Greetings everyone, welcome to this months index of 2016 Newsletters, read about promising new hepatitis C treatments, HCV screening and diagnosis, with a look back at the most popular stories of 2015.
2015 Top Research Articles
2015 Top Research Articles
The New England Journal Of Medicine
Sofosbuvir–Velpatasvir for HCV Genotypes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Published Online: November 16, 2015
In this phase 3 study involving patients with HCV genotype 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 infection, including those with compensated cirrhosis, treatment with 12 weeks of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir resulted in a sustained virologic response in 99% of patients.
(View Video.) Key Points - A Simple HCV Treatment.
Related Editorial
Clinical Care Options
Decompensated Cirrhosis: My Take on New Treatment Strategies Following AASLD 2015
Ira M. Jacobson MD - 12/24/2015
Despite the variety of highly effective, highly tolerable regimens available for treating HCV, strategies for patients with decompensated liver disease remain challenging.
Read the article, here.
HivandHepatitis.com
Better Options for Treating HCV Genotype 3 and Advanced Liver Disease
Details Category: HCV Treatment
Published on Wednesday, 30 December 2015
Written by Liz Highleyman
This year saw the emergence of new and better treatment options for people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes other than 1 and for those with advanced liver disease...
Read the article, here
Decompensated Cirrhosis: My Take on New Treatment Strategies Following AASLD 2015
Ira M. Jacobson MD - 12/24/2015
Despite the variety of highly effective, highly tolerable regimens available for treating HCV, strategies for patients with decompensated liver disease remain challenging.
Read the article, here.
HivandHepatitis.com
Better Options for Treating HCV Genotype 3 and Advanced Liver Disease
Details Category: HCV Treatment
Published on Wednesday, 30 December 2015
Written by Liz Highleyman
This year saw the emergence of new and better treatment options for people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes other than 1 and for those with advanced liver disease...
Read the article, here
Healio Gastroenterology
Assessing Real-world Outcomes with New HCV Regimens in 2014: HCV-TARGET Registry Findings
December 2015
The field of HCV treatment is rapidly evolving, with two new direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) approved at the end of 2013 and several more approved in 2014…
Read the article, here.
Exciting Real-World Data, New Regimens Emerge
December 2015
Several major themes regarding hepatitis C virus emerged from The Liver Meeting in San Francisco this year, ranging from real-world efficacy data reinforcing our pivotal trials to new regimens and treatment strategies.December 2015
Journal of Viral Hepatitis, December 24, 2015
Improved Fibrosis Staging in Patients With Liver Disease
Improved Fibrosis Staging in Patients With Liver Disease
Liver International, December 23, 2015
The World Journal Of Hepatology
Hepatitis C genotype 4: The past, present, and future.
Direct-acting antivirals may significantly improve treatment outcomes in HCV- GT-4, but use of these agents in countries endemic for HCV-GT-4 is currently precluded by the very high costs. A new hepatitis C vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline has shown promise in early clinical tests, prompting strong and broad immune responses. Another Egyptian clinical trial in the field of HCV vaccination: Clinical Trials phases I and II, started on March 2011. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01718834
Hepatitis C genotype 4: The past, present, and future.
Direct-acting antivirals may significantly improve treatment outcomes in HCV- GT-4, but use of these agents in countries endemic for HCV-GT-4 is currently precluded by the very high costs. A new hepatitis C vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline has shown promise in early clinical tests, prompting strong and broad immune responses. Another Egyptian clinical trial in the field of HCV vaccination: Clinical Trials phases I and II, started on March 2011. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01718834
Read the article, here.
Editorial
Journal: Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy
HCV genotype 3: a wolf in sheep’s clothing
Moving on to the third point, and so concluding this topic, it is necessary to understand the clinical implications of the different HCV G3 subtypes (in other words, immunity, inflammation, prognosis, response to DAAs). This is something we already known for HCV G1a and 1b.[38] At least 10 HCV G3 subtypes have been described so far.[39] Are some of these HCV G3 subtypes able to evade the immune response? Can we expect the same SVR for different subtypes? The correct identification of HCV G3 subtypes would probably be necessary because they are crucial in clinical trials evaluating the new DAAs. No data have so far stratified the response of HCV G3 to the new DAAs, which could be an essential issue that requires further investigation.
HCV genotype 3: a wolf in sheep’s clothing
Moving on to the third point, and so concluding this topic, it is necessary to understand the clinical implications of the different HCV G3 subtypes (in other words, immunity, inflammation, prognosis, response to DAAs). This is something we already known for HCV G1a and 1b.[38] At least 10 HCV G3 subtypes have been described so far.[39] Are some of these HCV G3 subtypes able to evade the immune response? Can we expect the same SVR for different subtypes? The correct identification of HCV G3 subtypes would probably be necessary because they are crucial in clinical trials evaluating the new DAAs. No data have so far stratified the response of HCV G3 to the new DAAs, which could be an essential issue that requires further investigation.
November 2015
"In this proof-of-concept study involving treatment-naive noncirrhotic patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection, 4 weeks of treatment with ledipasvir, sofosbuvir, and GS-9451 with or without GS-9669 was well-tolerated; however, only 30% (15 of 50) of patients achieved [a sustained viral response at 12 weeks]," write Anita Kohli, MD, from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and colleagues "Thus, a treatment duration of 4 weeks with 3 or 4 potent [direct-acting antivirals] is not sufficient to cure HCV infection in most patients."
"In this proof-of-concept study involving treatment-naive noncirrhotic patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection, 4 weeks of treatment with ledipasvir, sofosbuvir, and GS-9451 with or without GS-9669 was well-tolerated; however, only 30% (15 of 50) of patients achieved [a sustained viral response at 12 weeks]," write Anita Kohli, MD, from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and colleagues "Thus, a treatment duration of 4 weeks with 3 or 4 potent [direct-acting antivirals] is not sufficient to cure HCV infection in most patients."
Read the article, here.
Big Pharma
Merck Will Soon See a Decision on Its New Hepatitis C Therapy
By Margaret Patrick
FDA Granted Breakthrough Therapy Status to Merck’s HCV Therapy
U.S. FDA Approves New Indications for Harvoni®, Gilead’s Once-Daily Single Tablet Regimen for Chronic Hepatitis C
January Updates
Reducing the cost of new hepatitis C drugs
Check out an index of articles pointing the reader to the current controversy over the high price of Sovaldi, Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) and AbbVie Viekira Pak.
Dec 2015
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (or FDA) has scheduled the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (or PDUFA) date for Merck’s (MRK) hepatitis C (or HCV) combination therapy, grazoprevir/elbasvir (100mg/50mg), for January 28, 2016.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (or FDA) has scheduled the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (or PDUFA) date for Merck’s (MRK) hepatitis C (or HCV) combination therapy, grazoprevir/elbasvir (100mg/50mg), for January 28, 2016.
The therapy is being tested for HCV patients belonging to genotype one, four, and six including difficult-to-treat patients such as those who have failed to respond to previous therapy, those with liver cirrhosis, those suffering from HIV and HCV co-infection, and those with chronic kidney diseases. The PDUFA date is a deadline by which the FDA announces its decision for new drugs.
Merck Plans to Launch Innovative HCV Combination Therapy
AbbVie Announces FDA Acceptance of NDA for VIEKIRA PAK®
Read the article, here.
December 2015
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced its New Drug Application (NDA) has been accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a once-daily, fixed-dose formulation of the components of VIEKIRA PAK® (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir tablets; dasabuvir tablets). VIEKIRA PAK is an all-oral, interferon-free treatment approved with or without ribavirin (RBV) in the United States for patients with genotype 1 (GT1) chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, including those with compensated cirrhosis. VIEKIRA PAK is not for people with decompensated cirrhosis.
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced its New Drug Application (NDA) has been accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a once-daily, fixed-dose formulation of the components of VIEKIRA PAK® (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir tablets; dasabuvir tablets). VIEKIRA PAK is an all-oral, interferon-free treatment approved with or without ribavirin (RBV) in the United States for patients with genotype 1 (GT1) chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, including those with compensated cirrhosis. VIEKIRA PAK is not for people with decompensated cirrhosis.
The proposed dosing for the fixed-dose formulation (dasabuvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir tablets) is three oral tablets once daily with a meal, with or without twice-daily RBV, potentially offering another important treatment option for people living with GT1 HCV. The NDA filing is supported by data from two bioavailability studies. Currently, VIEKIRA PAK is taken twice daily as three tablets in the morning and one tablet in the evening, taken with a meal.
Read the press release, here.
European Medicines Agency Validates Gilead’s Marketing Application for Fixed-Dose Combination of Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir for the Treatment of Hepatitis C
December 2015
If Approved, SOF/VEL Would be the First All-Oral, Pan-Genotypic Single Tablet Regimen for Chronic HCV in Europe
SOF/VEL Granted an Accelerated Assessment by the European Medicines Agency
If Approved, SOF/VEL Would be the First All-Oral, Pan-Genotypic Single Tablet Regimen for Chronic HCV in Europe
SOF/VEL Granted an Accelerated Assessment by the European Medicines Agency
Read the press release, here.
U.S. FDA Approves New Indications for Harvoni®, Gilead’s Once-Daily Single Tablet Regimen for Chronic Hepatitis C
November 2015
Label Expanded to Include Patients with Genotypes 4, 5 and 6 and Patients Co-Infected with HIV –
Use of Harvoni in Combination with Ribavirin for 12 Weeks Can be Considered for Treatment-Experienced Genotype 1 Patients with Cirrhosis
Use of Harvoni in Combination with Ribavirin for 12 Weeks Can be Considered for Treatment-Experienced Genotype 1 Patients with Cirrhosis
Press release...
Just In Jan 4 2016
Gilead/FDA Grants Priority Review for Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir - To Treat HCV Genotype 1-6
Just In Jan 4 2016
Gilead/FDA Grants Priority Review for Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir - To Treat HCV Genotype 1-6
FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 2016-- Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted priority review to the company's New Drug Application (NDA) for an investigational, once-daily fixed-dose combination of the nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir (SOF), approved as Sovaldi® in December 2013, and velpatasvir (VEL), an investigational pan-genotypic NS5A inhibitor, for the treatment of chronic genotype 1-6 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Gilead filed the NDA for SOF/VEL on October 28, 2015, and FDA has set a target action date under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) of June 28, 2016.
The FDA has assigned SOF/VEL a Breakthrough Therapy designation, which is granted to investigational medicines that may offer major advances in treatment over existing options. The NDA for SOF/VEL is supported by data from four Phase 3 ASTRAL trials, which evaluated the fixed-dose combination in hepatitis C genotypes 1-6. A marketing application for SOF/VEL is also under review in the European Union, and was validated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in December. The SOF/VEL fixed-dose combination is an investigational product and its safety and efficacy have not been established.
The FDA has assigned SOF/VEL a Breakthrough Therapy designation, which is granted to investigational medicines that may offer major advances in treatment over existing options. The NDA for SOF/VEL is supported by data from four Phase 3 ASTRAL trials, which evaluated the fixed-dose combination in hepatitis C genotypes 1-6. A marketing application for SOF/VEL is also under review in the European Union, and was validated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in December. The SOF/VEL fixed-dose combination is an investigational product and its safety and efficacy have not been established.
Gilead Submits New Drug Application to U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Fixed-Dose Combination of Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir for Treatment of All Six Genotypes of Hepatitis C
October 2015
If Approved, Combination Would Be First All-Oral, Pan-Genotypic Single-Tablet Regimen for Chronic HCV Infection
Filing is Company’s Third in Three Years for a New HCV Medicine
Filing is Company’s Third in Three Years for a New HCV Medicine
Headlines - The Cost Of A Cure
HCV Advocate 2016 Newsletter
December 2015
In the U.S., where Gilead set off a firestorm in December 2013 by listing Sovaldi at $84,000 for a 12-week course regimen. It’s a game-changing drug, often wiping out an infection in three months, and without the debilitating side effects of earlier treatments that took longer. Still, the cost started the latest backlash over high medicine prices. Dozens of state Medicaid plans limited access to the drug, and a U.S. Senate report chastised the company. Gilead, which has said it priced Sovaldi responsibly and thoughtfully, is giving insurers and bulk purchasers discounts.
Sovaldi Investigation Finds Revenue-Driven Pricing Strategy Behind $84,000 Hepatitis Drug
December 2015
December 2015
A report released Tuesday by US Senators Ron Wyden and Charles Grassley claims that Gilead Sciences priced the hepatitis C treatments Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) with the sole goal of maximising revenue. The report was based on an investigation of 20 000 pages of internal company documents, dozens of interviews with health care experts and data from Medicaid programmes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
“Gilead pursued a calculated scheme for pricing and marketing its Hepatitis C drug based on one primary goal, maximizing revenue, regardless of the human consequences. There was no concrete evidence in emails, meeting minutes or presentations that basic financial matters such as R&D costs or the multi-billion dollar acquisition of Pharmasset, the drug’s first developer, factored into how Gilead set the price....
“Gilead pursued a calculated scheme for pricing and marketing its Hepatitis C drug based on one primary goal, maximizing revenue, regardless of the human consequences. There was no concrete evidence in emails, meeting minutes or presentations that basic financial matters such as R&D costs or the multi-billion dollar acquisition of Pharmasset, the drug’s first developer, factored into how Gilead set the price....
Reducing the cost of new hepatitis C drugs
Check out an index of articles pointing the reader to the current controversy over the high price of Sovaldi, Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) and AbbVie Viekira Pak.
January 2016 Newsletters
HepCBC Hepatitis C Education and Prevention Society
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.
January Newsletter
hepc.bull -- 01 2016
Stay Connected
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.
January Newsletter
hepc.bull -- 01 2016
Sirens/Tx for All/ Dale/Generic Harvoni
Natalie Cole
Medical Tourism In India
Solvaldi/Daklinza In India
View All Newsletters, Here
Natalie Cole
Medical Tourism In India
Solvaldi/Daklinza In India
View All Newsletters, Here
Stay Connected
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.
Newsletter
January 2016
Dear Advocaters,
Happy New Year! In the first issue of 2016 — going on our 19th year of the HCV Advocate newsletter — we have a couple of interesting articles to share with you:
Tops News – 2015
by Alan Franciscus. I have listed the top news stories of 2015 that the staff of HCSP/HCV Advocate have picked. I am sure that the top news story will not surprise anyone! The remaining stories are not in any particular order, but many of them are linked in some way or other to the top story.
HealthWise
by Lucinda K. Porter, RN—Highlights from the 2015 Liver Meeting—includes interesting stories about interferon/ribavirin-free treatment for those over 70 years old, how often people should have biopsies, fibrosis progression, current trends in liver transplantation, and much more . . .
What’s New!
Well a whole lot – that’s what:
Hullabaloo is an event we are having during January 2016 with lots of news, abstracts and articles posted to our Facebook and Twitter accounts as well as our HBV, Tattoo, and HCV Advocate News and Pipeline blogs. By the way, our HCV Advocate News and Pipeline Blog was named one of the Top Hepatitis C Blogs of 2015 by Healthline.
Walgreens – check out our link to Walgreens Pharmacy that is offering free testing of hepatitis C at selected sites. Please tell your family, friends and clients about the free testing.
Events Page – our events page has been updated for 2016 events. Anon-line form has been added to fill out to post to our Events page. Please send us information about your event 60 days in advance.
Our Medical Glossary has been updated with the latest medical information. The medical information is presented in plain language that everyone can understand.
The staff of the Hepatitis C Support Project/HCV Advocate and yours truly would like to wish you and yours a happy and healthy 2016.
Sincerely,
Alan
View past newsletters here....
Connect With HCV Advocate
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
January newsletter not yet published, please check back for updates.
View all newsletters, here.
Join us in 2016!
Hep Free NYC Patient Navigator Network Strategic Planning MeetingThe 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
January newsletter not yet published, please check back for updates.
View all newsletters, here.
Join us in 2016!
Wednesday January 27, 2016 (3 - 5 PM)
American Liver Foundation: 39 Broadway # 2700, NY 10006
Join us at the Hep Free NYC Patient Navigator Network Strategic Planning Meeting to discuss the survey results and develop a strategic plan for 2016.
Learn more about the Hep Free NYC Patient Navigator Network here
Related Upcoming Events for Patient Navigators
Training | Peers Providing Trauma Informed Care.
Jan 13 & 14 (9 - 4:30 pm) AIDS Institute Education and Training Programs. The full-day training provides Peer Workers with an overview of the five principles of trauma-informed care; how to recognize the impacts of trauma on their clients; and how to prevent client re-traumatization. The course is open to HIV, HCV, and Harm Reduction Peer Workers. For more information and to register, click here
Training | Hepatitis C 101.
January 14 (9 - 5 pm) NYC Health Department. This training provides basic information on clinical features of hepatitis, prevention, screening, management, care and community resources. To register, click here
Training | Hepatitis C Rapid Test Training.
Mar 17 (9-4pm). NYC Health Department. This training provides a demonstration of FDA-approved HCV point-of-care testing technologies and reviews the necessary quality assurance measures. The training is open to clinical and non-clinical service providers involved in conducting HCV testing and in linking persons who test positive to medical care. For more information and to register, click here.
Meeting Highlights
The Brooklyn Hep C Task Force meeting included informative and exciting presentations on various hepatitis topics. Check out our meeting notes to view these presentations!
December 18, 2015
Over 50 professionals convened at NBLCA in Harlem to learn about new Hepatitis C services in Harlem, updates on Project INSPIRE, a new LGBTQ Hepatitis Initiative, and hepatitis advocacy events throughout NYS
View all meeting highlights, here.
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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
January 2016 PDF (
5.5MB) |Highlights
HCV cure associated with mortality reduction
Elevated HCC risk after SVR
Treat HCV before cirrhosis
Senate report shows frustration with hep C drug prices
NAFLD linked to liver cancer without cirrhosis
HCV Action good practice case study: Outreach fibroscanning and testing by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
This case study provides an overview of why the service was established, how it operates, and some of the outcomes that it has achieved.
Download the full report, here.
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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.
Winter Issue
Click here to read a digital version of this issue.
Day By Day
by Oriol R. Gutierrez Jr.
When it comes to your health, it may seem counterintuitive to strive for patience. But sometimes it pays to have patience with choosing and taking your hepatitis C treatment.
A Hep C Treatment for All Genotypes
by Benjamin Ryan
Gilead Sciences appears poised to continue its dominance of the hepatitis C treatment market in 2016 after achieving excellent results from several large Phase III studies of a new regimen that treats all genotypes of the virus.
Six-Week Treatment?
by Benjamin Ryan
A Phase II trial of Achillion's investigational hep C treatment odalasvir (ACH-3102) and Gilead Sciences' Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) has shown promise that a six-week hepatitis C treatment may be on the horizon.
HIV No Longer Holds Down Hep C Cure Rates
by Benjamin Ryan
Recent trials of the current crop of hepatitis C virus medications have brought more good news for those who are coinfected with HCV and HIV.
Insurance Woes
by Benjamin Ryan
The benefits of screening for hep C are diminished in individuals who test positive and do not have health insurance.
Hep C Hurts the Heart
by Benjamin Ryan
Hepatitis C is apparently independently linked with plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Being Alive
by Tim Murphy
Singer and activist Sherri Lewis tunes in to hep C treatment.
December News
December 30, 2015
Generic Sovaldi and Daklinza Could Be Made for Just $200 Per Cure
Falling prices for the ingredients in the hepatitis C drugs Sovaldi and Daklinza indicate that the combination treatment of the two could be produced generically for just $200.
December 28, 2015
Hep C Drugs Pose Risk of Drug-Drug Interactions
Individuals taking the newest hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatments are often at risk of clinically significant drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with other medications they are taking.
December 23, 2015
High Marks for Merck’s Hep C Treatment in Those With HIV
Merck’s investigational hepatitis C treatment grazoprevir/elbasvir cured high rates of the virus among individuals coinfected with HIV.
December 21, 2015
Correctional Facilities Are Ideal Places to Fight Hepatitis C
Considering that more than 10 percent of Canadians with hepatitis C are incarcerated in any given year, the country’s jails and prisons are excellent places to combat the virus.
December 16, 2015
Quest Diagnostics Will Automatically Confirm Positive Hep C Tests
The clinical testing company Quest Diagnostics will now automatically conduct confirmatory molecular tests following a positive serological hepatitis C test result.
December 14, 2015
Treating Hep C Earlier Is More Cost-Effective
Treating hepatitis C in individuals with genotype 1 of the virus when they have milder cases of liver fibrosis is more cost-effective than delaying.
December 09, 2015
Testing & Treating Inmates for Hep C Would Be Very Cost-Effective
A systematic program to test incarcerated Americans for hepatitis C and treat those who are infected would be highly cost-effective.
December 07, 2015
Success in Adding Sovaldi to Hep C Re-treatment Regimens
Individuals who have failed hepatitis C treatment may ultimately achieve a cure if they add Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) to a subsequent treatment regimen.
December 02, 2015
AbbVie Seeks Approval of Once-Daily Version of Viekira Pak
AbbVie has applied for FDA approval of a new formulation of its hepatitis C treatment Viekira Pak that requires once-daily dosing instead of the current twice-daily dosing.
Blogs Around The Web
HEPATITISC.NET
Daryl Luster - President of Pacific Hepatitis C Network. Advocate for people living with HCV.
VIEW ALL POSTS BY DARYL LUSTER
About Karen Hoyt
Karen Hoyt offers a no nonsense approach to living with Cirrhosis. A Hepatitis C treatment survivor, she created a liver loving diet and lifestyle that allows her to create awareness and advocate for her Best Friends at http://www.ihelpc.com
Christmas is all around us. The nativity, singing of hymns, buying myself a present – all of those traditions bring me comfort and joy. I have my reason for the season and am celebrating it more than ever this year thanks to my liver donor and his family for my transplant. My heart is full. But I have seen some dark times and know full well how strong sadness can be. I know that many of you have had some tough battles this year.Depression during Christmas with Hepatitis C, cancer, or liver disease is hard.
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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.
Winter Issue
Click here to read a digital version of this issue.
Day By Day
by Oriol R. Gutierrez Jr.
When it comes to your health, it may seem counterintuitive to strive for patience. But sometimes it pays to have patience with choosing and taking your hepatitis C treatment.
A Hep C Treatment for All Genotypes
by Benjamin Ryan
Gilead Sciences appears poised to continue its dominance of the hepatitis C treatment market in 2016 after achieving excellent results from several large Phase III studies of a new regimen that treats all genotypes of the virus.
Six-Week Treatment?
by Benjamin Ryan
A Phase II trial of Achillion's investigational hep C treatment odalasvir (ACH-3102) and Gilead Sciences' Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) has shown promise that a six-week hepatitis C treatment may be on the horizon.
HIV No Longer Holds Down Hep C Cure Rates
by Benjamin Ryan
Recent trials of the current crop of hepatitis C virus medications have brought more good news for those who are coinfected with HCV and HIV.
Insurance Woes
by Benjamin Ryan
The benefits of screening for hep C are diminished in individuals who test positive and do not have health insurance.
Hep C Hurts the Heart
by Benjamin Ryan
Hepatitis C is apparently independently linked with plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Being Alive
by Tim Murphy
Singer and activist Sherri Lewis tunes in to hep C treatment.
December News
December 30, 2015
Generic Sovaldi and Daklinza Could Be Made for Just $200 Per Cure
Falling prices for the ingredients in the hepatitis C drugs Sovaldi and Daklinza indicate that the combination treatment of the two could be produced generically for just $200.
December 28, 2015Hep C Drugs Pose Risk of Drug-Drug Interactions
Individuals taking the newest hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatments are often at risk of clinically significant drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with other medications they are taking.
December 23, 2015 High Marks for Merck’s Hep C Treatment in Those With HIV Merck’s investigational hepatitis C treatment grazoprevir/elbasvir cured high rates of the virus among individuals coinfected with HIV.
December 21, 2015 Correctional Facilities Are Ideal Places to Fight Hepatitis C Considering that more than 10 percent of Canadians with hepatitis C are incarcerated in any given year, the country’s jails and prisons are excellent places to combat the virus.
December 16, 2015Quest Diagnostics Will Automatically Confirm Positive Hep C Tests
The clinical testing company Quest Diagnostics will now automatically conduct confirmatory molecular tests following a positive serological hepatitis C test result.
December 14, 2015Treating Hep C Earlier Is More Cost-Effective
Treating hepatitis C in individuals with genotype 1 of the virus when they have milder cases of liver fibrosis is more cost-effective than delaying.
December 09, 2015 Testing & Treating Inmates for Hep C Would Be Very Cost-Effective A systematic program to test incarcerated Americans for hepatitis C and treat those who are infected would be highly cost-effective.
December 07, 2015Success in Adding Sovaldi to Hep C Re-treatment Regimens
Individuals who have failed hepatitis C treatment may ultimately achieve a cure if they add Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) to a subsequent treatment regimen.
December 02, 2015AbbVie Seeks Approval of Once-Daily Version of Viekira Pak
AbbVie has applied for FDA approval of a new formulation of its hepatitis C treatment Viekira Pak that requires once-daily dosing instead of the current twice-daily dosing.
Blogs Around The Web
HEPATITISC.NETVIEW ALL POSTS BY DARYL LUSTER
By Daryl Luster - January 1, 2016
I have written about support systems in previous pieces but I was gently reminded of my own best support during my years with illness, treatment and beyond. My dog Jess was the...
I have written about support systems in previous pieces but I was gently reminded of my own best support during my years with illness, treatment and beyond. My dog Jess was the...
By Daryl Luster - December 29, 2015
Nobody lives in total isolation, and in general we should never isolate ourselves from those around us who care about our quality of life and health. With spouses, partners, and other significant...
Nobody lives in total isolation, and in general we should never isolate ourselves from those around us who care about our quality of life and health. With spouses, partners, and other significant...
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Daryl’s Articles
Read all of Daryl’s articles on HepatitisC.net.
On a personal level connect with Daryl on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter.
Daryl’s Articles
Read all of Daryl’s articles on HepatitisC.net.
On a personal level connect with Daryl on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter.
By Karen Hoyt - December 28, 2015
Living with the hepatitis C Virus takes a toll on your entire life. Your body, mind, and emotions get so messed up. Your family doesn’t always know how to help. Your doctor doesn’t...
Living with the hepatitis C Virus takes a toll on your entire life. Your body, mind, and emotions get so messed up. Your family doesn’t always know how to help. Your doctor doesn’t...
About Karen Hoyt
Karen Hoyt offers a no nonsense approach to living with Cirrhosis. A Hepatitis C treatment survivor, she created a liver loving diet and lifestyle that allows her to create awareness and advocate for her Best Friends at http://www.ihelpc.com
Recent Posts
Depression during Christmas with Hepatitis C or Liver Disease
10 Ways that You Cannot Get Hepatitis C
Pre and Post Liver Transplant
My Fave Free Health Apps for Liver Disease
Feelings About Dying with Hepatitis C and Cancer [1 Video]
AJM Hepatitis C Resource Center - Hepatitis C Blog
The AJM Hepatitis C Resource Center provides both primary care providers and specialists with continually updated treatment guidelines, and an up-to-date repository of informative, freely-available, full-text articles to encourage effective HCV screening and diagnosis, and to highlight the promise of novel treatment regimens.
Exclusive HCV Interview: Julio Gutierrez, MD
So my first question is what do you see as the biggest challenges associated with the hepatitis C epidemic in the U.S.?
JULIO GUTIERREZ: There are three main challenges currently associated with eradicating hepatitis C in the United States:
Most patients in the US are still not receiving care for their hepatitis C infection. In order to cure HCV in these patients, they must be tested and referred for therapy.
The availability of DAAs is currently limited by cost. Some payers have restrictions the use of DAAs in patients with mild liver disease. Additionally, with the high cost, some systems like Medicaid in Texas may not be able to afford treating all HCV patients at once.
Now with multiple regimens commercially available, the final challenge is choosing the right regimen for the patient. Since many payers are only offering therapy as a single lifetime benefit, providers need to do their due diligence to identify which regimen will lead to the highest chance of SVR in their individual patients. I do not think that there’s currently a shortage of HCV providers, and I think we would be best served aiming our resources at problems #1 and #2.
The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and helping to improve the lives of those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Visit www.hepb.org
Ten Things People with Hepatitis B Need to Know in 2016
In 2015, doctors continued to unlock the mysteries of hepatitis B and uncovered promising new treatments. Armed with new information, here are 10 things we can do in 2016 to safeguard our health and help prevent the spread of hepatitis B.
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December 28, 2015
1 Blumberg Institute Assembles Team of 'All-Star Researchers' to Cure Hepatitis B
2 There’s Hope for a Hepatitis B Cure at the HEP DART 2015 Conference
3 New Survey Shows That Half of People With Hepatitis Suffer From Discrimination
4 World Hepatitis Summit Harnesses Global Momentum to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis
5 WHO Issues Its First Hepatitis B Treatment Guidelines
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7 TDF therapy in pregnancy reduces HBV DNA, risk of vertical transmission
8 Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus in Sub-Saharan Africa
9 Coffee Linked to Reduced Liver Fibrosis in People with HBV, HCV, and NAFLD
10 Scientists Might Have Just Discovered the True Origin of Hepatitis B — in a Fish
1 Blumberg Institute Assembles Team of 'All-Star Researchers' to Cure Hepatitis B
2 There’s Hope for a Hepatitis B Cure at the HEP DART 2015 Conference
3 New Survey Shows That Half of People With Hepatitis Suffer From Discrimination
4 World Hepatitis Summit Harnesses Global Momentum to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis
5 WHO Issues Its First Hepatitis B Treatment Guidelines
6 New Hepatitis B Treatment Guidelines Revealed at AASLD 2015 Conference
7 TDF therapy in pregnancy reduces HBV DNA, risk of vertical transmission
8 Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus in Sub-Saharan Africa
9 Coffee Linked to Reduced Liver Fibrosis in People with HBV, HCV, and NAFLD
10 Scientists Might Have Just Discovered the True Origin of Hepatitis B — in a Fish
Creating a World Free of Hepatitis C
by LUCINDA PORTERWelcome to my website and blog. My name is Lucinda Porter and I am a nurse committed to raising awareness about hepatitis C. I believe that we can create a world free of hepatitis C. We do this together, one step at a time.
Maybe you don’t want to exercise, but perhaps you are willing to add just a little more activity in to your life, such as walking in place every time there is a commercial on TV. If hepatitis C is holding you back from exercise, how about focusing on your diet? What about committing to a sugar-free Mediterranean diet for one or more days a week? Or learning about food labels and reading them? Or resolving to go to bed earlier so you get more sleep?
My Hep C Travel Diary, Hepatitis C Advocate
Hepatitis C Reflections
As the year comes to a close I feel a great satisfaction of how things have turned out in Australia, the result of the work of many people.Hepatitis C Reflections
I particularly think of the nurses at the Hepatitis Clinic in the Royal Hobart Hospital who were so supportive of people treating themselves with generics. I think that the Hobart Hepatitis Clinic was the first to openly assist people who came to them with the generic treatment option and then organised BMS compassionate Daclatasvir to go with the Indian generic Sofosbuvir.
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Grace Campbell
A nom de guerre for a person living with hepatitis C on Viekira Pak + Ribavirin
Musings on the Australian government's HCV announcement
It's been an interesting 36 or so hours following the Turnbull government's announcement of ground-breaking changes to the way hepatitis C treatment is handled, that's for sure. I've been curious to see what's being said around the traps.Grace Campbell
A nom de guerre for a person living with hepatitis C on Viekira Pak + Ribavirin
Musings on the Australian government's HCV announcement
Hepatitis, Liver Disease Support Coach
Hep C in Darkness and Light
It's mid-December, and in Northern New England, it's dark. It's dark a lot. Sunrise is just about 7:15, and sunset is just past 4:00. That's 9 hours of light, which decreases every day until the Solstice. I hear groups of folks up here complain about the lack of light, especially when freezing rain or snow begins to fall. Some people get depressed living in this much cold and darkness, but there is light, both in the skies and in our hearts. We just have to embrace it.
Wishing you all a very healthy and happy NEW YEAR!
Tina
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Wishing you all a very healthy and happy NEW YEAR!
Tina
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