Fall Newsletters
Updates Around The Web
Medscape Gastroenterology
COMMENTARY
COMMENTARY
Hepatitis C: The Pill, $1000; The Cure, Priceless
Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2015
William F. Balistreri, MD
September 10, 2015
Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the identification of the hepatitis C virus (HCV)—and this year is highlighted by the realistic possibility that a significant proportion of patients can be cured of the HCV infection.
The evolving landscape of HCV treatment includes new drugs and new strategies that are better tolerated and more effective than previously used regimens, leading to rapidly changing guidelines for management.[1] These advances are linked to enhanced efforts at early recognition. However, not all eligible patients have been tested, identified, referred for care, and offered treatment.[2,3]
The Current Challenge
HCV infection affects an estimated 185 million people worldwide, with chronic infection often leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Data from 2006-2012 revealed a nationwide increase in reported cases of acute HCV infection in the United States.[4] Adolescents and young adults (≤30 years of age) from nonurban areas accounted for the majority of cases, with approximately 73% citing injection drug use as the principal risk factor. The survey reported a 364% increase in hepatitis C infection among people 12-29 years of age.
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Medscape Medical News
Dirty Reusable Instruments Also Plague Outpatient Settings, CDC Warns
Medscape Medical News, September 11, 2015
Continue reading
Video
Sarah Schillie, MD, MPH, MBA
September 08, 2015
The evolving landscape of HCV treatment includes new drugs and new strategies that are better tolerated and more effective than previously used regimens, leading to rapidly changing guidelines for management.[1] These advances are linked to enhanced efforts at early recognition. However, not all eligible patients have been tested, identified, referred for care, and offered treatment.[2,3]
The Current Challenge
HCV infection affects an estimated 185 million people worldwide, with chronic infection often leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Data from 2006-2012 revealed a nationwide increase in reported cases of acute HCV infection in the United States.[4] Adolescents and young adults (≤30 years of age) from nonurban areas accounted for the majority of cases, with approximately 73% citing injection drug use as the principal risk factor. The survey reported a 364% increase in hepatitis C infection among people 12-29 years of age.
Continue reading
Medscape Medical News
Dirty Reusable Instruments Also Plague Outpatient Settings, CDC Warns
Medscape Medical News, September 11, 2015
Continue reading
Video
Sarah Schillie, MD, MPH, MBA
September 08, 2015
Hello. I am Sarah Schillie, a physician in the Division of Viral Hepatitis at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. I am happy to speak with you today as part of the CDC Expert Commentary Series on Medscape.
Today I will be discussing the results of a study in the journal Pediatrics[1] that examined outcomes of infants born to women infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Today I will be discussing the results of a study in the journal Pediatrics[1] that examined outcomes of infants born to women infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV).
View video
by Benjamin Ryan
With about half of people with genotype 1 able to take just eight weeks of Harvoni, the race is on to best this treatment length or offer it to more genotypes
I Feel Good
by Oriol Gutierrez
Getting and staying healthy before, during and after HCV treatment is vital for your wellness.
Technivie Approved for Genotype 4
by Benjamin Ryan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved AbbVie's single-tablet combination regimen Technivie plus ribavirin to treat genotype 4 of hepatitis C virus in those without cirrhosis.
Injection Drug Use Fuels Outbreaks
Diabetes May Raise Liver Fibrosis Risk Among NAFLD Patients
Having both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetes could be just as risky as having a hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection when it comes to long-term liver health, show findings from a new study published in Hepatology and reported by Diabetes in Control.
Our top stories and the best of everything else out there
Your Online Hepatitis Community
Check out what everyone's talking about in the Hep Forums.
Clinical Care Options
My Evolving Strategy for Treating Patients With Genotype 3 HCV Infection
Norah Terrault, MD, MPH - 9/10/2015
Cirrhotic, treatment-experienced patients infected with genotype 3 HCV are among the most challenging HCV populations to treat....
.
Following EASL and the approval of daclatasvir, we changed our protocols for this patient population: Our preferred treatment regimen for cirrhotic patients, especially those who are treatment experienced, is now peginterferon plus sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 weeks. For patients with cirrhosis who demonstrate intolerance to peginterferon, the combination of daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 24 weeks is used. For most other patients, we advocate the use of daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir for 12 weeks. I am very interested to see what additional data we will emerge from studies examining sofosbuvir plus other NS5A inhibitors, as well as with grazoprevir/elbasvir, particularly in our treatment-experienced cirrhotic patients.....
Continue reading....
News Review
Can Indian generic makers find gold with a blockbuster Hepatitis C ...
Economic Times-Sep 11, 2015
Can Indian generic makers find gold with a blockbuster Hepatitis C drug? .. For patients with Hepatitis C, Dr Parveen Malhotra prescribes..
What's Next in the Hepatitis C Drug Pipeline
Janice Wahl, MD, Executive Director of Infections Diseases at Merck Research Laboratories, discusses the latest developments in hepatitis C treatment at Merck.
The latest patent application of Hepatitis C drug Sovaldi of Gilead is rejected in China
According to information from the American lobby group I-MAK, the patent application of the super Hepatitis C drug of Gilead is rejected by the SIPO of China, which is a decision made after the I-MAK raises an objection before patent right grant. The I-MAK also challenges the patent applications of the drug in other markets such as European Union, India and Russia, in cooperation with other none government organizations. The core patent of Sovaldi has been rejected in India and Egypt.
New hepatitis C strategy working, says health minister
All 32 Islanders who have been given a new hepatitis C drug have tested negative for the virus at the end of their treatment, says P.E.
Veterans' health care: a call of duty
Last week saw the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hit by yet another health-care scandal. On Sept 2, the VA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) published its report reviewing alleged mismanagement at the Veterans Health Administration's Health Eligibility Center.
Sovaldi/ribavirin yields high SVR for Egyptians with HCV genotype 4
A combination regimen of Sovaldi and ribavirin was safe and effective for treating hepatitis C virus genotype 4 infection among Egyptian patients, according to study data.
Watermelon Benefits for Hepatitis C and Liver Cirrhosis
Amino Acids are good for the liver. They help remove ammonia and othe toxins from your body for one thing. We know that can add up to Hepatic Encephalopathy for someone with an ailing liver.
Hepatitis B and C: Double Trouble for Your Liver
Hepatitis B and C are among the most common causes of liver disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — but having both viruses at the same time significantly increases your risk of liver damage.
September Newsletters
My Evolving Strategy for Treating Patients With Genotype 3 HCV Infection
Norah Terrault, MD, MPH - 9/10/2015
Cirrhotic, treatment-experienced patients infected with genotype 3 HCV are among the most challenging HCV populations to treat....
.
Following EASL and the approval of daclatasvir, we changed our protocols for this patient population: Our preferred treatment regimen for cirrhotic patients, especially those who are treatment experienced, is now peginterferon plus sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 weeks. For patients with cirrhosis who demonstrate intolerance to peginterferon, the combination of daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 24 weeks is used. For most other patients, we advocate the use of daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir for 12 weeks. I am very interested to see what additional data we will emerge from studies examining sofosbuvir plus other NS5A inhibitors, as well as with grazoprevir/elbasvir, particularly in our treatment-experienced cirrhotic patients.....
Continue reading....
News Review
Can Indian generic makers find gold with a blockbuster Hepatitis C ...
Economic Times-Sep 11, 2015
Can Indian generic makers find gold with a blockbuster Hepatitis C drug? .. For patients with Hepatitis C, Dr Parveen Malhotra prescribes..
What's Next in the Hepatitis C Drug Pipeline
Janice Wahl, MD, Executive Director of Infections Diseases at Merck Research Laboratories, discusses the latest developments in hepatitis C treatment at Merck.
The latest patent application of Hepatitis C drug Sovaldi of Gilead is rejected in China
According to information from the American lobby group I-MAK, the patent application of the super Hepatitis C drug of Gilead is rejected by the SIPO of China, which is a decision made after the I-MAK raises an objection before patent right grant. The I-MAK also challenges the patent applications of the drug in other markets such as European Union, India and Russia, in cooperation with other none government organizations. The core patent of Sovaldi has been rejected in India and Egypt.
New hepatitis C strategy working, says health minister
All 32 Islanders who have been given a new hepatitis C drug have tested negative for the virus at the end of their treatment, says P.E.
Veterans' health care: a call of duty
Last week saw the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hit by yet another health-care scandal. On Sept 2, the VA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) published its report reviewing alleged mismanagement at the Veterans Health Administration's Health Eligibility Center.
Sovaldi/ribavirin yields high SVR for Egyptians with HCV genotype 4
A combination regimen of Sovaldi and ribavirin was safe and effective for treating hepatitis C virus genotype 4 infection among Egyptian patients, according to study data.
Watermelon Benefits for Hepatitis C and Liver Cirrhosis
Amino Acids are good for the liver. They help remove ammonia and othe toxins from your body for one thing. We know that can add up to Hepatic Encephalopathy for someone with an ailing liver.
Hepatitis B and C: Double Trouble for Your Liver
Hepatitis B and C are among the most common causes of liver disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — but having both viruses at the same time significantly increases your risk of liver damage.
September Newsletters
Hep is an award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by viral hepatitis. Offering unparalleled editorial excellence since 2010, Hep and HepMag.com are the go-to source for educational and social support for people living with hepatitis.
With about half of people with genotype 1 able to take just eight weeks of Harvoni, the race is on to best this treatment length or offer it to more genotypes
by Oriol Gutierrez
Getting and staying healthy before, during and after HCV treatment is vital for your wellness.
Technivie Approved for Genotype 4
by Benjamin Ryan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved AbbVie's single-tablet combination regimen Technivie plus ribavirin to treat genotype 4 of hepatitis C virus in those without cirrhosis.
by Benjamin Ryan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the combination of Bristol-Myers Squibb's NS5A inhibitor Daklinza with Gilead Sciences' Sovaldi to treat genotype 3 of hep C.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the combination of Bristol-Myers Squibb's NS5A inhibitor Daklinza with Gilead Sciences' Sovaldi to treat genotype 3 of hep C.
by Benjamin Ryan
Studies of Gilead Sciences' Harvoni and AbbVie's Viekira Pak have boasted excellent cure rates among people with genotype 1 of hep C and cirrhosis.
Studies of Gilead Sciences' Harvoni and AbbVie's Viekira Pak have boasted excellent cure rates among people with genotype 1 of hep C and cirrhosis.
by Benjamin Ryan
The CDC has issued an alert to public health departments and clinicians nationwide to be vigilant for HIV outbreaks similar to one that has struck rural Indiana, while warning of overlapping hep C transmission among injection drug users.
The CDC has issued an alert to public health departments and clinicians nationwide to be vigilant for HIV outbreaks similar to one that has struck rural Indiana, while warning of overlapping hep C transmission among injection drug users.
by Casey Halter
How to get and stay healthy before, during and after treatment
How to get and stay healthy before, during and after treatment
Hepatitis News
Diabetes May Raise Liver Fibrosis Risk Among NAFLD Patients
Having both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetes could be just as risky as having a hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection when it comes to long-term liver health, show findings from a new study published in Hepatology and reported by Diabetes in Control.
Check out what everyone's talking about in the Hep Forums.
HCV Advocate
The HCV Advocate newsletter is a valuable resource designed to provide the hepatitis C community with monthly updates on events, clinical research, and education.
Read The HCV Advocate Daily
Fall Newsletter
September Issue
September Issue
Topics
Hepatitis C in Children
by Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
Find out what the prevalence of hepatitis C is in children, what the consequences are and what can be done about it.
Hepatitis C in Children
by Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
Find out what the prevalence of hepatitis C is in children, what the consequences are and what can be done about it.
HealthWise: Big Questions about Hepatitis C
by Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Lucinda answers the “Big Questions about Hepatitis C” including what does “not detected” mean when treatment is finished, what does “cured” mean and a recurring question about treatment and toothbrushes and many more questions….and answers!
Snapshots
by Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
This month’s column includes a brief overview of the antihistamine that is purported to have antiviral properties against hepatitis C, and a couple of brief overviews of Baby Boomer testing initiatives at two different hospitals.
Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs Booklet
by Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
I discuss my experience shopping around for the best buy for a generic drug for my dog—Buddy—and a very good resource for people from Consumer Reporters that is free of charge.
Click here to read this issue
Learn More
All you need to know about testing for Hepatitis C
HepCBC’s MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
The hepc.bull, has been “Canada’s hepatitis C journal” since the late 1990′s and has been published nonstop since 2001. The monthly newsletter contains the latest research results, government policy changes, activities and campaigns you can get involved in, articles by patients and caregivers, and a list of support groups plus other useful links.
September HepC Bull Newsletter
hepc.bull -- 09 2015
Topics
WHD / Holkira Pak™ Approved!
Merger / Allen McCulloch Daklinza™
More Leaders Tested
Conferences / Marathon
Honour Roll
Compensation News
Care Programs / Compensation
Merger / Allen McCulloch Daklinza™
More Leaders Tested
Conferences / Marathon
Honour Roll
Compensation News
Care Programs / Compensation
View All Newsletters, Here
Stay Connected
GI & Hepatology News
GI & Hepatology News is the official newspaper of the AGA Institute and provides the gastroenterologist with timely and relevant news and commentary about clinical developments and about the impact of health-care policy. The newspaper is led by an internationally renowned board of editors.
GI & Hepatology Newsletter
September 2015 PDF ( 14.6MB) | September 2015 Interactive Version
Liver Disease
Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + ribavirin does well in advanced HCV
Daclatasvir + sofosbuvir safe, effective in HCV/HIV
FDA approves interferonfree treatment for HCV G4
New HCV drug approvals are not dramatic improvements
Circulating tumor DNA marked progressive liver cancer
View all issues
Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + ribavirin does well in advanced HCV
Daclatasvir + sofosbuvir safe, effective in HCV/HIV
FDA approves interferonfree treatment for HCV G4
New HCV drug approvals are not dramatic improvements
Circulating tumor DNA marked progressive liver cancer
View all issues
NYC Hep C Task Force
The New York City Hepatitis C Task Force is a city-wide network of service providers and advocates concerned with hepatitis C and related issues. The groups come together to learn, share information and resources, network, and identify hepatitis C related needs in the community. Committees form to work on projects in order to meet needs identified by the community
September 2015 Hep Free NYC Newsletter
Highlights
Hep C Peer Navigator Story of Asia Betancourt
Asia’s story is about family, advocacy and prevention. Her experience with Hep C began when her twin brother and father were diagnosed with Hep C and died due to complications.
Read more here.
The Future of Hep C Treatment: A glimpse of the pharmaceutical pipeline and current treatment access advocacy. Presenter: Tracy Swan, Treatment Action Group (TAG). Sept. 23 (3-5 PM). NYC Health Dept. Space is limited,registration is required.
See TAG's recent 2015 HIV, HCV & TB Pipeline Report.
Treatment Action Group. New Drugs, New Strategies: Conquering Hepatitis C with Direct-Acting Antivirals
Join Us
Blogs Around The Web
Freeman's website/blog offers information for Australian HCV patients who may be interested in importing sofosbuvir from overseas at an affordable price, the process is explained in detail @ FixHepC.
How To Do It
The website's first recommendation is to talk with your doctor about the risks, benefits and follow-up care, if your own physician can not help with the process patients can utilize GP2U Telehealth - Online Doctors. Dr. Freeman is from GP2U and founded Skype2doctor, a virtual medical center based at Battery Point in Hobart, Tasmania.
The process, cost and legalities as outlined on the website
For those patients who are interested in getting back to better now:
First you need to have a chat with a doctor about the process, the risks, benefits and costs. If your local doctor is unwilling to help you can contact us for information on doctors that will, or use an online doctor service like GP2U Telehealth - Online Doctors.
If you wish to proceed:
The required prescription can be made by your doctor
Your doctor will arrange baseline bloods
You can then ask the FixHepC Buyers Club to facilitate delivery of your medication.
The Buyers Club will arrange for medication import, testing and encapsulation on your behalf and this will arrive via mail ready to use 2-3 weeks later
You take the medication daily for 3 months with monthly bloods and review.
This can be with your regular GP, Gastroenterologist, HepC clinic, or via one of our facilitating doctors.
Unless you have cirrhosis 94-96% of patients are expected to achieve SVR. SVR is tested 12 or 24 weeks after treatment has finished.
Is it legal?
The answer is a definite YES, at least for countries like Australia, US, UK. Please check our page on worldwide personal use medication importation regulations.
Is it safe?
Provided you pay due heed to supply chain integrity the risks involved in undertaking treatment are small.
What does it cost?
The total cost of being treated including testing, medications, and medical consults will be between $2000-$4000 AUD. For details on medication costs see here.
Is the treatment worse than the disease?
NO, unlike PEG Interferon and Ribavirin the side effects are minimal. Please read this for the full details on side effects.
Getting started
Please call, email, or use the contact form on our contact us page.
FixHepC Blog Update
Sunday, 13 September 2015 00:03
PBAC, the PBS and Rationing
Written by Super User
In Australia there has been optimism about the PBACs decision to recommend that Hep C treatments are put on the PBS.
Some people seem to think that what this means is that these new medications may well be widely available at affordable prices.
Sadly that is unlikely to be the case, for a number reasons, but first a bit of background.
To get a new drug to market a drug company needs to find it, and then test it in various ways. Testing progresses through a number of stages until there is enough confidence to test it in humans through phase 1, 2 and 3 trials. At each stage more people take the medication. Once the trails conclude the drug company goes to the regulator and says "here is the evidence it works, we now want to sell it". If it all stacks up the regulator - TGA, FDA, EMA, etc grants what is called "marketing approval".
Read more
My Hep C Travel Diary, Hepatitis C Advocate
Hepatitis C Treatment with Generics: The ongoing debacle of doctors refusing to prescribe Indian Generics.
Click here
David Pieper
HIV/Hep C Co-infection activist; on treatment
Lost for words
I have larangitus. Which is a disaster for someone like me with an opinion on every issue. I am pretty sure this is not a side effect of the treatment I am on, but who knows.
Click here
Grace Campbell
A nom de guerre for a person living with hepatitis C on Viekira Pak + Ribavirin
The first few days after treatment ends
It's the end of the world as we know it ... do I feel fine?
Click here
Matt Starr
Hepatitis, Liver Disease Support Coach
Hepatitis C Treatment Turbulence
For me, I escaped the strong side effects from ribavirin and Harvoni for quite a while. Week after week, I cruised along, up until about Week 17 of the 24-week treatment.
Click here
Connie M. Welch
Passionate Encourager for Christ, Writer, Speaker, and Hep C Warrior
The FDA approved a new treatment for Hep C Genotype 3, Daklinza (daclatasvir) on July 24, 2015. Bristol Myers Squibb's (BMS) Daklinza is to be used in combination with sofosbuvir, without the need for interferon or ribavirin.
Click here
Karen Hoyt
Hepatitis C Advocate
I Am My Own Personal Trainer for Liver Health
I've just been chatting with some Best Friends who have had transplants, Hepatitis C, or other liver treatments and we're all alike. Many of us are in the worst shape of our lives
Click here
Healthy YouIn Australia there has been optimism about the PBACs decision to recommend that Hep C treatments are put on the PBS.Some people seem to think that what this means is that these new medications may well be widely available at affordable prices.
Sadly that is unlikely to be the case, for a number reasons, but first a bit of background.
To get a new drug to market a drug company needs to find it, and then test it in various ways. Testing progresses through a number of stages until there is enough confidence to test it in humans through phase 1, 2 and 3 trials. At each stage more people take the medication. Once the trails conclude the drug company goes to the regulator and says "here is the evidence it works, we now want to sell it". If it all stacks up the regulator - TGA, FDA, EMA, etc grants what is called "marketing approval".
Read more
Blogs At HepMag.com
Greg JefferysMy Hep C Travel Diary, Hepatitis C Advocate
Hepatitis C Treatment with Generics: The ongoing debacle of doctors refusing to prescribe Indian Generics.
Click here
David Pieper
HIV/Hep C Co-infection activist; on treatment
Lost for words
I have larangitus. Which is a disaster for someone like me with an opinion on every issue. I am pretty sure this is not a side effect of the treatment I am on, but who knows.
Click here
Grace Campbell
A nom de guerre for a person living with hepatitis C on Viekira Pak + Ribavirin
The first few days after treatment ends
It's the end of the world as we know it ... do I feel fine?
Click here
Matt Starr
Hepatitis, Liver Disease Support Coach
Hepatitis C Treatment Turbulence
For me, I escaped the strong side effects from ribavirin and Harvoni for quite a while. Week after week, I cruised along, up until about Week 17 of the 24-week treatment.
Click here
Connie M. Welch
Passionate Encourager for Christ, Writer, Speaker, and Hep C Warrior
The FDA approved a new treatment for Hep C Genotype 3, Daklinza (daclatasvir) on July 24, 2015. Bristol Myers Squibb's (BMS) Daklinza is to be used in combination with sofosbuvir, without the need for interferon or ribavirin.
Click here
Karen Hoyt
Hepatitis C Advocate
I Am My Own Personal Trainer for Liver Health
I've just been chatting with some Best Friends who have had transplants, Hepatitis C, or other liver treatments and we're all alike. Many of us are in the worst shape of our lives
Click here
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: What You Need to Know? Dr. Rashid Khan Explains
by Dr. Joe Galati on 09/08/2015
Dr. Rashid Khan, Hepatologist at Liver Specialists of Texas, guest edited this blog entry on Fatty Liver Disease.
A monthly newsletter from the National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Better Nutrition Every Day
How to Make Healthier Food Choices
When it comes to deciding what to eat and feed our families, it can be easier than you might think to make smart, healthy choices. It just takes a bit of planning.
Get to Know This Small but Mighty Gland
Thyroid trouble can cause a range of seemingly unrelated problems, including drastic changes to your weight, energy, digestion, or mood. Learn to recognize possible signs of thyroid disorder, so you can get treatment if needed.
Thyroid trouble can cause a range of seemingly unrelated problems, including drastic changes to your weight, energy, digestion, or mood. Learn to recognize possible signs of thyroid disorder, so you can get treatment if needed.
Enjoy the last few days of summer!
Tina
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