This page is an archive. Its content may no longer be accurate and was last updated on the original publication date. It is intended for reference and as a historical record only. For hep C questions, call Help4Hep BC at 1-888-411-7578.
Friday, Sep 7, 2018
News Recap:
London Drugs Launches Potentially Life-Saving Hepatitis C Screening at Pharmacies in BC Lower Mainland.
An innovative and potentially life-saving hepatitis C screening program has launched at five London Drugs locations in the Lower Mainland. Patients can now undertake a simple finger prick test at the pharmacy to check if they have been exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) at some point in the past.
Hundreds of patients from Stittsville medical centre tested for hepatitis and HIV.
More than 1,500 patients who received treatment at a Stittsville medical centre have been tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV by Ottawa Public Health after infection control lapses were discovered earlier this year. The testing revealed that a handful of the patients are currently infected or potentially infected with hepatitis B or C (some need further testing).
Inovio (INO) Initiates Phase I Study on Hepatitis C Vaccine.
Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (INO) along with Korean partner GeneOne Life Science announced that it has dosed the first patient in a phase I study, evaluating its hepatitis C vaccine GLS-6150 to boost immunity in patients. Both companies are jointly developing the world’s first vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection.
Coffee, Pot Linked to Lower Mortality From Hepatitis C.
Increased consumption of coffee and marijuana may sharply reduce the risk for early death from hepatitis C infection, researchers have found. The study of more than 1,200 patients with HCV and HIV found that those who drank the most coffee and used marijuana regularly or daily had more than a 60% lower risk for death from the infection over a five-year period.
Events:
- Thursday, Sept. 13th all day at the Carnegie Centre. World Hepatitis Day, sponsored by the Consumers’ Board led by John Cameron. We’ll have an info table, and give a 30 minute presentation titled “NO EXCUSES: Let’s make Hep B and Hep C HISTORY in BC!” Our table will be situated near VIDC again this year.
- Sunday, Sept. 16th approximately 10 – 3:30 at the Bonsor Recreation Complex in Burnaby, the Chinese Health Fair, sponsored by administration of SUCCESS, who have donated a free booth to us right next to the VIDC booth. VIDC will be doing testing again.
- Tuesday, Sept. 25th approximately 11 am – 3 pm is the Downtown Eastside ALLEY Health Fair, location is intersection of Hastings and Columbia Streets in Vancouver. Once again, they have donated tables and tents to all participants. And once again, our booth will be located next to VIDC.