The importance of a thriving innovation ecosystem: A look at how Hepatitis C was identified and cured
“Innovation often comes in waves, set in motion by science. Such was the case when a cure was found for hepatitis C virus (HCV). It was followed by others in quick succession, giving us multiple tools to successfully tackle the disease.”
Study identifies racial and ethnic differences and emerging trends for deadly liver cancer
“A new analysis of liver cancer has identified racial and ethnic differences and emerging trends for this highly fatal disease. The study, conducted by researchers with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and collaborating organizations, also identified potential targeted interventions to improve control and prevention.”
National infectious disease organizations update guidance on hepatitis C
“The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the Infectious Diseases Society of America recently released updated guidance on testing, treating, and managing hepatitis C. The updated guidance, published online in Clinical Infectious Disease on July 23, 2023, is focused on recommendations for addressing nonadherence; treatment options for children as young as 3 years old; hepatitis C virus (HCV)–positive organ donation; eligibility changes for a simplified treatment approach; and therapy in vulnerable populations, including incarcerated persons.”
HCV Infection, Once a Hurdle to Heart Transplantation, Is Now Manageable
“The advent of the direct-acting antivirals, such as Harvoni (ledipasvir and sofosbuvir) means people can be treated for HCV infection if they receive a heart from an HCV-viremic donor, according to a recent review paper. The supply of hearts available for transplantation has increased, partly because HCV-viremic individuals are now part of the donor pool.”
Speak Up for Yourself: Hep-C Patient Advocacy
“Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a disease caused by the Hepatitis C (HCV) virus. It inflames the liver and can cause major complications. It affects millions of people worldwide, and if left untreated, it can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The good news is that with advancements in medical research, effective treatments are available that can cure Hep C. As with any diagnosis, it’s important that you are proactive and ready to stand up for yourself when managing Hep C. Reflect on the following suggestions when it comes to advocating for yourself as a Hep C patient.”
Gilead Sciences opens a new chapter, publishes the world’s ‘hardest book to read’ to reveal patients stuck in the margins
“Depicting the plight of patients with chronic and potentially fatal diseases is always a challenge for pharma companies, but Gilead Sciences has quite literally found a novel way forward. Teaming up with British historian, presenter and writer Professor David Olusoga, OBE, Gilead is launching “From the Margins,” (PDF) in what is intended to be one of the most difficult books to read. That’s because the book has every word printed entirely in the margins of the pages in what Gilead and Prof. Olusoga see as a direct inversion of a normal book.”
Hep C is treatable, but still claiming lives. Can Biden’s 5-year plan eliminate it?
“”I’m thrilled” that there is a federal proposal to end hepatitis C, said Lorren Sandt, executive director of the Caring Ambassadors, a nonprofit in Oregon City, Oregon, that helps people manage chronic diseases such as hepatitis C. “I’ve cried so many times in joy since that came out.””
Correcting misconceptions about Hepatitis C
“Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that damages the liver, a critical organ responsible for filtering waste products, aiding digestion, and other important functions. The CDC estimated approximately 57,500 new cases of hepatitis C in 2019, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that approximately 2.4 million people are living with hepatitis C, though the actual number may be much higher.”
Egypt soon to receive certificate of being Hep. C free from WHO
“CAIRO – 16 September 2023: Spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, said that Egypt will soon receive a certificate from the World Health Organization for being free of Hepatitis C.”
World Patient Safety Day 2023: How engaging patients has accelerated our progress towards hepatitis C elimination
“This year’s theme for World Patient Safety Day is engaging patients for patient safety, recognising the crucial role those with lived experience of conditions have in supporting better patient care. Patient engagement has been essential to NHS England’s world-leading hepatitis C elimination programme, with the goal of eliminating the virus as a public health threat in advance of the World Health Organization target of 2030. Working in partnership with the Hepatitis C Trust, a charity dedicated to eliminating hepatitis C, it has been possible to elevate the voices of those cured of the virus to help find and treat the remaining patients in the country.”
CONNECT Study: Intervention Improves HCV Testing, But Not Treatment
“Active follow up with notifying primary care practitioners and enhanced case management may help improve hepatitis C (HCV) RNA testing rates, according to findings from the CONNECT study.”
The burden of hepatitis B and hepatitis C-related illnesses
“Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are significant global health concerns, causing acute and chronic infections that lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver transplantation, and liver-related deaths. The impact of these infections extends beyond global health, posing economic burdens as well. A report published in September 2023 in the journal Lancet Public Health used estimates from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study to explore the changes in the magnitude of HBV-related and HCV-related diseases, observing some decreases in related illnesses between 2010–2019. GlobalData epidemiologists expect that to reach the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) goal of elimination by 2030, more intensive and coordinated interventions will be required across the European continent.”
Updated Operational Guidance for Implementing CDC’s Recommendations on Testing for Hepatitis C Virus Infection
“Current hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing guidance recommends a two-step testing sequence for diagnosis of HCV infection. Performing an HCV RNA test whenever an HCV antibody test is reactive (complete testing) is critical to achieve national HCV elimination goals.”
