Natalie Cole Optimistic About Her Battle with Hepatitis C
July 21, 2008
Although currently recovering from combination therapy's side effects, the well-respected vocalist Natalie Cole may have conquered the Hepatitis C virus.
Continue reading "Natalie Cole Optimistic About Her Battle with Hepatitis C"
Posted by Editors at 10:06 AM
Hep C and Fatty Liver Disease Linked
July 09, 2008
Pittsburgh researchers have found an enzyme known to participate in fat production is elevated in those with Hepatitis C. Further exploration of this enzyme could help physicians better predict which HCV patients are at risk of developing fatty liver disease.
Continue reading "Hep C and Fatty Liver Disease Linked"
Posted by Editors at 03:29 PM
Anadys' ANA773 Hepatitis C Phase I Trials in Netherlands
Reducing the dosing schedule in half, Anadys Pharmaceuticals continues its investigation of ANA773, a Toll-Like Receptor-7 agonist prodrug. Approaching the Hepatitis C virus differently from most other contenders, Phase I clinical trials evaluating the safety, tolerability and viral-load decline associated with ANA773 are about to begin in the Netherlands.
Continue reading "Anadys' ANA773 Hepatitis C Phase I Trials in Netherlands"
Posted by Editors at 03:23 PM
Popular Illegal Drug Extra Harmful with HCV
July 07, 2008
Scientists have found a popular street drug worsens Hepatitis C infection in two worrisome ways.
Continue reading "Popular Illegal Drug Extra Harmful with HCV"
Posted by Editors at 12:19 PM
Hep C Long-Term Management Strategies
Since only about half of those on combination therapy beat Hepatitis C, the remaining people must strive to prevent their liver disease from progressing. Thus far, a liver wellness approach is a safer, more effective way to remain healthy compared to long-term interferon therapy.
Continue reading "Hep C Long-Term Management Strategies"
Posted by Editors at 12:00 PM
Good News for Non-Responders to HCV Combination Therapy
June 27, 2008
A Phase 3 trial evaluating ZADAXIN® (thymalfasin) as a potential third component for Hepatitis C traditional combination therapy has just been completed. Although the data is currently being analyzed and won't be available until later in the year, the lead investigator anticipates good news for previous non-responders.
Continue reading "Good News for Non-Responders to HCV Combination Therapy"
Posted by Editors at 10:35 AM
Purer, Less Costly Interferon for Hepatitis C and B Treatment
June 23, 2008
The Taiwan-based biopharmaceutical company PharmaEssentia Corp. is testing P1101, its third-generation PEG-interferon-alpha drug candidate. Because it is a longer-lasting, purer interferon that is less costly to produce, P1101 could enhance the treatment options for Hepatitis C and B.
Continue reading "Purer, Less Costly Interferon for Hepatitis C and B Treatment"
Posted by Editors at 02:35 PM
New Technology May Help Treat Hepatitis
While pharmaceutical companies are racing to find safer, more effective treatments for viral Hepatitis C and B, physicists from Arizona have a unique perspective on accomplishing the same goal. Learn how these scientists believe the virus could be rendered harmless with this non-traditional, non-invasive procedure.
Continue reading "New Technology May Help Treat Hepatitis"
Posted by Editors at 02:12 PM
Alcoholism and Viral Hepatitis
Conquering viral hepatitis is hard enough without the added challenge of alcoholism. The drug gabapentin as a treatment for alcohol dependence is currently being evaluated in human trials.
Continue reading "Alcoholism and Viral Hepatitis"
Posted by Editors at 02:04 PM
HCV Treatment Success: Early Response vs. Genotype
June 11, 2008
As presented at the April 2008 meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver, a rapid virological response can help clinicians customize the length of treatment for Hepatitis C – regardless of genotype.
Continue reading "HCV Treatment Success: Early Response vs. Genotype"
Posted by Editors at 12:26 PM
Fatty Liver Disease is a Major Health Concern
June 10, 2008
This liver disorder is incredibly common and its progression to a serious disease is usually preventable.
Continue reading "Fatty Liver Disease is a Major Health Concern"
Posted by Editors at 02:29 PM
HCV Viral Load Reduced in Phase I/II Trial
Given to those already infected with Hepatitis C, ChronVac-C® is designed to boost the immune response against the virus. Preliminary trial results report a decrease in viral load of over 95 percent in the first patient to complete ChronVac-C® therapy.
Continue reading "HCV Viral Load Reduced in Phase I/II Trial"
Posted by Editors at 02:24 PM
New Breakthrough Could Prevent Hepatitis C Replication
June 06, 2008
Inspired by a pharmaceutical prototype to stop bovine viral diarrhea virus, Immtech reveals that one of their compounds may inhibit Hepatitis C's entry into human cells.
Continue reading "New Breakthrough Could Prevent Hepatitis C Replication"
Posted by Editors at 05:24 PM
Marijuana Use Sparks Liver Transplant Controversy
June 02, 2008
Despite its legality in 12 states, learn why medical marijuana use may render a person with Hepatitis C ineligible for a liver transplant.
Continue reading "Marijuana Use Sparks Liver Transplant Controversy"
Posted by Editors at 11:28 AM
Optimism Swells After Liver Conference
May 30, 2008
Several researchers at the May 2008 Digestive Disease Week in San Diego reported encouraging progress in their mission to extinguish liver disease. One of the advancements announced includes monitoring dendritic cells to determine which Hepatitis C patients will fare well during treatment.
Continue reading "Optimism Swells After Liver Conference"
Posted by Editors at 02:40 PM
HCV Cure Associated with Early Drop in Viral Load
Australian researchers find that the suppression of Hepatitis C viral load within the first month of beginning treatment is a good predictor of defeating the virus - regardless of co-infection with HIV.
Continue reading "HCV Cure Associated with Early Drop in Viral Load"
Posted by Editors at 02:37 PM
Wine and Liver Health
May 27, 2008
Although a study emerging from San Diego claims that a small amount of wine may protect the liver, the researchers admit that this is not true for those already living with liver disease. In fact, there are several more caveats to this surprising claim.
Continue reading "Wine and Liver Health"
Posted by Editors at 02:15 PM
What You Must Know About Alcoholic Hepatitis
May 14, 2008
If you think one must be a heavy drinker to suffer from this condition, you ought to read this article. Discover the causes, risk factors and complications of alcoholic hepatitis. Share this information with others. After reading this, anyone with liver concerns may want to abandon intoxicating beverages altogether.
Continue reading "What You Must Know About Alcoholic Hepatitis"
Posted by Editors at 09:25 AM
15 Tips for Managing Interferon-Ribavirin Side Effects
May 13, 2008
Many people abandon this challenging HCV treatment mid-course. Here are 15 ways to help manage the side effects of Hepatitis C combination therapy, to help patients' likelihood of completing the extremely challenging treatment. Share this article among patients contemplating and/or already undergoing chemotherapy for Hepatitis C, so they can help increase their likelihood of conquering the virus.
Continue reading "15 Tips for Managing Interferon-Ribavirin Side Effects"
Posted by Editors at 11:12 AM
New Mexico Offers Free Hepatitis C Hotline
May 12, 2008
Finally being recognized as the widespread, public health problem that it is, the New Mexico Department of Health has taken a giant step forward to help people with Hepatitis C. By launching a new, toll-free phone number, locals concerned about Hepatitis C can get some confidential, practical, expert advice.
Continue reading "New Mexico Offers Free Hepatitis C Hotline"
Posted by Editors at 12:52 PM
Highly Effective Against HCV Genotype 1
May 01, 2008
When tested on people with Hepatitis C genotype 1, R7128 proved to be an effective addition to combination therapy after just four weeks' time. In addition to its anti-viral effect, polymerase inhibitor R7128 received good marks for safety and minimal side effects.
Continue reading "Highly Effective Against HCV Genotype 1"
Posted by Editors at 02:01 PM
Investigational Drug Beats Standard Therapy in Hepatitis C Study
April 30, 2008
A Phase IIa trial investigating triple combination therapy with PEGASYS, COPEGUS and Roche's investigational drug R1626, demonstrated a higher response rate than traditional combination therapy alone. While R1626's effectiveness and high barrier to resistance makes it a top Hepatitis C contender, the following six months will determine if its ability to clear the virus lasts.
Continue reading "Investigational Drug Beats Standard Therapy in Hepatitis C Study"
Posted by Editors at 02:26 PM
Hepatitis C Complications Helped by Maintenance Interferon
April 29, 2008
A four-year study confirms that low-dosage maintenance interferon therapy prevents disease progression in those with portal hypertension or cirrhosis from Hepatitis C.
Continue reading "Hepatitis C Complications Helped by Maintenance Interferon"
Posted by Editors at 02:15 PM
Improves Outcome for Hep C Genotype 4
Currently approved for treating contagious diarrhea in children, nitazoxanide has been found to make pegylated interferon-based treatment for Hepatitis C genotype 4 more effective. Prompting new trials in the U.S. and Europe, this drug is now being evaluated for Hepatitis C genotype 1.
Continue reading "Improves Outcome for Hep C Genotype 4"
Posted by Editors at 01:57 PM
Lapatinib Stabilizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma
April 28, 2008
New research was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research supporting the use of Lapatinib for those with advanced liver cancer. Although currently approved for treating breast cancer, this drug represents hope for those who have progressed from chronic Hepatitis C to hepatocellular carcinoma.
Continue reading "Lapatinib Stabilizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma"
Posted by Editors at 02:03 PM
News: Fluvastatin Lowers Cholesterol and Hepatitis C Viral Load
April 18, 2008
Researchers from Oklahoma have revealed that a drug commonly prescribed for high cholesterol also lowers Hepatitis C viral load. Although not capable of clearing Hepatitis C on its own, a Phase II trial will reveal its effectiveness in combination with interferon and ribavirin.
Continue reading "News: Fluvastatin Lowers Cholesterol and Hepatitis C Viral Load"
Posted by Editors at 10:20 AM
Development of HCV Drug Candidate Ends
Due to phase II safety trial results, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and ViroPharma Inc. agreed to discontinue developing their Hepatitis C drug HCV-796. Executives report that HCV-796's capacity to inflict liver damage was too great to maintain its candidacy.
Continue reading "Development of HCV Drug Candidate Ends"
Posted by Editors at 10:13 AM
Can Insect Bites Spread Hepatitis?
April 17, 2008
The warmer weather is here and so are those pesky flies and insects. Learn if you should be worried about being infected with viral hepatitis from insect bites.
Continue reading "Can Insect Bites Spread Hepatitis?"
Posted by Editors at 04:04 PM
Should You See a Specialist for Hepatitis C?
Even though you may be on a first name basis with your general practitioner, research from Germany proves that your chances for successfully eliminating the Hepatitis C virus are greater when treated by a hepatologist.
Continue reading "Should You See a Specialist for Hepatitis C?"
Posted by Editors at 01:50 PM
Improving Response to HCV Treatment
April 07, 2008
Of special interest for those who have relapsed after Hepatitis C pegylated interferon therapy: Medical experts are gaining insight into why some courses of treatment are unsuccessful. By aiming to eliminate the likely causes for previous failures, more non-responders may be good candidates for re-treatment.
Continue reading "Improving Response to HCV Treatment"
Posted by Editors at 02:32 PM
Hepatitis C Protein May Help Fight HIV
April 04, 2008
Scientists have discovered a unique property of a segment of one of Hepatitis C's proteins - inhibition of HIV. Continued research on this Hepatitis C component could lead to a new therapy capable of preventing HIV from being sexually transmitted.
Continue reading "Hepatitis C Protein May Help Fight HIV"
Posted by Editors at 03:47 PM
Hepatitis C Drug ITMN-191 Appears Safe
In addition to demonstrating a Hepatitis C anti-viral effect, an early trial investigating ITMN-191 met safety goals. With this good news, a Phase II study will evaluate this drug in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin.
Continue reading "Hepatitis C Drug ITMN-191 Appears Safe"
Posted by Editors at 03:27 PM
1-in-4 People Have Fatty Liver Disease
With a shocking 25 percent of Americans living with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, California researchers claim that this condition is associated with a decline in cardiac and respiratory fitness levels.
Continue reading "1-in-4 People Have Fatty Liver Disease"
Posted by Editors at 02:15 PM
Gregg Allman, Co-Founder of Allman Brothers, Fighting Hepatitis C
April 01, 2008
Musician Gregg Allman is undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C. As one of the estimated five million Americans with this virus, Allman's fight against Hepatitis C reminds us that this disease affects people from all walks of life.
Continue reading "Gregg Allman, Co-Founder of Allman Brothers, Fighting Hepatitis C"
Posted by Editors at 09:20 AM
Do You Want to Participate in a Hepatitis-C Clinical Trial?
March 31, 2008
Presently, there are many clinical trials devoted to Hepatitis C. While participating in a study offers some people a chance at improved health, the decision to enroll must be carefully considered.
Continue reading "Do You Want to Participate in a Hepatitis-C Clinical Trial?"
Posted by Editors at 10:28 AM
New Experimental Drug Blocks Hep C Virus and Lowers Cholesterol
March 28, 2008
By interfering with RNA, drug company Santaris may have launched a new generation of drugs. Following a successful animal trial, an unusual new drug has sparked interest due to its ability to lower cholesterol and block the Hepatitis C virus.
Continue reading "New Experimental Drug Blocks Hep C Virus and Lowers Cholesterol"
Posted by Editors at 10:49 AM
Researchers Find a Way to Interrupt Hepatitis C Virus
March 27, 2008
Scripps researchers found the protein needed to assemble Hepatitis C by using technology borrowed from molecular genetics. By altering the protein NS5A, this discovery may have significant impact on the development of new therapeutic agents.
Continue reading "Researchers Find a Way to Interrupt Hepatitis C Virus"
Posted by Editors at 04:21 PM