Dr. Joe Galati's Blog

New Hepatitis C Therapies Are Closer Than Ever

Telaprevir, Boceprevir Improve HCV Cure Rates. The new therapies for chronic hepatitis C are closer than ever. While we have been participating in conducting may of these trials, it has never been more exciting for both patients and physicians who care for hepatitis C patients. Here is an anaylsis from the recent AASLD meeting in Boston this month. Read more here.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals: Teleprevir Results Promising for Chronic Hepatitis C

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRTX) reported strong results from the first of three key late-stage studies of hepatitis-C treatment, telaprevir, showing success in three-quarters of patients using the drug for 12 weeks.

This is very good news for both patients and physicians involved with chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C infects well over 4 million Americans. Complications of hepatitis C include cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), and the potential need for a liver transplant. Currently available FDA approved therapies can attain a 45-55% sustained viral response to 48 weeks of combination therapy with Interferon and Ribavirin in genotype 1 individuals.

Research continues with many new agents targeting the hepatitis C virus. With FDA approval in the near future, the tools we will have to treat our patients will vastly change the practice of medicine for those with hepatitis C, achievingsignificantly greater viral clearance. Good time lie ahead.

Hepatitis C Research Opportunities: Research Specialists of Texas

In 2010, our practice will continue to conduct investigational studies in hepatitis C, making of use of new, very effective drugs to combat chronic hepatitis C. For most of the studies, they will include genotype 1 patients, who have never received any form of antiviral therapy against their hepatitis C. These naive patients will receive a three or four drug combination, with expected response rates of over 90%.  Additionally, studies with patients previously treated will also become availabe later in 2010.

If interested, contact Herman Ortiz, Research Specialists of Texas, at 713-794-0700.