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.
South Yarmouth girl has success in first clinical trial of drug for children
Johanna, 14, has been among the first group of pediatric patients to be part of worldwide clinical trials for a drug that has been highly successful in adults but untested on children.
When Johanna began her monthly overnight treatments and check-ups at Boston Children’s Hospital in January, the doctor told her that her November follow-up appointment would be the big one. It would prove at least the short term success of Harvoni, the brand name for ledipasvir-sofosbuvir, an anti-viral agent used to treat chronic hepatitis C.
“It’s a great drug and the kids are tolerating it well,” said Dr. Maureen Jonas, the lead investigator for the trial. Jonas is a senior associate in Medicine at Boston Children’s and a professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.
“But I’m in the interesting position of treating children in a clinical trial and their mothers cannot be treated because their insurance won’t cover it,” Jonas said.
Read more…http://www.capecodtimes.com/article/20151214/NEWS/151219729