headlines, and hot topics including today's news with updates as the day progresses.
Newsletter Updates
In case you missed it check out all June newsletters, here.
Canada
The June issue of HepCBC’s monthly newsletter is available for your viewing pleasure, here.
U.S.
The New York City Hepatitis C Task Force has just published the June issue of Hep Free NYC, start reading it here.
Publications
Each month Caring Ambassadors offers us a Pubmed review of hepatitis C research;
CLINICAL TRIALS, COHORT STUDIES, PILOT STUDIES 1 - 6
BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCE, PRE-CLINICAL STUDIES 6 - 9
HIV/HCV COINFECTION 9 - 13
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 13 - 14
EPIDEMIOLOGY, DIAGNOSTICS & MISCELLANEOUS WORKS 14 - 19
LIVER CANCER 19 - 22
Conference Reports - NATAP
Executive Director Jules Levin has posted new updates from;
16th International Workshop on Clinical Pharmacology of HIV and Hepatitis Therapy
and DDW - Digestive Disease Week 2015
News
and DDW - Digestive Disease Week 2015
News
June 13
Locally Manufactured Sovaldi to be available at 600 EGP, Minister
CAIRO: Egypt is planning to sell Sovaldi, the American-engineered hepatitis C treatment, at a price of 600 EGP ($80) per bottle, Health Minster Adel al-Adawy told Youm7 Saturday.
“The medicine is locally manufactured with its price four times cheaper than its U.S. equivalent. There are 10 local companies who agreed on dedicating 25 percent of their production capacity to Sovaldi,” Adawy said.
The decision complies with President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi’ directives to secure one million bottles for hepatitis C patients across the country, Adawy said.
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Now that better and more effective treatments exist for Hepatitis C (HCV), should all – not just the sickest – patients be eligible for these therapies?
Effects of delaying Hepatitis C treatment
David Rowlands' latest poll examines the issues around treating earlier or waiting.
Deferring antiviral therapy for HCV until a person progresses to advanced liver disease has clear drawbacks, including lower treatment effectiveness and an increased risk of clinical events and death, according to a study of US veterans presented at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) 50th International Liver Congress in Vienna recently.
June 12
A veteran's struggle to get help treating his Hepatitis C in Southwest Virginia is raising questions about treatment policies at the VA.
Jean Vallery believes he got Hepatitis C while serving as a medic in the Army and says it's difficult to get treatment due to the high cost and wait times at several VA medical centers.
He went to three VA medical centers. The VA in Albuquerque, New Mexico estimated the treatment costs at $1,000 a day.
"I don't want to wait another few years to get worse at this," Vallery explained.
A veteran's struggle to get help treating his Hepatitis C in Southwest Virginia is raising questions about treatment policies at the VA.
Jean Vallery believes he got Hepatitis C while serving as a medic in the Army and says it's difficult to get treatment due to the high cost and wait times at several VA medical centers.
He went to three VA medical centers. The VA in Albuquerque, New Mexico estimated the treatment costs at $1,000 a day.
"I don't want to wait another few years to get worse at this," Vallery explained.
Prisoners Sue Massachusetts for Withholding Hepatitis C Drugs
June 12
In the latest example of how the high price tags for hepatitis C drugs are limiting use in some of the most infected populations, two inmates in Massachusetts state prisons have filed a lawsuit accusing the state prison system of failing to provide the drugs to most infected prisoners.
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Roche cuts Hepatitis C drug cost by 65% for govt institutions
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Roche cuts Hepatitis C drug cost by 65% for govt institutions
June 12
Press Trust of India | New Delhi
After the price reduction, the medicine is now available at Rs 3,250 per pre-filled syringe plus taxes
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Health Insurance Premiums Will Go Up In 2016, But By How Much?
After the price reduction, the medicine is now available at Rs 3,250 per pre-filled syringe plus taxes
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Health Insurance Premiums Will Go Up In 2016, But By How Much?
June 12
NPR - Listen here....
What you need to know from the new PwC report predicting a healthcare spending slowdown
By Nina Flanagan | June 12, 2015
The report also points to two factors that may lead to increased healthcare spending in the next year. Market entry of new specialty drugs, like expensive hepatitis C drugs, will continue with the push for personalized medicine and targeted therapeutics. A new class of cholesterol drugs (PCSK9 inhibitors), expected to be approved by year's end, could cost the healthcare system $23 billion annually.
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The 2015 Summit will was held on June 4-6, 2015 in Arlington, VA.
Leading the Way for Biosimilars: Managed Care’s Lonely Road
June 12The report also points to two factors that may lead to increased healthcare spending in the next year. Market entry of new specialty drugs, like expensive hepatitis C drugs, will continue with the push for personalized medicine and targeted therapeutics. A new class of cholesterol drugs (PCSK9 inhibitors), expected to be approved by year's end, could cost the healthcare system $23 billion annually.
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Latest in testing and treatment of Hepatitis C
June 12
June 12
Dr. Ron Valdiserri, Director of the Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, sits down at the 2015 National Summit on HCV and HIV with Dr. John Ward, Director of CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis to discuss the latest in testing and treatment of Hepatitis C.
Yet despite this year’s developments, the economics of who benefits most in the commercialization of biosimilars is still a chief concern, starting with the manufacturer. “I think at the point in which a company decides to make a biosimilar, it has to say ‘what is important to me by way of the indications? Who’s going to buy it? Who’s going to pay for it? For this particular product, what patients are going to benefit? And who’s going to make the decisions on behalf of those patients?’ And they simply have to build that into part of their strategy pre-approval,” said Woolett.
One prospective ally would appear to be government, payers, including Medicaid. The high cost of new biologic medicines threatens to send U.S. healthcare costs soaring. Yet, managed care has already demonstrated its ability to reduce these costs. Senior Analyst Aaron (Ronny) Gal, PhD, of Sanford C. Bernstein and Co. told attendees that the entire healthcare community owed Express Scripts a debt of thanks. “Express Scripts got into the hep C (hepatitis C) market and forced prices down for drugs from $100-thousand to $60-thousand and did everyone a favor,” he said.
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Turns out drugmakers don't tell the whole truth about FDA rejections
June 12, 2015
When the FDA turns away a potential new treatment, it sends the drug's maker what's called a complete response letter, detailing all the deficiencies that led to the rejection. Those forms aren't public, but most companies issue press releases describing their contents. However, as a new study reveals, there's often a wide gap between the FDA's actual issues and the sponsors' spin.
June 11
Up to 150 million people are estimated to be infected with hepatitis C and it kills around 500,000 people every year. Now there’s hope in the form of a new drug, but it’s expensive. How much should a cure cost?
Up to 150 million people are estimated to be infected with hepatitis C and it kills around 500,000 people every year. Now there’s hope in the form of a new drug, but it’s expensive. How much should a cure cost?
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Patient Assistance Programs
Are you struggling to afford the costs of Hepatitis C treatments? A new program through the HealthWell Foundation may be able to help.
HCV Advocate
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
Are you having trouble with getting the medications? Try the patient assistance programs for information and assistance.
Patient Assistance Programs
Are you struggling to afford the costs of Hepatitis C treatments? A new program through the HealthWell Foundation may be able to help.
HCV Advocate
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
Are you having trouble with getting the medications? Try the patient assistance programs for information and assistance.
June 11
Hepatitis C Outbreak in Appalachian States Blamed on Poverty, Drug Use
Hepatitis C rates in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia are soaring — what can be done?
The CDC report stated that the disease occurrence has more than tripled in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
In fact, Kentucky has the highest rate of hepatitis C of any state in the country, at 4.1 per 100,000 people. That’s six times the national average.
In fact, Kentucky has the highest rate of hepatitis C of any state in the country, at 4.1 per 100,000 people. That’s six times the national average.
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Spike in heroin overdoses takes toll on Ohio town's psyche
June 11
By MITCH STACY
MARION, Ohio (AP) -- The usual handwringing over the heroin problem turned into panic in this small city in May when a supercharged blue-tinted batch from Chicago sent more than 30 overdose victims to the hospital and two to the morgue in a 12-day stretch.
Spike in heroin overdoses takes toll on Ohio town's psyche
June 11
By MITCH STACY
MARION, Ohio (AP) -- The usual handwringing over the heroin problem turned into panic in this small city in May when a supercharged blue-tinted batch from Chicago sent more than 30 overdose victims to the hospital and two to the morgue in a 12-day stretch.
Harvoni and Sovaldi/Daclatasvir Safer to Mix With HIV Meds
June 10
June 10
Harvoni and the combination of Sovaldi and daclatasvir were the least likely to cause a severe reaction with the HIV regimens of a cohort of HIV/hepatitis C coinfected adults.
Woman Sues Herbal Supplement Seller for Acute Liver Failure
June 10
A woman in Indiana is suing Arbonne International, an herbal supplement manufacturer and seller, after one of the company’s regimens allegedly caused her to suffer from acute liver failure, the Allen County Journal Gazette reports.
A woman in Indiana is suing Arbonne International, an herbal supplement manufacturer and seller, after one of the company’s regimens allegedly caused her to suffer from acute liver failure, the Allen County Journal Gazette reports.
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Milk thistle may improve steatohepatitis, capsaicin from chilli peppers may slow fibrosis
Milk thistle may improve steatohepatitis, capsaicin from chilli peppers may slow fibrosis
June 10
Liz Highleyman
People who used silymarin, derived from the milk thistle plant, experienced a resolution of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and a reduction in liver fibrosis in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, researchers reported at the European
Liz Highleyman
People who used silymarin, derived from the milk thistle plant, experienced a resolution of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and a reduction in liver fibrosis in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, researchers reported at the European
Forget those ageist stereotypes that senior citizens have little interest in sex and are befuddled by technology. Many older adults are going online to dish about the joys of sex and swap advice about keeping their mojos working well into their twilight years, a new study found.
Curing Hard-to-Treat Hepatitis C
Jun 9
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health and their colleagues at health centers in the District of Columbia discuss clinical studies aimed at improving hepatitis C treatments. The studies, which focus on hard-to-treat patients, such as those who also have HIV, are conducted through the DC Partnership for HIV/AIDS Progress, a program sponsored by NIH and the DC Department of Health.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health and their colleagues at health centers in the District of Columbia discuss clinical studies aimed at improving hepatitis C treatments. The studies, which focus on hard-to-treat patients, such as those who also have HIV, are conducted through the DC Partnership for HIV/AIDS Progress, a program sponsored by NIH and the DC Department of Health.
Hot Topics In June
NHS England agrees funding for new drug treatments for Hep C totalling almost a quarter of a billion pounds.
In what will be the NHS’ single largest investment in new treatments this year, NHS England has today (10 June 2015) announced it will be investing an estimated further £190 million in new cures for Hepatitis C, on top of the approximately £40 million extra which began last year.
Thousands of patients in England with cirrhosis caused by the Hepatitis C Virus will now be able to access new treatment options which can cure the virus and therefore prevent further damage to the liver, including the potential of end stage liver disease or cancer. The hepatitis C virus affects the liver’s ability to function and is most commonly a result of the use of infected needles by intravenous drug users.
In what will be the NHS’ single largest investment in new treatments this year, NHS England has today (10 June 2015) announced it will be investing an estimated further £190 million in new cures for Hepatitis C, on top of the approximately £40 million extra which began last year.
Thousands of patients in England with cirrhosis caused by the Hepatitis C Virus will now be able to access new treatment options which can cure the virus and therefore prevent further damage to the liver, including the potential of end stage liver disease or cancer. The hepatitis C virus affects the liver’s ability to function and is most commonly a result of the use of infected needles by intravenous drug users.
New Breakthrough Drugs Will Cost the U.S. Government How Much Money?
June 8
By ED SILVERMAN
The report represents the latest effort by payers to push back against the pharmaceutical industry over the cost of medicines. Over the past year, in particular, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers have sought to draw more attention to price tags as a way of placing pressure on drug makers.
Prices for various medicines – notably, new specialty treatments for hepatitis C and some forms of cancer – have generated substantial controversy as payers, both public and private, complain the drugs are budget busters. Avalere points to IMS Health data showing specialty medicines accounted for 78% of the $20.2 billion increase in new spending on brand-named drugs in 2014.
Prices for various medicines – notably, new specialty treatments for hepatitis C and some forms of cancer – have generated substantial controversy as payers, both public and private, complain the drugs are budget busters. Avalere points to IMS Health data showing specialty medicines accounted for 78% of the $20.2 billion increase in new spending on brand-named drugs in 2014.
Medical Tourism
Hep C drug tourism has begun as patients seek Harvoni, Sovaldi overseas
Tracy Staton
So, companies that set up medical-related trips abroad--which often means plastic surgery or joint replacements these days--are starting to put together channels for hepatitis C treatment. Doctors who'll prescribe to foreign patients, for instance. One Indian company that specializes in sourcing hard-to-find drugs has been getting dozens of calls every day since the first generics rolled out there..
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Tracy Staton
Now, say hello to hep C tourism. As Jonathan Edelheit, CEO of the Florida-based Medical Tourism Association, toldBloomberg, "I know people who have hepatitis C and the only thing they can think about is getting this drug. There is definitely a high interest in going abroad."
So, companies that set up medical-related trips abroad--which often means plastic surgery or joint replacements these days--are starting to put together channels for hepatitis C treatment. Doctors who'll prescribe to foreign patients, for instance. One Indian company that specializes in sourcing hard-to-find drugs has been getting dozens of calls every day since the first generics rolled out there..
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Americans want to pop made in India Sovaldi drug for 1 per cent of the cost
Health Flight Solutions, an Orlando, Florida, company that provides technology services to medical tourism agencies, is putting together a network of foreign doctors and hospitals willing to prescribe the drug to US patients, said CEO Anuja Agrawal. She said her company is working with the generic manufacturers to verify that the hospitals in her network aren’t getting counterfeit drugs. “We have already seen some movement, but I think we are going to see an explosion over the next several month s,” Agarwal said.
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Blogs
Hepatitis C Resource Center Blog - Coffee Decreases HCV Advanced Fibrosis Risk
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Blogs
Hepatitis C Resource Center Blog - Coffee Decreases HCV Advanced Fibrosis Risk
June 7
New study indicates that an average daily intake of an estimated 100 mg of caffeine from coffee, tea, or soda is associated with an approximately one-third reduction in odds of advanced fibrosis, although higher intake does not seem to confer any additional benefit. Interestingly, tea intake in those who do not consume coffee may also be associated with a decreased risk of advanced fibrosis. Study authors noted an average of 100 mg or more of caffeine daily from sodas and teas does not have the same protective effect as 100 mg or more of caffeine daily from combined sources (coffee, tea, soda) or from coffee alone, suggesting that caffeine alone may not entirely explain the effect of coffee on liver disease.
New study indicates that an average daily intake of an estimated 100 mg of caffeine from coffee, tea, or soda is associated with an approximately one-third reduction in odds of advanced fibrosis, although higher intake does not seem to confer any additional benefit. Interestingly, tea intake in those who do not consume coffee may also be associated with a decreased risk of advanced fibrosis. Study authors noted an average of 100 mg or more of caffeine daily from sodas and teas does not have the same protective effect as 100 mg or more of caffeine daily from combined sources (coffee, tea, soda) or from coffee alone, suggesting that caffeine alone may not entirely explain the effect of coffee on liver disease.
VARO– MARK’S OPUS–WHAT’S BEHIND DOOR #3
June 11, 2015
by asknod
Many of you across the fruited asknod and Hadit plain continue to suffer the misconception, goaded on undoubtedly by VSO horror stories, that if you ask for another bowl of porridge from VA, they will not only give you a smaller bowl but take away your spoon. Hogwash. If that was the case, frequent filers would have 0% across the board or far less than their due.
Many of you across the fruited asknod and Hadit plain continue to suffer the misconception, goaded on undoubtedly by VSO horror stories, that if you ask for another bowl of porridge from VA, they will not only give you a smaller bowl but take away your spoon. Hogwash. If that was the case, frequent filers would have 0% across the board or far less than their due.
Now we address my good friend Mark. The long story is in the link. The short story that continues to dispel the myth about VA’s propensity to downrate you when you disagree is this. Mark got 20% for his Hep. Typical VA lowball. He got his 100% schedular after flailing around and finally by dropping his no-account Cal. Dept. of Vet Disasters rep. and coming back to me. Once free of him, everything began to unfold properly. Last week, he got the ultimate smooth tan one-or for you guys from other sites-the BBE or Big Brown Envelope. His was truly as I had predicted and even better, Monty’s cookie jar was behind Door # 3.
Rick Nash
Peginterferon-Ribavirin, Failed it twice. Incivek, Failed it. Sovaldi Olysio, failed it. Harvoni, failed it... Hopefully we can find a new treatment, Otherwise i'll be transplant bound.
Peginterferon-Ribavirin, Failed it twice. Incivek, Failed it. Sovaldi Olysio, failed it. Harvoni, failed it... Hopefully we can find a new treatment, Otherwise i'll be transplant bound.
Every time I go under for an upper endoscopy there's always some type of clarity that happens the following day. I typically sleep so soundly, It's hard to describe, but it's a mental calm. A lot of the constant stresses aren't as intense. It's a nice pause, for what it is. While they test for RAVs and see what they can do for me, I wait and see.
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Four Things Fathers Affected by Hepatitis B Can Do for Themselves and Their Families
June 11, 2015Four Things Fathers Affected by Hepatitis B Can Do for Themselves and Their Families
Father’s Day, June 21, is a day to celebrate the contributions men make in their children’s lives. It’s also a good day for fathers to acknowledge how valuable they are to their families and how important it is to take care of their health.
Hepatitis C: almost halfway!
June 12
Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin Side Effects
June 10
By Greg Jefferys
A pseudonym for a person living with hepatitis C on Viekira Pak + Ribavirin
The last two months have merged into a sort of boring Hepatic Viekira Journey. And boring is good when it comes to medical treatment, don't you agree?
Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin Side Effects
June 10
By Greg Jefferys
Well here it is nearly one in the morning and after an hour or so of laying in bed waiting for sleep to come I am up typing again.
Hep C Treatment: Sleepless in Tasmania
June 9
By Greg Jefferys
Buying Harvoni in India
Because for a lot of folk, Harvoni represents the best chance for a complete cure from Hepatitis C, particularly for genotype 1, I have been researching its likely availability in India.
Because for a lot of folk, Harvoni represents the best chance for a complete cure from Hepatitis C, particularly for genotype 1, I have been researching its likely availability in India.
Day Dreams of Night Sleeping
June 11
Matt Starr
Hepatitis, Liver Disease Support Coach
I've written a lot lately about how well I'm doing on the new hepatitis C medications, a 24-week treatment of ribavirin and Harvoni.
Matt Starr
Hepatitis, Liver Disease Support Coach
I've written a lot lately about how well I'm doing on the new hepatitis C medications, a 24-week treatment of ribavirin and Harvoni.
June 8
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Author, Hepatitis C Advocate, Health Educator
If you are willing to dial a number, you can access an amazing free service at Help-4-Hep at 877‑Help‑4‑Hep (877‑435‑7443)
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Author, Hepatitis C Advocate, Health Educator
If you are willing to dial a number, you can access an amazing free service at Help-4-Hep at 877‑Help‑4‑Hep (877‑435‑7443)
June 7
Talking to Patients About HCV Treatment: What Every Provider Needs to Know
Watch this Medscape video presentation offering advice to health care providers about counseling newly identified HCV patients.
A Few Topics
Treatment Can Stop The Progression Of Liver Disease
Hepatitis C Can Be Cured
Cirrhosis Means Risk For Liver Cancer, even after SVR
Fatigue In Most Persons With HCV
Hepatic Fibrosis- Cirrhosis or No Cirrhosis, That Is The Question
Adverse Effects On New HCV Antiviral Therapies
Enjoy the weekend!
Tina
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