 |
|
First evidence for DNA-based vaccination against chronic hepatitis C
April 23, 2009The first-proof-of-concept for a DNA-based therapeutic vaccination against chronic hepatitis C was announced today at EASL 2009, the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In the first clinical trial of a therapeutic vaccination using naked DNA delivered by in vivo electroporation (EP), antiviral effects were shown in patients with hepatitis C (HCV). Researchers hope that this will encourage further clinical development. The data also provide further evidence for the antiviral role of the HCV-specific T cell response.
It is estimated that some 3% of the world's population is infected with HCV. In industrialised countries, hepatitis C accounts for 70% of chronic hepatitis cases. One of the main concerns is that HCV infection remains asymptomatic until advanced stages of the disease.
Clearance of HCV infection correlates with activation of the host T cell response. Therefore, in this study, researchers developed a T cell vaccine based on a codon-optimised HCV non-structural (NS) 3/4A DNA-gene expressed under the control of the cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter (ChronVac-C®) delivered by in vivo electroporation (EP). A first phase I/IIa clinical trial in HCV infected patients is currently ongoing.
Professor Matti Sallberg of Laboratory Medicine, the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, who led the study, said: "In 50-80% of adult cases, the immune system fails to eliminate the HCV virus and the disease becomes chronic. Given that only about 50% of HCV infected persons are diagnosed in most developed countries and that two-thirds need to undergo antiviral treatment, this new vaccination has huge implications in terms of the future management of this widespread disease."
In this study, a volume of 0.5 ml saline containing ChronVac-C® DNA was injected at 1 cm depth in the deltoid muscle. This was followed by two 60ms electrical pulses administered using a 1.5 cm four-electrode array (Medpulser DDS; Inovio, CA, US). The study aims were safety, immunogenicity, and effects on the viral load. Twelve treatment naive patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and a viral load <800,000 IU/ml were divided in four groups of 167 µg, 500 µg, and 1,500 µg given as four monthly doses of DNA.
In the 167µg group, no severe side effects were observed, two patients mounted transient T cell responses, and none had a reduced viral load. In the 500µg dose, no severe side effects were observed, and two developed better sustained HCV-specific T cell responses. Simultaneous with these responses, both patients had reductions in the viral load of up to 0.89 log10 and 1.5 log10, respectively. In the third patient, no immune response developed and no clear reductions in the viral load were seen. In the 1,500µg dose, no severe side effects were observed, and one patient developed HCV-specific T cell response. Two patients had reductions in the viral load of up to 1.2 log10 and 2.4 log10, respectively. Thus, 67% (four out of six) of patients in the two highest dose groups had reductions in the viral load exceeding 0.5 log10 lasting for two to >10 weeks. Of these, three had activations of the HCV-specific T cell responses at the time of the reductions in the viral load.
European Association for the Study of the Liver
Clearance of HCV infection correlates with activation of the host T cell response. Therefore, in this study, researchers developed a T cell vaccine based on a codon-optimised HCV non-structural (NS) 3/4A DNA-gene expressed under the control of the cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter (ChronVac-C®) delivered by in vivo electroporation (EP). A first phase I/IIa clinical trial in HCV infected patients is currently ongoing.
Professor Matti Sallberg of Laboratory Medicine, the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, who led the study, said: "In 50-80% of adult cases, the immune system fails to eliminate the HCV virus and the disease becomes chronic. Given that only about 50% of HCV infected persons are diagnosed in most developed countries and that two-thirds need to undergo antiviral treatment, this new vaccination has huge implications in terms of the future management of this widespread disease."
In this study, a volume of 0.5 ml saline containing ChronVac-C® DNA was injected at 1 cm depth in the deltoid muscle. This was followed by two 60ms electrical pulses administered using a 1.5 cm four-electrode array (Medpulser DDS; Inovio, CA, US). The study aims were safety, immunogenicity, and effects on the viral load. Twelve treatment naive patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and a viral load <800,000 IU/ml were divided in four groups of 167 µg, 500 µg, and 1,500 µg given as four monthly doses of DNA.
In the 167µg group, no severe side effects were observed, two patients mounted transient T cell responses, and none had a reduced viral load. In the 500µg dose, no severe side effects were observed, and two developed better sustained HCV-specific T cell responses. Simultaneous with these responses, both patients had reductions in the viral load of up to 0.89 log10 and 1.5 log10, respectively. In the third patient, no immune response developed and no clear reductions in the viral load were seen. In the 1,500µg dose, no severe side effects were observed, and one patient developed HCV-specific T cell response. Two patients had reductions in the viral load of up to 1.2 log10 and 2.4 log10, respectively. Thus, 67% (four out of six) of patients in the two highest dose groups had reductions in the viral load exceeding 0.5 log10 lasting for two to >10 weeks. Of these, three had activations of the HCV-specific T cell responses at the time of the reductions in the viral load.
European Association for the Study of the Liver
Chronic Hepatitis Current Events and Chronic Hepatitis News RSSTreatment for chronic hepatitis C: A phase II study
The current standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C with pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin is effective in approximately 50%-60% of patients, so that a substantial proportion of patients remain unresponsive.
A novel and simple formula to predict treatment success in chronic hepatitis C
The likelihood of treatment success of 48 wk peg-interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy for chronic hepatitis C may be predicted by viral kinetics on therapy.
IOM report recommends steps to tackle hepatitis B and C
Stepped-up vaccination requirements, a boost in resources for prevention and treatment, and a public awareness campaign similar to the effort that dispelled the stigma of HIV/AIDS are needed to curb the health threats posed by hepatitis B and hepatitis C, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine.
Toward explaining why hepatitis B hits men harder than women
Scientists in China are reporting discovery of unusual liver proteins, found only in males, that may help explain the long-standing mystery of why the hepatitis B virus (HBV) sexually discriminates -- hitting men harder than women.
Hepatitis B does not increase risk for pancreatic cancer
A Henry Ford Hospital study found that hepatitis B does not increase the risk for pancreatic cancer - and that only age is a contributing factor.
Discovery could improve hepatitis C treatment
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers are part of an international team that has discovered a genetic variation that could identify those people infected with hepatitis C who are most likely to benefit from current treatments.
HBV genotype B/B3 and C/C1 are the major genotypes in Indonesia?
Previous studies revealed that HBV genotypes as well as mutations in the core promoter, precore or HBx gene have been shown to have an association with the clinical outcome of liver disease, however, this is still controversial.
Men experience sexual dysfunction during hepatitis C therapy
Sexual impairment is common among men with chronic hepatitis C undergoing antiviral therapy, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute.
Is endotoxin receptor CD14 rs2569190/C-159T gene correlated with chronic hepatitis C?
It is still unknown why the natural history of chronic disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV), which currently infects 3% of the world's population, varies from mild in some patients to rapidly progressing in others.
New Strategy for Inhibiting Virus Replication
Viruses need living cells for replication and production of virus progeny. Thus far, antiviral therapy primarily targets viral factors but often induces therapy resistance. New improved therapies attempt to targets cellular factors that are essential for viral replication.
More Chronic Hepatitis Current Events and Chronic Hepatitis News Articles
 |
Chronic Viral Hepatitis: Diagnosis and Therapeutics (Clinical Gastroenterology) by Kirti Shetty (Editor), George Y. Wu (Editor) Chronic viral hepatitis affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, and each year millions more people become infected. In Chronic Viral Hepatitis, Second Edition, a panel of distinguished clinicians and clinical investigators build upon the first edition by comprehensively reviewing all the relevant new information regarding resistance, side effects, and therapies for chronic viral hepatitis. The text covers recent advances in the understanding of pathogenesis of viral hepatitis while discussing promising agents in development for its treatment. The authors devote special attention to reactivation of hepatitis B with chemotherapy and immunosuppression, herbal and non-traditional therapies, chronic viral hepatitis in the pediatric population, and immunology and immunotherapy of... |
|
Yoga Systems Presents Healing Science of Yoga For: Vt27: Hepatitis (Chronic) | |
 |
Chronic Kidney Disease: Are You at Risk? (Home Use) Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Chronic kidney disease may not get as much attention as diabetes, but it's nearly as common - affecting one out of every nine adults. In today's program, we discover who is most at risk and trace the progression of the disease from onset to life-threatening kidney failure. We also hear first hand what life is like for patients who depend on dialysis. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
Balanceuticals Blood Circulator Dietary Supplement Capsules, 500 mg, 60-Count Bottle by Balanceuticals Dietary Supplement. 100% Natural. Made under Supervision by China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Made of medicinal rhubarb, prepared rehmannia root, common peony root, peach seed, bitter apricot seed, licorice root, scute, dun fly, gadfly, leech, June beetle, this time-honored formula is used in Chinese medicine to promote micro-circulation, increase blood flow to heart muscles, open and clear arteries, inhibit intestinal adhesion, soothe the liver, remove stasis and maintain healthy blood circulation and regular menses. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
 |
The Future of Hepatitis C Directed By: ITV Also With: ITV (Producer) |
 |
The Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B: One Man's Cure One Family's Experience by Kunmi Oluleye (Author), Ibiyinka Oluleye (Author), Ibibyinka Oluleye (Author) This is a source of detailed information of the treatment of a Hepatitis B patient. Even though the focus is on Hepatitis B, there's useful information and resources listed for other hepatitis types, especially Hepatitis C. The book is written in journal form to give the readers a complete picture of the authors' experience. Read about the six-month combination treatment of Interferon Alpha-2b and Ribavirin (Virazole). There are tables clearly listing drugs, food intakes, vitamins and homones. A great resource for anyone associated with hepatitis directly or indirectly, every victim, family or friend, hepatologist, nurse or medical student. Be informed about this deadly disease. |
|
BE IN CHARGE; A GUIDE TO LIVING WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS B AND C by Willis C. & Schiff, Eugene R. Maddrey (Author) | |
 |
Chronic Kidney Disease: Are You at Risk? (Educational Use) Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Chronic kidney disease may not get as much attention as diabetes, but it's nearly as common - affecting one out of every nine adults. In today's program, we discover who is most at risk and trace the progression of the disease from onset to life-threatening kidney failure. We also hear first hand what life is like for patients who depend on dialysis. Under The U.S. Copyright Act any viewing or exhibition of a video in a public place must have public performance rights. Purchase of this Program is for educational use only in the United States and/or Canada, which shall include non-theatric public performance rights. Such rights are defined as exhibition of the Program to the following specific... |
|
Be In Charge a Video Guide to Living with Chronic Hepatitis Also With: Schering Oncology Biotech (Primary Contributor) | |
 |
Gene-Eden: Antiviral Supplement, Natural, Broad Range, Scientifically Tested, Patented Formula by polyDNA The development of Gene-Eden was inspired by Dr. Hanan Polansky's highly acclaimed scientific discovery of the Starved Gene phenomenon. The discovery explains how chronic viruses cause disease. What is a virus? It is the smallest form of life. It includes a set of genes and a shell. When it enters a cell, it plants itself in the nucleus and starts to manufacture its proteins. How does it manufacture its proteins? A virus is a genetic parasite. To manufacture proteins, it "steals" raw materials from the human genes. What happens to the human genes? They stop manufacturing their own proteins, which leads to disease. What is a latent or chronic virus? A virus that co-exists with us for life. It is not dormant, but continues to produce... |
| © 2010 BrightSurf.com |