Articles tagged with Hepatitis C
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a single gene, SEC14L2, that allows the easy replication of hepatitis C virus in human liver cancer cell lines. This breakthrough enables scientists to study naturally occurring forms of the virus and develop new effective treatments.
A new Johns Hopkins study finds that people infected with hepatitis C virus are at increased risk of cardiovascular damage, independent of HIV. Chronic infection leads to abnormal fat-and-calcium plaques in arteries, a common precursor to heart attacks and strokes.
A study found that 10.3% of patients tested positive for HCV, with 70% confirmed as chronically infected, while only 24% had prior knowledge of the infection. Hepatitis C is a leading cause of end-stage liver disease and liver cancer.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive test to detect infectious diseases like hepatitis C and superbugs. The new method can pick up tiny traces of metabolites, proteins or DNA fragments, making it 10,000 times more sensitive than other detection systems.
A new national study found that most states violate federal Medicaid law by denying coverage for sofosbuvir, a highly effective treatment for hepatitis C. The study highlights the need to improve access to treatment for low-income and underserved patients.
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) has updated its guidance on testing, managing, and treating hepatitis C virus (HCV). The new recommendations focus on direct-acting antiviral drugs, which have shown high efficacy in curing HCV. With these updates, millions of Americans living with chronic HCV may now hav...
Researchers discovered that Hepatitis C virus variants work together, sacrificing some to protect others from the immune system. This complex interaction, known as antigenic cooperation, could alter vaccine and treatment strategies.
A risk prediction model has been developed to identify patients with hepatitis C who have the most urgent need for new anti-viral drugs. The model uses routine lab values and machine-learning methods to predict health outcomes, allowing doctors to target treatment to those with high risk of complications.
A Phase III study has shown an overall cure rate of 94% for patients with a liver transplant and returning hepatitis C, and 83% for patients with advanced cirrhosis. The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the investigational combination, clearing the way for expedited drug development.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have identified how the AH2 peptide remodels lipid membranes to form the membranous web, a structure essential for HCV replication. This discovery provides an important lead on how to develop therapeutic drugs to combat Hepatitis C virus
A new study estimates that a cure for hepatitis C could generate significant economic benefits, including $3.2 billion in annual productivity savings in the US and Europe. The treatment, ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, has a high cure rate and fewer side effects, resulting in reduced absenteeism and improved workplace productivity.
A simple blood test can predict which chronic hepatitis C patients will respond to interferon-based therapy, according to a recent study. The researchers found that levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood predicted treatment response.
A 12-week dose of an investigational three-drug combination cleared the virus in 93 percent of patients with liver cirrhosis who hadn't previously been treated. The addition of ribavirin to the regimen enhanced results, eliminating the virus in 93 percent of previously treated patients.
A recent study published in The International Liver Congress shows that alcohol use disorders are a stronger predictor of mortality than chronic hepatitis C virus infection, especially when severe comorbidities are present. AUDs were found to be associated with higher mortality risks across all hospital subgroups.
The study demonstrates a new therapeutic option for chronic HCV infection, achieving high sustained virologic response rates. The combination therapy resulted in 90% sustained viral response (SVR12) rates across various genotypes of the virus.
A 12-week oral regimen of once-daily single tablet grazoprevir/elbasvir is effective and well-tolerated in treatment-naive patients infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 4 or 6. Preliminary results show that 299 out of 316 patients achieved a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks.
Preliminary results show that Civacir effectively prevents hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence in liver transplant patients who received antiviral therapy before their operation. The study found that Civacir provides a prophylactic efficacy in preventing HCV-reinfection, reducing the risk of graft loss.
A new study at The International Liver Congress 2015 reveals that sofosbuvir-based regimens are effective and well-tolerated in hepatitis C and HIV co-infected, cirrhotic patients. Sustained virologic response was observed in 98% of patients at 4 weeks and 95% at 12 weeks.
A National Institutes of Health study found that an over-the-counter allergy medication, chlorcyclizine HCl (CCZ), limits hepatitis C virus activity in infected mice. The results suggest CCZ could be used to treat the virus in people, potentially providing an affordable alternative to costly options.
A recent study published in Kidney International found that HIV-positive kidney transplant patients have superior outcomes compared to those with Hepatitis C. The three-year survival rates for HIV patients were similar to those of uninfected patients (90%), while Hepatitis C patients had a lower rate (84%).
Immediate treatment of HCV-infected patients with moderate or advanced liver scarring is cost-effective, and can also be effective in those with minimal or no scarring. This finding increases the potential for quality of life improvement, particularly when lower treatment costs are assumed.
Researchers at Rockefeller University found that the Hepatitis C virus binds to miRNA-122, altering gene activity in infected liver cells. This interaction may contribute to liver damage and cancer progression.
Researchers have identified tiny differences in the outer shell proteins of different hepatitis C viruses that make them resistant to antibodies. The study found that these protein variations are not located where antibodies attach, requiring multiple antibodies to be stimulated for an effective vaccine. Future research will focus on i...
The NIH-led ASCEND study assesses the effectiveness of primary care physicians and nurse practitioners in treating people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The trial aims to determine whether these medications are similarly effective when administered in an urban, community-based setting.
A new study shows that a door-to-door campaign in a medically underserved area of Philadelphia was able to help vulnerable patients overcome hurdles and access specialized treatment for hepatitis C. The effort involved a comprehensive approach to nonclinical testing, immediate access to confirmatory testing, and patient navigation to e...
A new study reveals that hepatitis C is more common than previously thought, with over 180 million people worldwide infected. The study also found that active infection rates are high in West Africa, where cultural and daily practices contribute to transmission.
Researchers are calling for clinical trials to determine if widespread hepatitis C screening would result in greater benefit or harm. The authors argue that exposing individuals without symptoms to treatment could outweigh benefits for those destined to develop end-stage disease.
Experts argue that widespread hepatitis C screening may not lead to net clinical benefit, citing potential harms and a lack of strong evidence. Many patients infected with hepatitis C will not develop end-stage liver disease, rendering unnecessary treatment.
A clinical trial conducted by the NIH found that 38 out of 40 volunteers with HCV infections were cured after receiving a combination of three direct-acting oral drugs for six weeks. This short duration therapy may prove relevant for global elimination of hepatitis C, where simple and well-tolerated treatment is required.
A new study published in Neurology eliminated hepatitis C virus as a cause of mental impairment in HIV patients. The research, conducted by a team of scientists at Washington University School of Medicine, involved 1,582 HIV patients and found no evidence that hepatitis C infection affects the brain.
A Tufts University study reveals large disparities in death rates across race and ethnicity in Massachusetts for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. Hotspots of high mortality were found in communities with highest need for targeted public health and clinical responses.
A new oral interferon-free therapy has produced significantly fewer side effects and is prescribed for 24 weeks. Cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C is the leading reason for liver transplantation in the U.S., with patients having lower survival rates than those transplanted for other causes of cirrhosis.
Researchers have discovered that multiple viruses share an L-shaped switch in their RNA genomes, which can be flipped to prevent replication. The discovery has implications for developing new drugs to inhibit viral replication, particularly for hepatitis C virus.
Researchers found that treating inmates with sofosbuvir is cost-effective compared to other treatments approved by the FDA. The study suggests that the treatment can add up to 2.1 quality-adjusted life years and save healthcare programs from paying out more in the future.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that NYC rats harbor bacterial and viral pathogens, including Seoul hantavirus and rat hepaciviruses similar to human hepatitis C. The researchers identified 15 pathogens in 133 trapped rats, highlighting the importance of monitoring the city's rodent population.
A $6.2 million grant will fund the Hepatitis C Community Alliance to Test and Treat (HepCCATT) program to build Chicago's capacity to test for and cure HCV infections. The initiative aims to screen 18,500 people annually and treat 2,500, with a focus on underserved communities.
Researchers develop genetic 'instruction set' that creates broadly neutralizing antibodies to target hepatitis C virus. In mice, the treatment prevented infection and eradicated existing infections, offering potential for affordable treatment.
Two researchers from the Technical University of Munich have won an International Space Station Research Competition to study the structure of Hepatitis C virus proteins in microgravity. The project aims to identify new targets for medications and could lead to breakthroughs in treating the disease, which is prevalent in Egypt.
Researchers predict that effective new drugs and widespread screening will reduce hepatitis C cases, prevent liver cancer and deaths. By 2036, the disease is expected to affect only one in 1,500 people in the US.
Researchers predict that widespread screening and treatment of hepatitis C will reduce liver-related deaths by 161,500 and liver transplants by 13,900 from 2014 to 2050. The model also estimates that nearly 1 million cases of hepatitis C would be identified in the next 10 years under universal screening.
Researchers have identified a combination of pills that cures 9 out of 10 hepatitis C patients, achieving a 93% cure rate in 12 weeks. The treatment was well-tolerated by patients and offers a higher cure rate than previous standard care.
A phase III clinical trial shows that a combination drug therapy cures chronic hepatitis C in the majority of patients co-infected with both HIV and hepatitis C. The new all-oral regimen sofosbuvir and ribavirin has cure rates of up to 92% for treatment-experienced patients, offering a transformative step in treating this population.
A new meta-analysis of 10 studies found that less than 10% of people infected with hepatitis C are cured, while only 50% were diagnosed and aware of their infection. The study highlights the need for improved screening efforts and increased access to treatment, particularly for baby boomers who may not be aware they have the disease.
A clinical study found that a certain group of genes and an immune cell ratio can predict tolerance to liver transplants in patients with hepatitis C. This could enable patients to stop taking immunosuppressants after a certain period, reducing the burden of chronic HCV infection.
The American College of Physicians recommends assessing a woman's health history for unique events that increase her risk of stroke later in life. For chronic hepatitis C patients, routine screening for liver cancer may not lead to greater survival.
A novel paper-based diagnostic test inspired by scrapbooking has been developed to detect hepatitis C, increasing accessibility and speed of diagnosis. The test can conduct both HCV tests on a sample simultaneously in just minutes, solving the problem of patterning paper without heat.
Nearly 4 million Americans may be infected with hepatitis C virus, with one in six inmates having the disease. Implementing hepatitis C treatment programs in US prisons and jails could save lives and reduce costs.
The US prison population has a high prevalence of hepatitis C infection and is readily reachable for testing and treatment. The researchers argue that targeting prisoners could cure the greatest number of people infected with the virus, benefiting society in the long run.
Scientists have discovered how hepatitis C virus proteins interact within human cells, revealing a better understanding of viral replication and pathogenesis. This knowledge paves the way for developing new antiviral substances with low cellular toxicity.
A new fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir shows high cure rates for HCV genotype 1 patients, with only mild side effects. The treatment achieves SVR12 rates of up to 99% without the use of ribavirin, which is associated with significant side effects.
A new oral combination therapy has been shown to cure hepatitis C infection in over 90% of patients with liver cirrhosis, providing a significant improvement over the current treatment options. The study found that the treatment was well-tolerated and resulted in no long-term relapses.
A new single-tablet regimen of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir has proven highly effective in treating patients with HCV genotype 1, with cure rates ranging from 94% to 99%. The therapy shows promise for both first-time and previously treated patients, offering a simpler and more tolerable option than current treatments.
SBEL1, a compound isolated from Chinese herbal medicines, has been found to inhibit hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity by approximately 90%. It blocks virus entry and inhibits IRES-mediated translation, reducing HCV protein production and RNA replication.
A new trial involving sofosbuvir demonstrated promising results for patients with recurring HCV post-liver transplant, achieving SVR12 in 62% of cases. Additionally, improvements in clinical conditions associated with hepatic decompensation and liver function tests were observed.
Patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C have an 80 percent higher rate of decompensated cirrhosis than hepatitis C-only patients. Even when ART is effective, they still experience a 60 percent higher risk of serious liver disease compared to those with hepatitis C alone.
Researchers found that patients with specific gene variants exhibited a significantly lower risk of experiencing relapse after treatment for chronic hepatitis C. The study, which involved over 300 patients, suggests that these variants may play a role in preventing the virus from becoming unstable and causing recurrence.
Hepatitis C affects 160 million worldwide, with 3.2 million Americans infected. The Rutgers study identifies the virus's outer protein structure, which enables evasion of the immune system.
Researchers have developed a safe and effective combination treatment for hepatitis C using oral antiviral drugs daclatasvir and sofosbuvir. The therapy was found to cure 98% of patients with genotype 1, and showed promise in treating genotypes 2 and 3, with minimal side effects.
A new study reveals that hepatitis C infection rates vary significantly among Hispanic groups in the US, with Puerto Rican individuals facing the highest risk. The study, which analyzed data from over 11,000 individuals, found that infection rates range from less than 1% to 11.6% among different ethnic groups.
Researchers have determined the high-resolution atomic structure of E2 envelope glycoprotein, a crucial part of the hepatitis C virus. The new data reveal unexpected structural features and should greatly speed efforts to make an effective hepatitis C vaccine.