Thursday, January 7, 2016

New cures for hepatitis C — but are they affordable?

New cures for hepatitis C — but are they affordable?

POSTED JANUARY 07, 2016, 8:55 AM
Gregory Curfman, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Publications

But there’s some very good news: in the last few years, we have witnessed extraordinary progress in developing new drug treatments for hepatitis C. Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) and sofosbuvir combined with ledipasvir (Harvoni) are two well-known examples of these new drug therapies. Another new combination drug, sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, which was recently described in areport in The New England Journal of Medicine, is extremely effective against most forms of hepatitis C virus and will become the standard therapy when this combination is approved by the FDA. 
But even though the new drugs can cure hepatitis C in many cases, they are not accessible to all people who need them...

Continue reading..  


Wednesday, January 6, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY-More cases of hepatitis C identified at McKay-Dee, Davis hospitals

More cases of hepatitis C identified at McKay-Dee, Davis hospitals
SALT LAKE CITY
KSL.com - ‎20 minutes ago‎

Hospital officials asked nearly 7,200 patients at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden and Davis Hospital and Medical Center in Layton to get tested for hepatitis C in November after a former nurse and a patient both tested positive for the same rare strain of ...

Hep C Connection is now Liver Health Connection

New Year brings a new name: Hep C Connection is now Liver Health Connection

DENVER, Jan. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Colorado's own Hep C Connection is now Liver Health Connection, celebrating the New Year with a new mission and name.

Hep C Connection has for 20 years provided patient advocacy and support related to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The non-profit's name and focus change to Liver Health Connection will enable the dedicated staff to educate patients, providers and the general public about HCV and other significant diseases affecting the liver while extending advocacy efforts, resources and support.

Changes to the mission came about through a strategic planning process that identified a broadening array of needs among the client base. The majority of people with the hepatitis C virus, baby boomers born between 1945 and 1965, will have entered Medicare by 2030.

"As more of our hepatitis C patients begin accessing care through federal programs, we see many other liver diseases that are getting scant attention," said Nancy Steinfurth, executive director of Liver Health Connection.

Liver Health Connection, which operates a national helpline, intends to use its successful education models to change health behaviors for liver cancer, NASH (the result of fatty liver disease), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and co-infection of those viruses with HIV.

All of these diseases can lead to liver cancer and according to the American Cancer Society, the percentage of Americans developing liver cancer has been rising for several decades, where rates of other cancers are decreasing. Worldwide 600,000 people die from liver cancer each year, with almost 25,000 deaths in the U.S.

More information and access to services can be found at Liver Health Connection's new website,www.liverhealthconnection.org, and the national helpline is 800-522-4372.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-year-brings-a-new-name-hep-c-connection-is-now-liver-health-connection-300199613.html

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Hepatitis C Treatment Helps Reduce Need for Liver Transplant

Q&A With Paul Kwo From Indiana University: Hepatitis C Treatment Helps Reduce Need for Liver Transplant 
Jan 05, 2016 | Amy Jacob

Gilead; Results From Phase 3 Studies Evaluating Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) for Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

Of Interest
Jan 4
Gilead/FDA Grants Priority Review for Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir - To Treat HCV Genotype 1-6

Gilead Announces Top-Line Results From Two Phase 3 Studies Evaluating Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) for Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

Date(s): 5-Jan-2016 8:30 AM

For a complete listing of our news releases, please click here

-- U.S. and EU Filings Planned for Q1 2016 --

FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 2016-- Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:GILD) today announced that two Phase 3 clinical trials (Studies 108 and 110) evaluating investigational use of once-daily tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) 25 mg in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced adults with HBeAg-negative and HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection met their primary objectives. The studies demonstrated that TAF was non-inferior to Gilead's Viread® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, TDF) based on the percentage of patients with HBV DNA levels below 29 IU/mL at 48 weeks of therapy. In addition, TAF demonstrated improved renal and bone laboratory safety parameters compared to Viread.

"An estimated 350 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B worldwide, and Viread is an effective treatment option for those appropriate to receive therapy," said Norbert Bischofberger, PhD, Executive Vice President, Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer, Gilead Sciences. "We are pleased that the TAF Phase 3 study results reflect high efficacy and improved renal and bone safety parameters similar to those seen in clinical studies evaluating TAF-based regimens for HIV. Like HIV, HBV is a chronic condition that requires prolonged therapy and we look forward to the opportunity to offer patients an improved option that has the potential to advance the long-term treatment of HBV."

In Study 108, evaluating HBeAg-negative patients, 94.0 percent (n=268/285) of patients receiving TAF and 92.9 percent (n=130/140; CI -3.6 percent to +7.2 percent, p=0.47) of patients receiving Viread achieved HBV DNA below 29 IU/mL at week 48. In Study 110, evaluating HBeAg-positive patients, 63.9 percent (n=371/581) of TAF patients and 66.8 percent (n=195/292; CI -9.8 percent to +2.6 percent, p=0.25) of Viread patients achieved HBV DNA below 29 IU/mL at week 48. Two criteria were used to evaluate normalization of serum ALT levels: a central laboratory cut-off value and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) criteria. In both studies, treatment with TAF showed a statistically significant increase in ALT normalization relative to the Viread arms when using the AASLD criteria. The ALT normalization was not statistically significant using the central laboratory cut-off value, which defines normalization at a higher ALT level. Discontinuations due to adverse events were uncommon in both treatment arms (0.7 percent (n=2) for TAF vs. 0.7 percent (n=1) for Viread in Study 108, and 1.0 percent (n=6) for TAF vs. 1.0 percent (n=3) for Viread in Study 110). The most commonly reported adverse events in both studies included headache, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis and cough, and occurred at similar rates in patients receiving either TAF or Viread.

Changes in bone and renal laboratory parameters favored the TAF regimen. In both studies, patients receiving TAF experienced a significantly smaller mean percentage decrease from baseline in hip and spine bone mineral density at week 48 (p<0.001) compared to patients receiving Viread. Smaller increases in serum creatinine were observed in patients receiving TAF in Study 110 (p=0.02). Additionally, the median change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline to week 48 favored TAF in both studies (p<0.01).

Based on the results of Studies 108 and 110, Gilead plans to submit regulatory applications for TAF for chronic HBV in the United States and the European Union in the first quarter of 2016. Gilead also plans to submit data from both studies for presentation to a scientific conference in 2016.

About Studies 108 and 110

Studies 108 and 110 are randomized, double-blind, 96-week clinical trials among 1,298 treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients with chronic HBV. In Study 108, 425 HBeAg-negative patients were randomized 2:1 to receive TAF (n=285) or Viread (n=140). In Study 110, 873 HBeAg-positive patients were randomized 2:1 to receive TAF (n=581) or Viread (n=292).

The primary efficacy endpoint of the studies is the proportion of subjects with plasma HBV DNA levels below 29 IU/mL. Key secondary endpoints include change from baseline in bone mineral density at the hip and spine at week 48, and change from baseline in serum creatinine at week 48. Other secondary endpoints include ALT normalization and change from baseline in eGFR at week 48.

TAF as a single-agent for chronic HBV is an investigational product and its safety and efficacy have not been established.

About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative therapeutics in areas of unmet medical need. The company's mission is to advance the care of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases worldwide. Gilead has operations in more than 30 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risk that Gilead may be unable to submit regulatory applications for TAF for chronic HBV treatment in the United States and the European Union in the currently anticipated timelines. In addition, the regulatory filings may not be approved by the regulatory authorities, and marketing approvals, if granted, may have significant limitations on their use. As a result, TAF may never be successfully commercialized. Further, there is a possibility of unfavorable results from other clinical trials involving TAF regimens for the treatment of HBV. These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other risks are described in detail in Gilead's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Gilead, and Gilead assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement.

U.S. full prescribing information for Viread, including BOXED WARNING, is available at www.gilead.com.

Viread is a registered trademark of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

For more information on Gilead Sciences, please visit the company's website at www.gilead.com, follow Gilead on Twitter (@GileadSciences) or call Gilead Public Affairs at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or 1-650-574-3000.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160105005560/en/

Source: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Patrick O'Brien, 650-522-1936 (Investors)
Cara Miller, 650-522-1616 (Media)

Monday, January 4, 2016

Gilead/FDA Grants Priority Review for Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir - To Treat HCV Genotype 1-6



Gilead Announces U.S. FDA Priority Review Designation for Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir for Treatment of All Genotypes of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

‏Date(s): 4-Jan-2016 4:30 PM

For a complete listing of our news releases, please click here

-- Final FDA Decision Anticipated by June 28, 2016 --

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.

Also See
2016 Hepatitis Newsletters: Top Research Articles, News, Interviews And A Look Back At 2015 HCV Headlines
Top News Articles
The New England Journal Of Medicine
Sofosbuvir–Velpatasvir for HCV Genotypes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
December 31, 2015 | J.J. Feld and Others
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.

Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir for HCV Genotype 2 and 3 Infection
Here, we present the results of two randomized, controlled, phase 3 trials (ASTRAL-2 and ASTRAL-3) in which treatment with a fixed-dose combination tablet of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir for 12 weeks was compared with standard treatment with sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks in patients who had received prior treatment for HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection and in those who had not received such treatment, including those with compensated cirrhosis.

Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir for HCV in Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis
The NS5B nucleotide inhibitor sofosbuvir is approved for the treatment of HCV infection in combination with other agents.13,14 Velpatasvir (formerly known as GS-5816, Gilead Sciences) is an investigational inhibitor of the HCV NS5A protein with antiviral activity against all HCV genotypes.15-17 The combination of velpatasvir and sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin provided high rates of sustained virologic response in patients with all HCV genotypes in phase 2 clinical trials.18,19 In the phase 3 ASTRAL-1, ASTRAL-2, and ASTRAL-3 trials (now published in theJournal),20,21 treatment with sofosbuvir–velpatasvir in a fixed-dose combination tablet for 12 weeks resulted in high rates of sustained virologic response among patients with HCV genotypes 1 through 6 without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis.


About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative therapeutics in areas of unmet medical need. The company's mission is to advance the care of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases worldwide. Gilead has operations in more than 30 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.

Forward-Looking Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other risks are described in detail in Gilead's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Gilead, and Gilead assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement.

For more information on Gilead Sciences, please visit the company's website at www.gilead.com, follow Gilead on Twitter (@GileadSciences) or call Gilead Public Affairs at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or 1-650-574-3000.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160104006297/en/
Source: Gilead Sciences, Inc
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Patrick O'Brien, 650-522-1936 (Investors)
Amy Flood, 650-522-5643 (Media)

Sunday, January 3, 2016

2016 Hepatitis Newsletters: Top Research Articles, News, Interviews And A Look Back At 2015 HCV Headlines


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 

The New England Journal Of Medicine
Sofosbuvir–Velpatasvir for HCV Genotypes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
December 31, 2015 | J.J. Feld and Others
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

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.
Journal of Viral Hepatitis, December 24, 2015

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
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.
Read the article, here.

HCV: 4 Weeks Too Short for Treatment With New Drugs
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."
Read the article, here. 

Big Pharma

Merck Will Soon See a Decision on Its New Hepatitis C Therapy 
By Margaret Patrick
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 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.

FDA Granted Breakthrough Therapy Status to Merck’s HCV Therapy
Merck Plans to Launch Innovative HCV Combination Therapy
Read the article, here

AbbVie Announces FDA Acceptance of NDA for VIEKIRA PAK®
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.

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
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
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.

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

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.

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....

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. 

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
Sirens/Tx for All/ Dale/Generic Harvoni
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 Meeting
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!

12-10-2015 Harlem Hep C Task Force Meeting Highlights
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


Read breaking news stories now: visit the GI & Hepatology News website.

Stay connected

 

HCV Action brings together hepatitis C health professionals from across the patient pathway with the pharmaceutical industry and patient representatives to share expertise and good practice.

HCV Action good practice case study: Outreach fibroscanning and testing by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Many people with hepatitis C who access drug and alcohol services face barriers to accessing secondary care. In order to enable this group to have access to specialist services in an environment in which they felt comfortable, the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust developed a bespoke outreach fibroscan and testing service for the assessment of hepatitis C and liver disease. The service has operated in drug and alcohol services and homeless hostels, targeting people who may find it otherwise difficult to access secondary care.

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
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... 
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... 
READ MORE

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... 


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.

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.

Recent Posts

TOP 10 HBV STORIES IN 2015


Creating a World Free of Hepatitis C
by LUCINDA PORTER
Welcome 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.

Resolving to Live Better with Hepatitis C
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?
Continue reading..

View all entries, here.

Blogs At HepMag.com

Greg Jefferys
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.
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.
Continue reading

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.
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.
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Wishing you all a very healthy and happy NEW YEAR!

Tina

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Why Hepatitis C Is Often Called ‘The Silent Killer’

Why Hepatitis C Is Often Called ‘The Silent Killer’
January 1, 2016 7:35 PM
Source
People who have the virus might not look or even feel sick — for decades. It’s estimated that somewhere between two and four million Americans have the virus.