The Week in Review: December 1 – December 8, 2017

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.

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Friday, December 8, 2017

News Recap:

URGENT BC Patient and Caregiver Input Request: Vosevi. We need to hear your voice! Patient and Caregiver input is requested by BC PharmaCare on Gilead’s combo of sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir (SOF-VEL-VOX or Vosevi™) for Genotypes 1-6.

Personal Stories
This week we have two great stories of triumphing over HepC: Aidain’s ‘I will never forget the day I found out I had hepatitis c’, and Patrick’s, Hep C and me: ‘I was nauseous all the time. I couldn’t gain weight. My skin was itchy and raw.’

Research & Discoveries
HBV: Elevated Levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg May Increase Liver Cancer Risk. According to a study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology elevated levels of HBV DNA and surface antigen (HBsAg) are associated with increased risks of liver cancer.

CATARACTS: Association Between HBV, HCV and Age-Related Cataracts. According to research in Scientific Reports, the occurrence of age-related cataracts is associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus C (HCV) infection – more strongly with HCV.

STRANGE BUT TRUE: A South American amphibian could potentially hold the key in curing cirrhosis. According to a study in the Journal of Anatomy, the unique liver function of a South American amphibian, Siphonops annulatus, could pave the way to finding a cure for cirrhosis.