New vaccine technology protects mice from hepatitis C virus

Immunology: Three percent of the world’s population is currently infected by hepatitis C. The virus hides in the liver and can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer, and it’s the most frequent cause of liver transplants in Denmark. Since the virus mutates strongly, we have no traditional vaccine, but researchers at the University of Copenhagen are now the first to succeed in developing a vaccine, which provides future hope for medical protection from this type of hepatitis.

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Scripps Research scientists identify key interaction in hepatitis C virus

Findings point toward a novel therapeutic target for antiviral drugs

JUPITER, FL, December 28, 2010 – Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute have identified a molecular interaction between a structural hepatitis C virus protein (HCV) and a protein critical to viral replication. This new finding strongly suggests a novel method of inhibiting the production of the virus and a potential new therapeutic target for hepatitis C drug development.

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First-ever covalent irreversible inhibition of a protease central to hepatitis C infection

Publication in Nature Chemical Biology demonstrates that irreversible covalent inhibition can increase selectivity, potency and duration of action, broadens applications for targeted covalent drugs to the protease gene family

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New data from Phase 3 studies showed superior SVR (viral cure) rates achieved with telaprevir-based combination therapy in people with hepatitis C, regardless of race or stage of liver disease

-75% of people treated in the Phase 3 ADVANCE study achieved a viral cure with telaprevir; majority of people treated for a total of 24 weeks-
-62% of African-Americans/Blacks in the ADVANCE study achieved a viral cure with telaprevir-
-Low discontinuation rates of all drugs due to adverse events-

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Hepatitis C virus faces new weapon from Florida State scientists

Novel methodology screens for drug-resistant HCV Strains, also works on HIV, influenza

In recent human trials for a promising new class of drug designed to target the hepatitis C virus (HCV) without shutting down the immune system, some of the HCV strains being treated exhibited signs of drug resistance.

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First clinical trials successfully completed on potent new hepatitis C drug

The first clinical trials on a new investigational drug being developed to treat infections caused by Hepatitis C virus have been successfully completed.

Completion of the initial phase (phase 1a) of trials of INX-189, discovered and first prepared by researchers at Cardiff University’s Welsh School of Pharmacy in 2008, means the chances of it becoming an approved medicine have significantly improved.

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New anti-viral drug shows promise for dramatic improvement in hepatitis C treatment

INDIANAPOLIS — Adding a direct acting anti-viral drug to the standard treatment regimen for hepatitis C significantly increases the cure rate in the most difficult to treat patients, according to a research report published Monday in the online edition of the journal The Lancet.

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Discovery of a hepatitis C-related virus in bats may reduce outbreaks in humans

July 1, 2010 — Viral hepatitis affects more than 500 million people worldwide and is a cause of liver failure and liver cancer. While vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, this is not the case for hepatitis C, which affects as much as two percent of the population in the U.S. Scientists today are reporting discovery of a virus related to hepatitis C in Asian bats, which may provide insights into the origins of the hepatitis C virus and into the mechanisms by which infectious diseases move from other species to humans.

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Silencing hepatitis B virus prevent recurrence of liver cancer

(PHILADELPHIA) Previous studies have shown that antiviral treatment reduces the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). But now, researchers from the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Thomas Jefferson University are reporting that the antiviral therapy also prevents recurrence of HCC and extends patients’ lives.

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A nutritional supplement for treating chronic hepatitis C: Viusid

The pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is associated with severe oxidative stress and non-selective immunological disturbance that lead to necroinflammation and the progression of fibrosis. Several trials have suggested that antioxidant and immunostimulant therapies may have a beneficial effect. Two previous clinical studies have reported that the Viusid related effect on histologic features, especially fibrosis, appears to be associated with antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory properties. However, the putative mechanism of action of Viusid is unknown.

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