April Hepatitis Newsletters and Updates
Welcome to this months collection of newsletters, todays news, and updates from around the web.
Research - News
April 6
JAMA Forum: We Can’t All Have It All: The Economic Limits of Pharmaceutical Innovation
New, expensive drugs for hepatitis C—Viekera Pak, Sovaldi, and Harvoni—severely stress budget-constrained programs like Medicaid and the Veterans Health Administration.
Many baby boomers may be unaware they need screening for the hepatitis C virus, a small study suggests
BARCELONA, Spain — Hepatitis C will top the agenda at the International Liver Congress (ILC) 2016, as it did last year, with presentations on treatment regimens for difficult-to-treat patients, the cost burden of the new direct-acting antiviral therapies, and real-world data.
"In hepatitis C, the big wave was 2 years ago. Now that we're beyond a 90% cure rate, it's a different landscape," said Laurent Castera, MD, who is secretary-general of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL).
By Erika Miller, Cavarocchi – Ruscio – Dennis Associates, Consultants to AASLD Reports from Washington may be making you question what is in store for your research, your patients, and your practice. The NIH finally just saw funding increase, but promoting the Institute’s growth is a priority during the continuing debates on the fiscal health of this country. Your patients may be providing conflicting reports on their access to new lifesaving hepatitis C drugs, and at the same time, you may be struggling with meeting Medicare’s increasing quality reporting requirements that impact your reimbursement.
Aimed Alliance:Patients should know they have legal options to remove reimbursement barriers to treatments they need.
April 5
April 5, 2016Patients with hepatitis C virus infection who failed interferon-free therapy have an increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma compared with patients who achieved…
The Utah Department of Health and the CDC say they now have 16 confirmed cases of Hepatitis C tied to an outbreak in Weber and Davis Counties, CBS affiliate KUTV reports.
April 3
A new study, worked on by B.C. researchers, says baby boomers living a sex and drug lifestyle in the 1960s aren't to blame for hepatitis C infections in their demographic.In fact, the research suggests all baby boomers should be tested for the hep C virus because widespread hospital practices predating the 1950's likely led to many accidental transmissions.
April 1
Drugmakers say Japan R&D spending at risk after government forces price cuts
TOKYO (Reuters) - Global drugmakers said they could cut research spending in Japan due to new rules requiring them to slash prices on some blockbuster drugs, including Gilead Sciences Inc's highly effective but expensive hepatitis C drug, Sovaldi. (Source: Reuters: Health)
TOKYO (Reuters) - Global drugmakers said they could cut research spending in Japan due to new rules requiring them to slash prices on some blockbuster drugs, including Gilead Sciences Inc's highly effective but expensive hepatitis C drug, Sovaldi. (Source: Reuters: Health)
Treatment Action Group is an independent AIDS research and policy think tank fighting for better treatment, a vaccine, and a cure for AIDS.
TAG works to ensure that all people with HIV receive lifesaving treatment, care, and information.
We are science-based treatment activists working to expand and accelerate vital research and effective community engagement with research and policy institutions.
TAG catalyzes open collective action by all affected communities, scientists, and policy makers to end AIDS.
April 2016
TAGline Spring 2016
NEWS ON THE FIGHT TO END HIV/AIDS, VIRAL HEPATITIS, AND TUBERCULOSIS
Fair Pricing: Reclaiming Drugs for the Common Good
By Tim Horn
The way I see it, you can go down in history as the poster boy for greedy drug-company executives, or you can change the system—yeah, you.—U.S. Representative Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD)
Greed and the Necessity for Regulation
The story of U.S. drug pricing run amok isn’t just about corporate arrogance and avarice—it is also about government permissiveness and inaction
By Tim Horn, Erica Lessem, and Kenyon Farrow
PrEP Pricing Problems
A number of barriers to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake, use, and adherence have been identified—cost shouldn’t be one of them
By James Krellenstein and Jeremiah Johnson
The Low Cost of Universal Access
Generic treatments for HIV, viral hepatitis, and cancer can be affordably—and profitably—mass-produced for broad, unobstructed availability
By Tracy Swan
TAGLINE ARCHIVE
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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.
April Newsletter
Hey Advocators,
This month’s HCV Advocate newsletter is full of valuable information about hepatitis C.
HealthWise – Hepatitis on the Hill by Lucinda K. Porter RN – Lucinda talks about the recent advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. to increase awareness and funding for viral hepatitis C and more importantly how people with hepatitis C can get involved.
Nutrition and Hepatitis C – I discuss the importance of nutrition to stay healthy and some tips to help with making healthy choices.
SnapShots – in this month’s column I discuss a new HCV testing model in emergency rooms and the current HCV perspectives among primary care medical providers.
What’s Up!
This month we have the following information and updates:
The primary election process is upon us, and before you know it the national elections will be here. In many ways, the upcoming elections are the most important ones of our time. If you are not registered –it’s time to do so. Don’t forget to exercise your right and obligation as a citizen of our great nation.
NEW!
Easy C Treatment Guides – Genotype 3 and Genotype 4 discusses the approved treatments for these strains of hepatitis C in easy to understand language.
Easy C Treatment Guides – Genotype 3 and Genotype 4 discusses the approved treatments for these strains of hepatitis C in easy to understand language.
Updated Fact Sheets:
HIV/HCV Coinfected: Treatment
HCSP Fact Sheet: Testing Positive—Now What?
Easy C Facts: What is Hepatitis C?
Sincerely,
Alan and the staff of the HCV Advocate!
Click here to read this issue.
In Case You Missed It
March Mid-Month Newsletter
HCV Drugs by Alan Franciscus
SnapShots
Hepatitis C Book Review: “Undetectable” by Kim Goldberg
HCV Advocate Monthly Pipeline Update
Cryoglobulinemia – updated Fact Sheet
A Brief History of HCV updated Fact Sheet
Easy C Treatment Guides for Genotype 1 (updated) and Genotype 2 (new).
Click here, to read this issue
View all newsletters here....
Connect With HCV Advocate
Hepatitis B and C Public Policy Association
The Hepatitis Public Policy Association aims to urge and facilitate the formulation of public policies at national and international level for the communication, prevention and management of the spread of viral Hepatitis B and C. The Association’s unique approach in furtherance of this aim is to gather together, and work in partnership with, the major stakeholders in the field of these diseases including regulators, patients, clinicians, public health and civil society communities and the private sector.
April 2016 – Newsletter
In This Issue
Page 1 - 2
The first EU HCV Policy Summit dedicated to the elimination of hepatitis C in Europe. Note by Professor Angelos Hatzakis Co-Chair, Hepatitis B&C Public Policy Association.
Page 3 - 7
Report of the 2016 EU HCV Policy Summit
Page 8 - 9
Manifesto Hepatitis C Elimination in Europe Page 10 Hepatitis C-free Europe is possible by 2030 - Press release
Page 11 - 13
Highlights from EU HCV Brussels Summit Gallery
Page 14
EASL Meeting announcement
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.
April 2016 Hep Free NYC Newsletter
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.
April 2016 Hep Free NYC Newsletter
Upcoming Events
Advocacy
Hep Free NYC Program of the Month
News
Training & Technical Assistance
Tools & Resources
Journal Articles & Reports
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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
April
April 2016 PDF ( 4.1MB) |
Highlights
Birth-cohort HCV testing misses one-quarter of infections
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.
April Newsletter
Please Check Back...
View All Newsletters, Here
Stay Connected
Liver Lowdown is the monthly general interest e-newsletter of the American Liver Foundation.
ALF Celebrates 40 Years in the Community
2016 marks a milestone year as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary serving the liver community. Learn more about what we have planned here!
New Comprehensive Study Shows Overall Cancer Deaths Down, With Liver Cancer as the Concerning Exception
Recently, the National Cancer Institute released its Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. Alarmingly, the report shows that liver cancer-related death rates were highest among people who have had hepatitis B and C.
This is preventable. There has been a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B since 1991, and new drugs for hepatitis C can cure 90% of cases but many people do not know they have it. Hepatitis C can remain silent in a person’s body for decades with symptoms often emerging in late stages of liver disease.
In addition to hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease increases the risk for liver cancer, and, for those already diagnosed, reduces the chances for survival. Researchers at last year’s International Liver Congress meeting reported that survival is shorter for patients with fatty liver disease who develop cancer than it is for patients with hepatitis B or hepatitis C who develop liver cancer.
In fact, fatty liver disease is emerging as a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States; a recent study found that in a five-year period (2004 to 2009), the annual increase in hepatocellular carcinoma in fatty liver disease patients was approximately 5%.
With as many as 4 million Americans infected with hepatitis C (75% of them do not know they have it), plus the 30% of Americans who have some form of fatty liver disease (this number is poised to reach 50% by 2030), clearly there is cause for concern.
The American Liver Foundation is the country’s only nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to promoting liver health, as well as education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.
Learn more about who we are and what we do here.
To read the report, click here.
To learn more about liver cancer, click here.
Read the inspiring stories of others that have lived with and fought liver disease here. To share your own experience with the liver community, click here.
View all issues here...
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Blogs Around The Web
HEPATITISC.NET
By Daryl Luster - April 4, 2016
Recently, I have heard medical professionals and public health officials suggest that people can wait in their treatment because of how slowly the disease progresses. Has someone suggested this is accurate in...
Take the Health Information Experience Survey
By Editorial Team - April 3, 2016
Staying informed is crucial when managing a chronic condition such as hepatitis C, and the internet has made it significantly easier to learn right at home. But online resources are only helpful...
The Next Big Thing is…living
By Daryl Luster - April 2, 2016
The next big thing is a titillating title and I apologize for the grandiose tone, but I had to speak to the issue again of what’s next in hepatitis c and not...
Socially accessible
Recently, I have heard medical professionals and public health officials suggest that people can wait in their treatment because of how slowly the disease progresses. Has someone suggested this is accurate in...
Take the Health Information Experience Survey
By Editorial Team - April 3, 2016
Staying informed is crucial when managing a chronic condition such as hepatitis C, and the internet has made it significantly easier to learn right at home. But online resources are only helpful...
The Next Big Thing is…living
By Daryl Luster - April 2, 2016
The next big thing is a titillating title and I apologize for the grandiose tone, but I had to speak to the issue again of what’s next in hepatitis c and not...
Socially accessible
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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
My life has been spinning since being diagnosed with the Hepatitis C Virus. At first, I ran out of the hospital trying to get away from it. Then I spent the next 6 years coming to grips with what it meant to my future. I began the Liver Loving Diet. I went all out to get a dangerous treatment. I battled hepatic encephalopathy (HE). I continually treated portal hypertension, ascites, and bleeding varices. I had to work in order to maintain insurance. And what was that next thing? Oh Yeah – the liver cancer and transplant. Geez Louise. How did I go about balancing Hepatitis and Health? I’m still working on it. Here’s my current thoughts....
Dr. Kristine Novak is the science editor for Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. She has worked as an editor at biomedical research journals and as a science writer for 15 years, covering advances in gastroenterology, hepatology, cancer, immunology, biotechnology, molecular genetics, and clinical trials. She has a PhD in cell biology and an interest in all areas of medical research.
Alcohol Consumption and Fatty Liver—A Double Whammy for Liver Cancer Risk
In Case You Missed It
Also Available On: ISSUU
Pamela Anderson is cured of hep C
In every issue of HEP, you'll find the hottest topics of interest to our readers along with cutting-edge health information.
Blogs At HepMag.com
Greg Jefferys
My Hep C Travel Diary, Hepatitis C Advocate
An American Tale: My journey to get generic Harvoni
An American Tale: My journey to get generic Harvoni
I happened upon Greg Jefferys blog while online - researching Harvoni appeals in the US. I have been denied by my insurance twice in 2 years. I'm 61 years old, have treated 3 times unsuccessfully, but because I'm not "sick enough" my insurance won't cover the cost.
David Pieper
HIV/Hep C activist. Cured of Hep C.
Sexual behaviour is clearly associated with recently acquired hep C in HIV/hep C co-infected gay men. We need much more discussion and openness to counter the limited knowledge around sexual transmission risks and the low level of hep C status disclosure.
Hepatitis, Liver Disease Support Coach
The reality of sexual transmission of hep CSexual behaviour is clearly associated with recently acquired hep C in HIV/hep C co-infected gay men. We need much more discussion and openness to counter the limited knowledge around sexual transmission risks and the low level of hep C status disclosure.
Connie M. Welch
Passionate Encourager for Christ, Writer, Speaker, and Hep C Warrior
Passionate Encourager for Christ, Writer, Speaker, and Hep C Warrior
Hep C Healthy Highlights Session 1
Welcome to Hep C Healthy Highlights. This is an exciting day. Today we’re saddling up together to move toward better health and wellness in every area of our lives. You may have Hep C or you may have already received the cure. No matter where you are in your journey with Hep C, we all know our lives are filled with day to day busyness. In spite of Hep C, we all have area’s we’d like to improve and goals to achieve, right?
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Welcome to Hep C Healthy Highlights. This is an exciting day. Today we’re saddling up together to move toward better health and wellness in every area of our lives. You may have Hep C or you may have already received the cure. No matter where you are in your journey with Hep C, we all know our lives are filled with day to day busyness. In spite of Hep C, we all have area’s we’d like to improve and goals to achieve, right?
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Author, Hepatitis C Advocate, Health Educator
What Hepatitis C Treatment Used to Feel Like
Last Friday was my favorite non-Federal holiday – April Fools' Day. I love to laugh, so an entire day dedicated to tomfoolery is my kind of day. I think the entire month of April should be devoted to laughter.
View all blog entries, here.
In The Spotlight What Hepatitis C Treatment Used to Feel Like
Last Friday was my favorite non-Federal holiday – April Fools' Day. I love to laugh, so an entire day dedicated to tomfoolery is my kind of day. I think the entire month of April should be devoted to laughter.
View all blog entries, here.
Long Riders - Join our adventure
http://www.longriders.org/
http://www.longriders.org/
LONG RIDERS mission: Riding the entire Pacific Crest Trail for Hep C awareness, testing and treatment. Overcoming the stigma.
When Vic Ferrari was in the darkest hours of his battle with hep c he made a promise: if he survived he would ride horseback from Mexico to Canada. At that moment the ride was simply Vic’s motivation to beat hep c. When tests showed Vic had been cured, we realized that Vic’s simple promise was going to grow into an ambitious mission: To create a social media program that will document the challenges of a hepatitis C survivor's equestrian ride of the entire 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in order to educate, inspire and empower those who are suffering from Hepatitis C to get tested, treated and cured.
Get involved
Watch - Long Riders Video
Stay connected on Twitter and Facebook
Updates Around The Web
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
Treatment of Dual Genotype Chronic Hepatitis C: Case Series
Lokesh K. Jha
Affiliated with Sanford Center for Digestive Health, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Jorge Gilbert
Affiliated with Sanford Center for Digestive Health, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota
10.1007/s10620-016-4150-1
Dear Editor,
There has been a lot of progress in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in the last 2 years, but so far, there is no study on treatment of dual genotype chronic hepatitis C as dual genotypes are rare [1]. It is also challenging to get treatment medication approved by insurance company for these kinds of patients.
We have so far treated three patients with chronic hepatitis C dual genotype.
- 1.A 60-year-old male with liver cirrhosis (confirmed with liver biopsy) secondary to chronic hepatitis C genotypes 1a and 2, treatment naïve: He was treated with 16-week course of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir and ribavirin 600 mg BID. He did not have any side effects due to medication. He did have some issues with interruption of treatment while waiting for refill on his prescription after he completed 12 weeks of treatment. His HCV RNA before starting treatment was 2143667. HCV RNA was undetectable at 4 and 12 weeks. He was able to achieve SVR 12.
- 2.A 73-year-old female with chronic hepatitis C, genotypes 1b and 3 with stage 2 fibrosis on liver biopsy: She previously had genotype 1 and had relapse when she was treated with interferon and ribavirin, and also developed interferon-associated Graves’ disease. Eight years later when directly acting antivirals became available, repeat hepatitis C genotype showed that she has genotypes 1b and 3. She did not have any risk factors for hepatitis C reinfection after prior treatment. She was treated with sofosbuvir 400 mg daily (total duration 24 weeks), simeprevir 150 mg daily (total duration 12 weeks), and Ribavirin 400 mg BID (total duration 24 weeks). She tolerated the medication without any side effects, and there was no interruption in the treatment. Her HCV RNA before starting the treatment was 4760000. HCV RNA was < 15 at 4 weeks, undetectable at 6 and 12 weeks. She was able to achieve SVR 12.
- 3.A 55-year-old male with liver cirrhosis (seen in CT scan) secondary to chronic hepatitis C, genotypes 1a and 2, treatment naïve: He was treated with 16-week course of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir and ribavirin 600 mg BID. He tolerated the medication without any side effects, and there was no interruption in the treatment. His HCV RNA before starting treatment was 6460000. HCV RNA was undetectable at 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. He was able to achieve SVR 12.
Although dual genotypes of chronic hepatitis C are rare, these patients can also be successfully treated with newer directly acting antiviral agents.
Reference
1.AASLD/IDSA HCV Guidance: recommendations for testing, managing, and treating hepatitis C. http://www.hcvguidelines.org/.
Clinical Care Options
Getting Up to Speed on HCV Therapies; experts discuss HCV before, during and after treatment.
Free registration is required, view video module, here.
Medscape Gastroenterology
A Focus on Hepatitis C: Outcomes
Dr William Balistreri completes his three-part series on hepatitis C with a discussion about possible outcomes and a glimpse into the future of treatment.
Conference Coverage @ NATAP
APASL: Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir for the Treatment of Patients With Chronic Genotype 6 Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Integrated Analysis of Phase 2 and Phase 3 Studies - (04/01/16)
APASL: Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir Fixed-Dose Combination for the Treatment of HCV in Patients With Decompensated Liver Disease: the Phase 3 ASTRAL-4 Study - (04/01/16)
Healio
Impact of Sustained Virologic Response in Hepatitis C Therapy
The following article appeared in the March print edition of HCV Next available online at Healio;
Stevan A. Gonzalez, MD, MS
Although questions remain regarding the appropriate treatment strategy for patients with decompensated liver disease and those awaiting liver transplantation, it is clear that achievement of SVR is beneficial to virtually all patients. As more patients achieve this endpoint, we must also be attentive to which individuals will require ongoing surveillance after SVR, including surveillance for HCC in those with cirrhosis and managing comorbidities that could influence fibrosis progression such as fatty liver disease and obesity. Ultimately a greater understanding of these potential cofactors will be important in optimizing long-term outcomes and preserving the benefits of viral eradication.
Healthy You
Coffee Linked to 26% Drop in Colorectal Cancer Risk
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