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Hepatitis C In The News Also See: HCV News Digest In The News May 18 U.S. health officials want all baby boomers to get tested for hepatitis C. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday released draft recommendations calling for all baby boomers to get a one-time blood test for the liver disease. That's everyone born from 1945 to 1965. All baby boomers should get hepatitis C test -CDC Fri May 18, 2012 1:14pm EDT Reuters) - All baby boomers should be tested at least once for the liver-destroying hepatitis C virus, according to proposed guidelines from U.S. health officials released on Friday.The often-undiagnosed virus is transmitted through contaminated blood. While infection rates have dropped dramatically since the early 1990s - due in part to the introduction of blood and organ screening - many older adults are still at risk, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which released the draft guidelines. Continue Reading @ Reuters Surveillance of Patients at Risk for HCC Paltry, at 6% by Christina Frangou San Francisco—For patients at highest risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the careful surveillance that can lead to early diagnosis is simply not happening, according to a recent study (Singal AG et al. J Gen Intern Med 2012 Jan 4 [Epub ahead of print]). Studies Illustrate Role of HCV Infection as Risk Factor for HCC Researchers Stress Importance of Early Detection of HCV Expert Reviews Diagnostic Imaging for HCC Increased Sensitivity of Imaging Exams Could Help Improve Surveillance HCV Weekly Rewind Of Hepatitis C News and Research This weeks review of HCV headlines and lastest research for the week of May 14, including updates as the day progresses. May 17 Canada OKs Osiris drug; first stem cell therapy (Reuters) - Osiris Therapeutics Inc said on Thursday that Canadian health regulators have approved its treatment for acute graft-versus host disease in children, making it the first stem cell drug to be approved for a systemic disease anywhere in the world. May 16 Milk Thistle Does Not Alter Disease Activity in Hepatitis C Patients ISSUE: MAY 2012 | VOLUME: 1 Source by Christina Frangou San Francisco—One of the first rigorous trials to test the popular herbal extract milk thistle (silymarin) has shown that this treatment does not relieve symptoms or slow disease progression in patients with hepatitis C who are nonresponsive to interferon (IFN). Read More.... May 15 Hepatitis C, the silent killer Posted on May 15, 2012 in The Doctor Is In by eParisExtra by Chris Prakash, MD Q: I recently went to my doctor for a routine check up and was told that my liver function tests were abnormal. They did further testing and told me that I have Hepatitis C infection. The recommendation was to closely monitor and not treat at this time. Is that okay? Achillion Pharmaceuticals Inc announced the receipt of a Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ACH-3102 as part of an interferon-free regimen for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV). ACH-3102 is a pan-genotypic second generation NS5A inhibitor against HCV that was discovered by Achillion and is being evaluated in a Phase1 clinical trial. Fast Track designation was requested for ACH 3102 for its potential to provide Improved safety as compared to the current standard of care; Potential for development in a once daily interferon-free fixed dose combination; Potent antiviral activity in vitro against HCV genotypes 1 through 6; and Low potential for drug-drug interactions and therefore greater potential to treat HCV patients with comorbidities, co-infected with HIV, or pre- or post-liver transplantation. ACH-3102 is a structurally distinct small molecule compound that has demonstrated potent inhibition of the NS5A protein across all genotypes of HCV in preclinical studies. Furthermore, the chemical structure of ACH-3102 has resulted in enhanced potency in vitro against resistant mutants that have emerged during clinical studies with first generation NS5A inhibitors. Structurally Distinct NS5A Inhibitor Displays Potent Preclinical Activity Against Commonly Observed resistant Variants EASL: PRECLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ACH-3102: A NOVEL HCV NS5A INHIBITOR WITH IMPROVED POTENCY AGAINST GENOTYPE-1A VIRUS AND VARIANTS RESISTANT TO 1ST GENERATION NS5A INHIBITORS - (05/02/12) NEW HAVEN, Conn., May 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:ACHN) today announced that it has begun dosing ACH-3102 in a Phase 1 clinical trial. ACH-3102 is Achillion's second generation pan-genotypic NS5A inhibitor being investigated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. ACH-3102 is a structurally distinct small molecule compound that has demonstrated potent inhibition of the NS5A protein across all genotypes of HCV in preclinical studies. Furthermore, the unique chemical structure of ACH-3102 has resulted in enhanced potency in vitro against resistant mutants that have emerged during clinical studies with first generation NS5A inhibitors. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 trial will enroll approximately 96 healthy volunteers in the U.S. to investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of ACH-3102. The trial will assess dosing in single and multiple ascending oral doses for up to 28 days. "We believe that NS5A inhibitors, in combination with protease inhibitors, will play an integral role in achieving the goal of an all-oral interferon-free treatment regimen for all segments of the HCV infected patient population," commented Michael D. Kishbauch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Achillion. "With our continued focus on compounds with potentially best-in-class characteristics, including safety and efficacy, broad genotypic effect with once-daily dosing and enhanced resistance profiles, we hope to move ACH-3102 through Phase 1 for HCV-infected subjects and toward combination studies with ACH-1625, our Phase 2 protease inhibitor, during the third quarter of 2012." About NS5A Inhibitors and ACH-3102 The NS5A protein is a clinically validated target that serves multiple functions at various stages of the HCV life cycle including involvement in virion production, interaction with host proteins and association with interferon-resistance. ACH-3102, Achillion's second generation NS5A inhibitor, has demonstrated potent activity against all HCV genotypes in vitro and in preclinical studies achieved additive to synergistic activity when combined with NS3 protease inhibitors, NS5B polymerase inhibitors, interferon and ribavirin. In preclinical studies, ACH-3102 demonstrated excellent potency, in the pico-molar range, against wild type HCV RNA replication, as well as potency against resistant mutants that have been identified in clinical studies. Read More At NATAP Lab21 Secures European and USA Patents for HCV Drug Resistance Genotyping May 14 HCV News Ticker-DAAs for Difficult-To-Treat Hep C Patients Also Hepatitis C W-Insulin Resistance 3Peaks4HCV - Reaching The Summit For Hepatitis C Awareness May 12 May Updates This month a special supplementary issue of Gastroenterology with full text viral hepatitis review articles and commentaries are available through open access. A Few Topics Include; Maximizing Opportunities and Avoiding Mistakes in Triple Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Recently developed drugs and innovative strategies for the treatment of chronic infection with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) have become the standard of care. The protease inhibitors telaprevir (Incivek) and boceprevir (Victrelis) are the first... Will Interferon-Free Regimens Prevail? Many promising small molecule inhibitors directed against hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins (direct-acting antiviral [DAA] agents) and compounds targeting host cell factors (host-targeting agents [HTAs]) are currently in the drug development and... Click here for the index and links to all open access articles..... May 10 Interferons and hepatitis C virus Interferons are not only important for the initial host response to HCV, but remain key components of the immune response during the chronic phase of hepatitis C which lasts decades and can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. April HEPATOLOGY Podcast Dr. Jasmohan Bajaj on a new, cost-effective standard for diagnosis and treatment of drivers with minimal hepatic encephalopathy. May 9 Updated-Summary Of The 47th European Association for the Study of the Liver EASL - 2012 Researchers pinpoint key signals for immune cells New challenges in viral hepatitis Although liver inflammation or ‘hepatitis’ can be caused by many infectious and non-infectious conditions, there are at least five viruses for which hepatitis is the primary (or only) clinical manifestation and are thus named: hepatitis A virus (HAV),hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D (or delta) virus (HDV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV). New Drugs Require New Terms for HCV Virologic Response Risk of Liver-Related Deaths Twice as High With Chronic Hep B Versus Hep C by Tim Horn In a cohort of men who have sex with men, most of whom were living with HIV, those who were coinfected with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) were twice as likely to die of liver disease compared with those chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), according to a new report published online of print by Clinical Infectious Diseases... Clinical Trial Pilot Study-Pegylated Interferon, Ribavirin, Telaprevir in Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Orthotopic Liver Transplant Recipients This study is currently recruiting participants. Verified May 2012 by University of Chicago First Received on April 27, 2012.Last Updated on May 2, 2012 Also See:A Pilot Study on the Efficicay and Safety of Pegylated Interferon, Ribavirin and Telaprevir in Recurrent Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection in Orthotopic Liver Transplant (OLT) Recipients. From NATAP- EASL: Use of Telaprevir Plus Peg Interferon/Ribavirin for Null Responders Post OLT With Advanced Fibrosis/Cholestatic Hepatitis C Durability of Sustained Response Shown in Paediatric Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Who Were Treated With Interferon Alfa-2b Plus Ribavirin What Every Clinician and Patient Should Know About Herb–Supplement–Drug Interactions Using Social Media To Sell Snake Oil Hepatitis C Therapy Update-Where Are We Now? Boceprevir in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection Update on the management and treatment of HCV infection The American Journal of Gastroenterology reports on recommendations of the Department of Veterans Affairs Hepatitis C Resource Center Program and the National Hepatitis C Program Office. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects approximately 1.3% of the United States population, and 4% of veterans who use Department of Veterans Affairs medical services. Chronic HCV is the primary cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplantation in the United States. Dr Alexander Monto and colleagues from Washington, Management of chronic HCV. Management of chronic HCV is aimed at halting disease progression, preventing cirrhosis decompensation, reducing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, and treating extrahepatic complications of the infection. As part of a comprehensive HCV management strategy, peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, along with the addition of a hepatitis C protease inhibitor therapy for many genotype 1-infected patients, are the current standard of care. The research team noted that antiviral therapy should be provided to those individuals who are clinically stable, have moderate liver disease or compensated cirrhosis, and are motivated to pursue therapy. The team note that many patients have comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions, which may affect their adherence to antiviral therapy or worsen while on antiviral therapy. Dr Monto's team commented, "To optimally manage hepatitis C and associated comorbidities, patients benefit from multidisciplinary teams that can provide HCV-specific care and treatment." "Sustained virologic response is associated with “cure” of chronic HCV, and results in improved liver disease outcomes and prolonged survival. Am J Gastroenterol 2012; 107:669–689 08 May 2012 May 1 May Begins With Hepatitis C Disease Management, New Drugs and Research April 30 Weekly Rewind SVR12 by researchers is now being compared to SVR24 Hepatitis C Virus Therapeutics: At the End of the Beginning Most management decisions were relatively simple, and most patients could be followed primarily by nurse practitioners and physician assistants The field of HCV therapeutics is moving rapidly and much remains to be learned; thus, firm predictions are inherently risky. It is likely, however, that for the foreseeable future, management decisions will require much more thought than they did in the “easy” days of interferon alfa–based regimens. Advances in the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. Thomas DL. Antivir Med. 2012 Apr;20(1):5-10. The addition of a protease inhibitor (PI) to what has been the standard HCV therapy of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin dramatically improves sustained virologic response rates in treatment-naive patients with genotype 1 infection. Similar results have been observed in some treatment-experienced patients in whom prior peginterferon alfa/ribavirin therapy has failed. The use of these new agents has also permitted response-guided therapy, wherein early sustained virologic response to treatment allows for a shortened treatment duration. However, these new PIs add cost and adverse effects to HCV therapy. Boceprevir is associated with increased risk of anemia and dysgeusia, and telaprevir is associated with increased risk of anemia and skin and gastrointestinal adverse effects. Early studies indicate that the addition of PIs results in high response rates in patients with HCV/HIV coinfection. Other studies suggest that combinations of PIs and other direct-acting antivirals may ultimately permit cure when used in interferon sparing regimens.... Learning / Practising Medicine in theChanging World Also See: HCV News Digest | Telaprevir and Boceprevir 2011 practice guideline by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Pocket Guide For UsingTelaprevir and Boceprevir Telaprevir/INCIVEK Telaprevir/Incivek Prescribing Information Medication Guide Boceprevir/Vicrelis VICTRELIS™- Boceprevir: Prescribing Information and Medication Guide Patient Assistance Programs INCIVEK/Telaprevir and VICTRELIS (Boceprevir) Patient Assistance Program Hepatitis C New Drug Pipeline New drugs in development for the treatment of hepatitis C http://www.hcvdrugs.com/ Hepatitis C Newsletters HCV Advocate Newsletter The HCV Advocate newsletter is a valuable resource designed to provide the hepatitis C community with monthly updates on events, clinical research, and education HBV Adocate HBV Journal Review HepCBC Online monthly newsletter Hepatitis C Victoria publishes two regular e-newsletters: Liver Spot, for people interested in general hepatitis news and views, and Viral Lowdown, for people working in and around the field of hepatitis C, as well as an electronic version of Good Liver, our quarterly magazine.You can sign up for any of these HERE. Hepatitis C Trust Newsletter Published every spring and winter. CAP Hepatitis C Literature Review Monthly Pubmed Review of the most relevant research on hepatitis C. Magazine & Books Free from Hepatitis C:Your Complete Guide to Healing Hepatitis C Lucinda K. Porter, RN, author of Free from Hepatitis C, is a hepatitis C patient, nurse and recognized expert in the hepatitis C field. Lucinda was a clinical research nurse at Stanford University Medical Center’s Hepatology division. In 1998, she co-founded the Redwood City Hepatitis C Support Group. She has been a guest speaker, educator and consultant, particularly on the subject of hepatitis C. Lucinda is actively engaged in community awareness activities focusing on issues surrounding viral hepatitis. Lucinda has been associated with the Hepatitis C Support Project (HCSP) since 1998. She is a member of the HCSP advisory board, a trainer, and writes for various HCSP publications. In addition to the many guides, pamphlets, and articles she has written, Lucinda writes two monthly columns for the HCV Advocate, Healthwise and co-authors HCV Snapshots. She received an award for recognition of contributions and service from the Hepatitis C Support Project. Learn More Here Hepatitis C Choices Free Online Book Important link if you are considering the new therapies. Be sure to talk with your doctor about all of your other medications prior to taking any prescription. Hep C Magazine Hepatitis NSW publishes two magazines: The Hep Review: is a 60 page magazine that comes out every three months, containing news, info, opinion, research and feature articles about hepatitis. Transmission Magazine: is a 16 page magazine that comes out every three months and is targeted at people affected by hep C or at risk of contracting it, and who prefer less text and more artwork. We strive to provide high quality magazines and content developed by us is produced according to our resources development guidelines. Where relevant, we provide author and source details. Each magazine is produced under the guidance of editorial committees made up of people from the hepatitis and related sectors, and people recruited for their experience in journalism and desktop publishing. Both our magazines aim to provide you with up-to-date information. They also give you the opportunity to provide input through telling your story, suggesting ideas for the articles that we write and helping with production (proofreading, mailouts, etc.) In this part of our website you will find: Hep Review magazine Hep Review index Hep Review promo campaign Transmission Magazine Email Alert FDA Hepatitis List Serve This e-mail list provides updates on safety and regulatory issues related to hepatitis B and C products (labeling changes, safety warnings, product approvals). Intended for patients, industry, academia, government agencies, and other interested parties. To sign up, click on link above. New Resource New Digital Liver Disease Journal - "Clinical Liver Disease" This journal is an official digital educational resource from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Visitors are able to view videos, full data, and download files in either HTML or PDF formats Hepatitis C Support Forums HCV Support HEPCnet Forums Med Help HepC Nomads Forum Hepatitis C Kids Support Forum Daily Strength Hepatitis C Support Hepatitis Central Hep C Friends HepC Net Forum Cirrhosis/ESLD Support The Liver Failure Support Group Transplant buddies |