Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi’s Viral Hepatitis Clinic cures 1,000th hepatitis C patient
“The Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi Viral Hepatitis Clinic has reached a milestone by curing its 1,000th patient of hepatitis C. “It’s a very satisfying thing to make that call and tell someone they’re cured,” said Rashmi Baragi, MD, director of the viral hepatitis clinic. “You can prevent so much damage to a patient from this infection.””
OHSU scientists develop first transgenic model for hepatitis B research
“Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed the first transgenic nonhuman primate model — genetically modified to carry a human gene — for studying hepatitis B virus. The breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for the disease, which affects about 250 million people globally and results in nearly 1 million deaths annually.”
FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to Amezalpat for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
“Key Takeaways: Amezalpat has received FDA fast track designation for hepatocellular carcinoma, enhancing its development following orphan drug designation. Positive phase 1b/2 trial results showed improved survival and response rates with amezalpat combined with atezolizumab and bevacizumab.”
DAA, Interferon HCV Treatments Result in Similar Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk
“Key Takeaways: DAA therapy reduces de novo HCC risk in HCV-related cirrhosis compared to no treatment, but is similar to IFN therapy. High SVR rates with DAAs do not eliminate HCC risk, highlighting the need for continued monitoring.”
16th person in Penobscot County tests positive for HIV
“The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced the positive test earlier this month. It is the latest case in the county’s active HIV cluster, and comes less than a month after the state reported the 15th positive case of HIV. All 16 of the people also tested positive for hepatitis C and reported injecting drugs within a year of being diagnosed, the Maine CDC reported. Fourteen of the 16 people were also unhoused in the last year, and 10 of the 16 were linked to care within 30 days of their diagnosis.”
