent bruxism from continuing.
• Teeth/Jaw Alignment - If the bruxism is linked to dental problems, a dentist will evaluate correcting the teeth or jaw alignment. This could involve crowns or onlays to give a new shape to the teeth biting surfaces, or a mouth guard or bite plate to protect teeth and realign the jaw.
• Medication Switch - If you take antidepressant medications and grind your teeth, make sure to discuss it you're your physician, as the problem may be solved by switching to a different antidepressant.
For some, bruxism is mild and may not require treatment. However, teeth grinding has the potential to damage teeth - especially when paired with a dry mouth. Since those with Hepatitis C seem to be prone to both of these conditions, it's important to know their signs and symptoms, seek regular dental care, practice good oral hygiene and be proactive in managing your mouth.
References:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-things-your-teeth-say-about-your-health.html, 7 Things Your Teeth Say About Your Health, Lara, Retrieved October 30, 2010, Care2.com, Inc., 2010.
http://www.hda-online.org.uk/dentistry/bruxism-teeth-grinding/index.html, Bruxism and Teeth Grinding, Retrieved October 30, 2010, Health Development Advice, 2010.
http://www.hep.org.au/documents/Dental-140KB.pdf, Dental Health and Hepatitis C, Retrieved October 30, 2010, National Hepatitis Education Program, 2010.
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/10/10_helpful_tips.html, 10 Helpful Tips: Reducing Dry Mouth for Hepatitis C, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Retrieved October 30, 2010, Natural Wellness, 2010.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bruxism/DS00337, Bruxism/Teeth grinding, Retrieved October 30, 2010, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2010.
Posted by Editors at 11:15 AM --- Printer-friendly version
December 15, 2011
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Two Hepatitis C Phase 1 studies are set to evaluate the safety and tolerability of NS5B polymerase inhibitors from Vertex and Alios BioPharma.
Vertex, Alios BioPharma commence studies for Hepatitis C treatment
PBR Staff Writer
Published 12 December 2011
Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Alios BioPharma, together have initiated two clinical studies for the nucleotide analogues ALS-2200 and ALS-2158, inhibitors of the hepatitis C NS5B polymerase.
ALS-2200 and ALS-2158 are pan-genotypic nucleotide analogues, designed to inhibit the replication of the hepatitis C virus by acting on the NS5B polymerase.
The two Phase 1 studies will be randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, with the primary goals of evaluating the safety and tolerability of single ascending doses of ALS-2200 and ALS-2158 in healthy volunteers and of multiple ascending doses in people with chronic genotype-1 hepatitis C.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://contractresearch.pharmaceutical-business-review.com/news/vertex-alios-biopharma-commence-studies-for-hepatitis-c-treatment-121211
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December 12, 2011
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A recently presented study further confirms the association between Hepatitis C infection and coronary artery disease.
HCV Infection May Predict Coronary Artery Disease
By: HEIDI SPLETE, Internal Medicine News Digital Network
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. - Coronary artery disease was significantly more prevalent in patients with hepatitis C virus infection, compared with control subjects, based on a retrospective review. The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology.
"An association of coronary artery disease [CAD] with hepatitis C has been suggested, but definitive data are still lacking," said Dr. Sanjaya Satapathy, who conducted the study while at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y.
To estimate the prevalence of CAD in hepatitis C patients, Dr. Satapathy and his colleagues reviewed data from 934 individuals with hepatitis C infection who were seen at a single center between May 2002 and December 2008. Of these patients, 63 had undergone coronary angiography. The investigators compared their data with data from 63 matched controls without hepatitis C.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/news/gastroenterology/single-article/hcv-infection-may-predict-coronary-artery-disease/874f7f1da1.html
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Learn about the new research indicating that green tea could prevent the recurrence of Hepatitis C after a liver transplant.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Sipping a hot beverage is a habitual practice that many of us covet. But when it comes to that drink's healthfulness - not all are created equally. This is especially poignant when living with the Hepatitis C virus, where hydration coupled with liver support can prevent the illness from worsening. On the other hand, a drink that burdens the liver is fully capable of aggravating Hepatitis C infection. Adding a new dimension to choosing the right beverage for your liver's health, new research from Germany will put fastidious green tea drinkers with Hepatitis C and a new liver at ease - and is likely to gain many new green tea sipping converts.
End stage liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus is the most common reason for a liver transplant, accounting for about 30 percent of liver transplant surgeries. Unfortunately, recipients of a new liver typically experience rapid re-infection of their new liver from reservoirs of Hepatitis C that remain in the body - outside the liver. In the majority of recipients, this leads to recurrent hepatitis infection and a return of the same sequence of events that originally led to the liver transplant. Thus, strategies to block the Hepatitis C virus from gaining entry into a new, disease-free liver are being actively sought. Fortunately, choosing to drink the right beverage could exert such a desired effect.
About Green Tea
More than a decade's worth of research has praised green tea's health benefits, recognizing it to be beneficial for:
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Cholesterol
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Dementia
However, evidence is mounting showing that green tea holds significant value in fighting liver disease as well.
Green tea's many health benefits are owed to its richness in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). A powerful antioxidant, EGCG kills cells gone awry, without harming healthy tissue. Green tea is preferred for its health benefits to black and oolong teas because it is minimally processed. As such, green tea's leaves are green, withered and steamed as opposed to the other darker, fermented varieties of tea. Green tea's minimal processing results in a greater concentration of EGCG.
Many with Hepatitis C have known about EGCG's ability to impair liver disease progression for years, and have already made green tea their staple beverage. Research revealed at the 2006 Annual Association for the Study of Liver Diseases meeting found that EGCG inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation in liver cells, well known precursors to liver disease progression.
New EGCG Research on Hepatitis C
As published in the December 2011 edition of the journal Hepatology, German researchers investigated the effects of EGCG on Hepatitis C, and the underlying mechanism responsible for those effects. Led by Sandra Ciesek, MD, from the Hannover Medical School in Germany, they found that EGCG was a strong inhibitor of the Hepatitis C virus's entry into liver cells. More specifically, Ciesek and her team found the following:
• EGCG had no effect on Hepatitis C RNA replication, assembly or release of viral particles.
• EGCG was a potent inhibitor of Hepatitis C entry into liver cells, regardless of genotype.
• EGCG blocked infection of cells by particles outside the liver and between cells.
• EGCG disrupted the initial step of Hepatitis C cell entry by interfering with the viral attachment to the cell.
• Pre-treatment of cells with EGCG did not reduce Hepatitis C infection upon inoculation with the virus.
This data led to a greater understanding of green tea's star constituent and how it could benefit the fight against Hepatitis C.
Based on Ciesek's study, EGCG does not appear to interfere with replication of the virus or protect against initial Hepatitis C infection. However, their results showed that EGCG impairs the ability of extracellular material containing Hepatitis C to infect liver cells. This specific set of circumstances is especially applicable to those with Hepatitis C who have recently undergone a liver transplant, where the virus is known to make an unwelcome comeback. According to the authors, "The green tea molecule, EGCG, potently inhibits HCV entry and could be part of an antiviral strategy aimed at the prevention of HCV reinfection after liver transplantation."
Green tea is a beverage worthy of our attention, whether a liver transplant due to Hepatitis C infection applies or not. The range of health benefits characteristic of EGCG span so many desirable areas - from lowering cholesterol to deterring cancer development to inhibiting liver disease progression - that it seems to be the obvious choice for those concerned with health preservation. However, this new research provides motivation for those with a new liver due to advanced Hepatitis C to make green tea their new, preferred beverage.
References:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hep.24610/abstract, The green tea polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, inhibits hepatitis C virus entry, Sandra Ciesek, et al, Retrieved December 6, 2011, Hepatology, December 2011.
http://tpis1.upmc.com:81/tpis/liver/ILACHepC.html, Hepatitis C in the Liver Allograft Recipient, AJ Demetris, MD, et al, Retrieved December 11, 2011, UPMC, 2011.
http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/pb/25069, Green Tea Polyphenol Inhibits HCV Entry Into Hepatocytes, Retrieved December 6, 2011, HealthDay, 2011.
http://www.liversupport.com/wordpress/2007/07/how-green-tea-protects-against-liver-fibrosis/, How Green Tea Protects Against Liver Fibrosis, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Retrieved December 6, 2011, Natural Wellness, 2011.
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-of-green-tea, Health Benefits of Green Tea, Julie Edgar, Retrieved December 11, 2011, WebMD, LLC, 2011.
Posted by Editors at 10:02 AM --- Printer-friendly version
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After three months, a Phase 2a trial of Biotron's first-in-class direct acting Hepatitis C antiviral boasted a complete viral response for 87 percent of participants.
Biotron study of lead Hepatitis C drug shows virus undetectable in patients after three months
Wednesday, December 07, 2011 by Angela Kean
Biotron (ASX: BIT) has revealed positive results from a phase 2a trial of its lead Hepatitis C drug candidate, BIT225, that show 87% of patients receiving the drug had an undetectable virus after three months of treatment.
BIT225 targets the viral protein p7, which plays a crucial role in virus replication and reproduction. It is a new target, and BIT225 is a first-in-class direct acting antiviral.
The 28 day study treated patients with a combination of BIT225 and current approved standard of care therapies interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/23174/biotron-study-of-lead-hepatitis-c-drug-shows-virus-undetectable-in-patients-after-three-months--23174.html
Posted by Editors at 9:39 AM --- Printer-friendly version
December 7, 2011
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Achillion's Phase 1b Hepatitis C trial for ACH-2928, their first generation inhibitor of the NS5A protein, posted good antiviral activity, safety and tolerability results after just three days.
Achillion Announces Preliminary Phase 1b Proof-of-Concept Data With ACH-2928 NS5A Inhibitor for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Achieves 3.68 Log10 Reduction in HCV RNA After Three Days of Treatment
NEW HAVEN, Conn., Dec 5, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leader in the discovery and development of small molecule drugs to combat the most challenging infectious diseases, today reported proof-of-concept data from its Phase 1b clinical trial of ACH-2928, a first-generation NS5A inhibitor, demonstrating that patients treated with ACH-2928 achieved a mean maximum 3.68 log10 reduction in HCV RNA after three-day monotherapy of 60 mg once daily. The compound also demonstrated good safety and tolerability both in healthy volunteers and in patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV).
ACH-2928, Achillion's first generation inhibitor of the NS5A protein, was discovered through the Company's NS5A inhibitor program. Achillion also recently nominated a second-generation NS5A inhibitor, ACH-3102, which is currently undergoing IND-enabling studies and is expected to be advanced into clinical trials during the first half of 2012.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/achillion-announces-preliminary-phase-1b-proof-of-concept-data-with-ach-2928-ns5a-inhibitor-for-the-treatment-of-hepatitis-c-2011-12-05
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A collaboration between pharma giants Bristol-Myers Squibb and Tibotec has been established to investigate Daclatasvir plus TMC435 against Hepatitis C genotype 1.
Bristol-Myers inks research deal with Tibotec for Daclatasvir
PBR Staff Writer
Published 05 December 2011
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company has entered into a clinical collaboration agreement with Sweden-based Medivir's development partner, Tibotec Pharmaceuticals for Phase II combination study in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV).
The collaboration is intended to evaluate the utility of Daclatasvir (BMS-790052), Bristol-Myers Squibb's investigational NS5A replication complex inhibitor, along with Tibotec Pharmaceuticals' NS3 protease inhibitor, TMC435, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://contractresearch.pharmaceutical-business-review.com/news/bristol-myers-inks-research-deal-with-tibotec-for-daclatasvir-051211
Posted by Editors at 8:18 AM --- Printer-friendly version
December 5, 2011
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OraSure's rapid Hepatitis C blood test can turn out results in just 20 minutes - a convenience that has earned it a waiver to increase its availability.
OraSure Technologies Inc. receives approval to expand use of rapid hepatitis C test
Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2011
OraSure Technologies Inc. has received a federal waiver that expands access of its rapid hepatitis C test to include doctors offices, clinics and community-based organizations.
Shares rallied 9 percent on the news.
OraSure estimates an additional 180,000 sites nationwide will be able to administer the test, which detects hepatitis C antibodies in about 20 minutes through the company's OraQuick device.
The test works via finger-stick or on whole blood samples. The Bethlehem diagnostics company makes a similar device to detect HIV.
Continue reading this entire article:
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf/2011/11/orasure_technologies_inc_recei.html
Posted by Editors at 9:55 AM --- Printer-friendly version
