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, October-7-16
Shedding Light on a Dark Day
Cheryl Reitz, M.A.
Recently HepCBC applied for two federal government grants from PHAC (Public Health Agency of Canada), one for HepCBC alone (basically for doing what we do now, but better) and one for a point-of-care hep C testing pilot project with two other organizations – one in Quebec and another in Nova Scotia. We’ve never gotten government funding before, but somehow PHAC convinced a number of hepatitis C patient groups that this time would be different, that our HCV-experienced voices mattered. We put countless hours and all our best efforts into these applications, trying so hard to fit what we know needs to be done to eliminate HCV in our province into PHAC’s guidelines. Read more here: http://hepcbc.bchep.org/2016/10/07/shedding-light-dark-day/
News in Brief
Plant Extract (Quercetin) Inhibits Hepatitis C, Study Finds
October 6, 2016
Researchers have discovered a possible new and inexpensive tool to fight hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection: quercetin, a natural flavonoid. The substance is sold as an herbal supplement and is found in many plants and foods, including red wine, onions, green tea, apples, and berries.
Less than 1% of prisoners with hepatitis C in state correctional facilities in the United States are receiving treatment according to a new study in the October issue of Health Affairs conducted by the Association of State Correctional Administrators in collaboration with the Yale Global Health Justice Partnership. The study found that the main barriers to increasing access to care are the high price of the medications and few policy options available.
European regulator amends some Gilead hep C patent claims
October 5, 2016
In a setback for Gilead Sciences, European regulators decided not to uphold all of its patent claims for the best-selling Sovaldi hepatitis C treatment, a move that could lead to generic versions of the medicine becoming available four years sooner than had been expected.
European Patent Office (EPO) has taken its decision following Doctors of the World – Médecins du Monde (MdM) patent opposition on Gilead Sciences’ Sofosbuvir. MdM applauds EPO’s decision to revoke partially the patent. MdM has filled an opposition on the patent granted to Gilead Sciences for Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi®) on February 10th, 2015.
FDA Adds Boxed Warning to Hepatitis C Drugs, Warns of Hepatitis B Reactivation Risk
October 4, 2016
Safety Announcement The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning about the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) becoming an active infection again in any patient who has a current or previous infection with HBV and is treated with certain direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medicines for hepatitis C virus. In a few cases, HBV reactivation in patients treated with DAA medicines resulted in serious liver problems or death.
GENEVA – UNITAID today announced a partnership with FIND to improve diagnostics and treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and make them more affordable and widely available to those in need. The US $38.3 million project will support the development of better, simpler, diagnostic tools for HCV where people seek care, and will introduce HCV testing and treatment over three and a half years in HIV programmes in seven countries.
KENILWORTH, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced that new data from the company’s chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) clinical development programs will be presented at The Liver Meeting® 2016. Fifteen scientific abstracts, including seven oral and eight poster presentations, will highlight findings from Merck’s HCV clinical development programs.
Breakthrough Therapy Designation granted based on Phase 2 clinical data for genotype 1 (GT1) patients who failed previous therapy with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) Currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) is an investigational, pan-genotypic regimen being evaluated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1-6.
Effective antiviral treatment reduces fatigue in people with chronic hepatitis C
October 3, 2016
Fatigue – a common symptom among people living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection – is associated with liver inflammation and fibrosis, but antiviral therapy that leads to a cure significantly reduces the likelihood of fatigue. Rasmus Thornhøj of Odense University Hospital in Southern Denmark presented findings from the FAT-HEP study, which looked at fatigue in relation to chronic HCV infection.
Furor Over Drug Prices Puts Patient Advocacy Groups in Bind
October 1, 2016
By KATIE THOMAS SEPT. 27, 2016 Reprinted without permission as a public service Credit Mike Bradley for The New York Times When Cyndi Zagieboylo, chief executive of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, started organizing an effort to raise the issue of drug pricing with insurers and pharmaceuticals, she quickly met resistance. Public anger over the cost of drugs has burned hot for a year.
October 1: A Momentous Day for Many People Living with Hepatitis C in New Zealand
September 30, 2016
From October 1, GPs around New Zealand will start prescribing life-changing medication to many of the 50,000 people living with hepatitis C in New Zealand. Viekira Pak, a breakthrough treatment which was previously out of reach to ordinary New Zealanders, is now fully funded by Pharmac. The drug treats people with hepatitis C genotype 1 who have compensated disease, which is more than half of all New Zealanders living with the virus.
Dark Day in Canada for Hepatitis C Patient Advocates
September 30, 2016
HepCBC Hepatitis C Education-Prevention as well as Pacific Hep C Network in BC and CAPAHC in Quebec were all turned down yesterday for all Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) funding – not sure yet about HepNS. These are the largest, most active organizations in Canada who actually deal directly with REAL PEOPLE who are MONO-infected with hepatitis C. Yes, the emperor is naked, Daryl Luster (see letter below), you’re so right.