Welcome to Weekend Reading, hope you are all enjoying the weekend!
For me Saturday is a great day to catch up on any HCV news or research I missed during the week. If you have the time click on today's topics for general information about hepatitis C, the cost of treatment, other health news, as well as interim study results using all-oral direct-acting antiviral therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
Weekend recap provided by; Lucinda Porter, NATAP, Healio, HCV Advocate, Hepatitis Resource Center Blog, World Journal Of Hepatology, and The Body, along with media news and headlines from across the web.
Lucinda Porter
What We Talk About When We Talk About Hepatitis C
Since 2007, more people have died every year from hepatitis C than from HIV. Fortunately, the latest hepatitis C medications can cure nearly everyone in a relatively quick, easy fashion.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Hepatitis C
Since 2007, more people have died every year from hepatitis C than from HIV. Fortunately, the latest hepatitis C medications can cure nearly everyone in a relatively quick, easy fashion.
NATAP
Paritaprevir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir are direct-acting antivirals for treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of these drugs.
Patients with recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) infection post liver-transplant can be difficult to treat safely and effectively. A prior (COSMOS) study in non-transplant HCV patients, using sofosbuvir plus simeprevir, had high efficacy and tolerability in treating HCV genotype 1 patients, even prior non-responders to interferon therapy and those with cirrhosis. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of sofosbuvir and simeprevir in genotype 1 HCV post-liver transplant patients.
In this large-scale trial that evaluated the efficacy of all-oral direct-acting antiviral therapy in patients with HCV genotype 1 and decompensated cirrhosis, and post-transplant patients with cirrhosis, 12 or 24 weeks of treatment with ledipasvir-sofosbuvir and ribavirin resulted in high rates of response.
Increased incidence of cancer and cancer-related mortality among persons with chronic hepatitis C infection, 2006-2010
Increased incidence of cancer and cancer-related mortality among persons with chronic hepatitis C infection, 2006-2010
Incidence and mortality of many types of non-liver cancers were higher, and age at diagnosis and death younger, in patients with chronic HCV infection compared to the general population.
Healio
Odalasvir/Sovaldi yields 100% SVR in HCV genotype 1Achillion announced additional interim results of its phase 2 pilot study of odalasvir in combination with Sovaldi, in which 100% of patients with hepatitis C virus…
September Issue of HCV Next
HCV Next provides an overview of current hepatitis C topics, as well as content on all forms of viral hepatitis, and other liver related disease.
Topic Highlights
Pediatric HCV: Small Patients, Big DecisionsHCV Guidelines: A Living Breathing Document
Caffeine Decreases Risk of Hepatic Fibrosis in Male HCV Patients
Liver Disease Expected to Increase in Switzerland Over Time
HCV may Increase Risk for Coronary Atherosclerosis in MSM
SVR Leads to Survival Benefit Among HCV Patients
HCV Next provides an overview of current hepatitis C topics, as well as content on all forms of viral hepatitis, and other liver related disease.
Topic Highlights
Pediatric HCV: Small Patients, Big DecisionsHCV Guidelines: A Living Breathing Document
Caffeine Decreases Risk of Hepatic Fibrosis in Male HCV Patients
Liver Disease Expected to Increase in Switzerland Over Time
HCV may Increase Risk for Coronary Atherosclerosis in MSM
SVR Leads to Survival Benefit Among HCV Patients
HCV Advocate
September Mid-Month Newsletter
by Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
This month’s column is about cirrhosis—the causes, how it develops, the tests to identify it, the symptoms of cirrhosis and effect of hepatitis C treatment on cirrhosis and the effect of cirrhosis on treatment.
Newly Diagnosed
Have you recently found out that you have hepatitis C? Being diagnosed with this brings up a lot of feelings and questions about hepatitis C. In this guide you will find information to help you find answers to your questions. This information is basic and assumes that you have very little knowledge about hepatitis C. Hopefully it reassures you. How can information about a disease be reassuring? We believe that once you get the facts, the future will look a little brighter.
Recent Posts
New HCV Peer-Reviewed PDFs For Free!
HCV Drug Costs: A Treatment Access Barrier
Tx Options for HCV GT 1 or 4 Non-responders
Two DAA regimen in cirrhotic HCV GT1b patients
Americans urged to get annual influenza vaccine
This month’s column is about cirrhosis—the causes, how it develops, the tests to identify it, the symptoms of cirrhosis and effect of hepatitis C treatment on cirrhosis and the effect of cirrhosis on treatment.
Newly Diagnosed
Have you recently found out that you have hepatitis C? Being diagnosed with this brings up a lot of feelings and questions about hepatitis C. In this guide you will find information to help you find answers to your questions. This information is basic and assumes that you have very little knowledge about hepatitis C. Hopefully it reassures you. How can information about a disease be reassuring? We believe that once you get the facts, the future will look a little brighter.
Hepatitis Resource Center Blog
Hepatitis C-Salvage Study Grazoprevir and Elbasvir Plus Ribavirin: Final 24-week Follow-up Results
In the C-SALVAGE study, an interferon free combination of grazoprevir (an NS3/4A protease inhibitor) and elbasvir (an NS5A inhibitor) with ribavirin was used to treat patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection who had previously failed triple therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin plus an earlier-generation protease inhibitor.
Hepatitis C-Salvage Study Grazoprevir and Elbasvir Plus Ribavirin: Final 24-week Follow-up Results
In the C-SALVAGE study, an interferon free combination of grazoprevir (an NS3/4A protease inhibitor) and elbasvir (an NS5A inhibitor) with ribavirin was used to treat patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection who had previously failed triple therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin plus an earlier-generation protease inhibitor.
New HCV Peer-Reviewed PDFs For Free!
HCV Drug Costs: A Treatment Access Barrier
Tx Options for HCV GT 1 or 4 Non-responders
Two DAA regimen in cirrhotic HCV GT1b patients
World Journal Of Hepatology
Psychosocial assessment and monitoring in the new era of non-interferon-alpha hepatitis C virus treatments
The recently Food and Drug Administration approved direct-acting antiviral regimens for hepatitis C virus (HCV), ledipasvir/sofosbuvir regimen and the ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir regimen, have demonstrated great efficacy, and thus far seem to have short treatment timelines and relatively benign side effect profiles. Depression has not emerged as a side effect of these treatments. With efficacious regimens that include no interferon-alpha and no ribavirin, there may no longer be a need for strong psychosocial assessment and monitoring built into the routine of HCV treatment. Good history-taking, strong pharmaceutical review, and reliable consultative relationships should be adequate for meeting psychosocial needs in HCV treatment
Assessing cardiovascular risk in hepatitis C: An unmet need.
Chronic hepatitis C is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, as a result of the progression towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, hepatitis C virus seems to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases due to its association with insulin resistance, diabetes and steatosis. The advent of new direct acting antiviral therapy has dramatically increased the sustained virological response rates of hepatitis C infection. In this scenario, the cardiovascular risk has emerged and represents a major concern after achieving the eradication of the virus.
Of Interest
Novel plan to curb drug costs seeks candidates' attention
Psychosocial assessment and monitoring in the new era of non-interferon-alpha hepatitis C virus treatments
The recently Food and Drug Administration approved direct-acting antiviral regimens for hepatitis C virus (HCV), ledipasvir/sofosbuvir regimen and the ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir regimen, have demonstrated great efficacy, and thus far seem to have short treatment timelines and relatively benign side effect profiles. Depression has not emerged as a side effect of these treatments. With efficacious regimens that include no interferon-alpha and no ribavirin, there may no longer be a need for strong psychosocial assessment and monitoring built into the routine of HCV treatment. Good history-taking, strong pharmaceutical review, and reliable consultative relationships should be adequate for meeting psychosocial needs in HCV treatment
Assessing cardiovascular risk in hepatitis C: An unmet need.
Chronic hepatitis C is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, as a result of the progression towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, hepatitis C virus seems to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases due to its association with insulin resistance, diabetes and steatosis. The advent of new direct acting antiviral therapy has dramatically increased the sustained virological response rates of hepatitis C infection. In this scenario, the cardiovascular risk has emerged and represents a major concern after achieving the eradication of the virus.
Of Interest
Novel plan to curb drug costs seeks candidates' attention
The outcry gained momentum after the introduction last year of a $1,000-a-pill cure for hepatitis C. The 45-page plan seeks to rein in the overall cost of drugs ...
2015 Kelly Report: Health Disparities In America
History has shown us that the lack of access to healthcare, health insurance, and health providers has contributed to the gaps we observe in national health outcomes.
Over the last two years, hepatitis C has produced the most epic drug launches in history. But as the fanfare dies down, investors face a key question: How much longer can this drug pipeline pop?
2015 Kelly Report: Health Disparities In America
History has shown us that the lack of access to healthcare, health insurance, and health providers has contributed to the gaps we observe in national health outcomes.
Big Pharma
Summary - Gilead Sciences at the Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference
Gilead Provides An Update: Review And Analysis Of Wednesday's Q&A
Next-gen hep C combo plans clarified
Apparently we will have to wait until November, the month of the AASLD meeting, for details of the combo of Sovaldi with GS-5816 (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir), rather than this quarter. It appears that GILD is planning to go with this combo as a 12-week treatment for genotypes 2-6 in developed countries, and for all genotypes in regions where genotyping is not readily available..
Summary - Gilead Sciences at the Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference
Gilead Provides An Update: Review And Analysis Of Wednesday's Q&A
Next-gen hep C combo plans clarified
Apparently we will have to wait until November, the month of the AASLD meeting, for details of the combo of Sovaldi with GS-5816 (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir), rather than this quarter. It appears that GILD is planning to go with this combo as a 12-week treatment for genotypes 2-6 in developed countries, and for all genotypes in regions where genotyping is not readily available..
Healthy You And The Flu
Hepatitis C or No Hepatitis C, Get a Flu Shot
I have opinions on various issues, but when it comes to scientific proof, I don't waste my time arguing facts. The earth is round, and it travels around the sun. The only place where humans and dinosaurs coexisted was on the Flintstones. I just got my flu shot.
Hepatitis C or No Hepatitis C, Get a Flu Shot
I have opinions on various issues, but when it comes to scientific proof, I don't waste my time arguing facts. The earth is round, and it travels around the sun. The only place where humans and dinosaurs coexisted was on the Flintstones. I just got my flu shot.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Give flu vaccine another chance: This year's version got a recipe change that should make it more effective after last winter's misery from a nasty surprise strain of virus....
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Everyone 6 months of age and older should receive an annual influenza vaccine, health officials advised at a press conference held by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
In addition to flu vaccines, the panel also recommended pneumococcal vaccines for people aged 65 and older and for adults aged 19-64 with certain chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
The NYS Plan to End AIDS relies on increasing the number of HIV-positive people in the state who have an undetectable viral load, since being virally suppressed both improves their health and lowers the chance of HIV transmission to their partners.
Mathematical models estimate that to achieve the state's goal of only 750 new HIV infections per year, the percent of people virally suppressed will need to be over 80%. Since only an estimated 42% were virally suppressed in 2013, the state had a long way to go to achieve its goal.
But NYS recently lowered its estimate of the number of people with HIV in the state, which significantly increases the percent who are virally suppressed. Let's examine how that was done.
In addition to flu vaccines, the panel also recommended pneumococcal vaccines for people aged 65 and older and for adults aged 19-64 with certain chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Acetaminophen
In The News
Homeless Veteran Stand Down an infusion of hope for veterans in ...
Prescott Daily Courier-10 hours ago
Free haircuts, HIV and Hepatitis C screenings, pet care facilities, and three hot meals, were just a sample of what these in-need veterans were able to obtain on ...
Health Canada proposes new liver damage labeling for acetaminophen
Health Canada announced it is requesting input from clinicians and other healthcare professionals on proposed revisions to the labeling standard for nonprescription acetaminophen products, in an effort to encourage consumers to use them more safely, according to a press release from Health Canada.
Health Canada announced it is requesting input from clinicians and other healthcare professionals on proposed revisions to the labeling standard for nonprescription acetaminophen products, in an effort to encourage consumers to use them more safely, according to a press release from Health Canada.
Insulin Pens
Shake, shake, shake your NPH insulin pen before injecting
(Reuters Health) - A warning for people who use insulin pens: Not shaking your NPH insulin pen before injecting can result in wide variations in your insulin level and blood sugar control, researchers from Italy report.
Recall
California dairy recalls soft cheeses due to possible Listeria link
- California company Karoun Dairies has recalled a number of soft cheese products due to possible association with Listeria cases over five years in nine states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday.
Awareness
(Reuters Health) - A warning for people who use insulin pens: Not shaking your NPH insulin pen before injecting can result in wide variations in your insulin level and blood sugar control, researchers from Italy report.
Recall
California dairy recalls soft cheeses due to possible Listeria link
- California company Karoun Dairies has recalled a number of soft cheese products due to possible association with Listeria cases over five years in nine states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday.
Awareness
If a simple blood test could improve your long-term health or possibly save your life, would you have it done? The answer for most people is a resounding “Yes.” Testing for hepatitis C which entails a basic blood draw and analysis, can be the difference between serious health complications later in life or a manageable — in some cases curable — condition.
In The News
Homeless Veteran Stand Down an infusion of hope for veterans in ...
Prescott Daily Courier-10 hours ago
Free haircuts, HIV and Hepatitis C screenings, pet care facilities, and three hot meals, were just a sample of what these in-need veterans were able to obtain on ...
- 100% SVR12 reported for all patients treated for six- (n=18) or eight-weeks (n=12)
- Odalasvir (ACH-3102) is the subject of an exclusive, worldwide development and commercialization license granted to Janssen
FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to Can-Fite's CF102 in the Treatment of Liver Cancer
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the Company's drug candidate CF102 Fast Track designation as a second line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. CF102 had already received the FDA's Orphan Drug designation.
Clinical Thought - How I Use Resistance Testing to Guide Management of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C
- Odalasvir (ACH-3102) is the subject of an exclusive, worldwide development and commercialization license granted to Janssen
FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to Can-Fite's CF102 in the Treatment of Liver Cancer
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the Company's drug candidate CF102 Fast Track designation as a second line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. CF102 had already received the FDA's Orphan Drug designation.
Clinical Thought - How I Use Resistance Testing to Guide Management of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C
Recently, I have begun to hear many questions from colleagues and trainees regarding the use of resistance testing in the management of HCV-infected patients. To be honest, my answers to their questions are not always straightforward, as this is a rapidly evolving area of discussion in the field and I am confident that my opinion will evolve along with the data.
Study Shows Increase in Hepatitis C Rate Among Some HIV-Positive Men
Researchers conducted an analysis of studies that spanned more than two decades and found that outbreaks of sexually transmitted hepatitis C is increasing among men who are HIV positive and have sex with other men
Redoing the Math: New York State Revises Its Estimate of People With HIV
Study Shows Increase in Hepatitis C Rate Among Some HIV-Positive Men
Researchers conducted an analysis of studies that spanned more than two decades and found that outbreaks of sexually transmitted hepatitis C is increasing among men who are HIV positive and have sex with other men
Redoing the Math: New York State Revises Its Estimate of People With HIV
Mathematical models estimate that to achieve the state's goal of only 750 new HIV infections per year, the percent of people virally suppressed will need to be over 80%. Since only an estimated 42% were virally suppressed in 2013, the state had a long way to go to achieve its goal.
But NYS recently lowered its estimate of the number of people with HIV in the state, which significantly increases the percent who are virally suppressed. Let's examine how that was done.
Feel Good Video
Sophia just wants to dance, but she found that difficult to do when she was diagnosed with scoliosis and was forced to wear a brace for 23 hours a day. Two years ago, a large tumor was found growing on her spinal cord, and she had major surgery at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis to remove it. A year later, the tumor returned and Sophia underwent radiation and advanced proton therapy. Her physician at Willis Knighton Proton Therapy Center, Dr. Ben Wilkinson, promised Sophia he would learn the dance to Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) once radiation and therapy were complete. Dr. Wilkinson went one step further and surprised the 12-year-old with a flash mob from the staff. Now that's how you celebrate!Whenever I watch videos like this I cry, do you?
See you all soon.
Tina
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