Telemedicine Expands Access to HCV Treatment for Underserved Populations
“Telemedicine has become a valuable tool in expanding access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, particularly for underserved populations, according to study results published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis.”
Trends in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mortality Rates in the US and Projections Through 2040
“Findings In this cross-sectional study of 188 280 HCC-related deaths, ASMRs increased from 2006 to 2022 and were projected to continue rising until 2040, primarily due to increased deaths from alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD); deaths from viral hepatitis were under control and were projected to decrease. Large disparities were observed in HCC-related ASMRs by age, sex, and race and ethnicity.”
A Clinical Algorithm for Screening Compensated Advanced Chronic Liver Disease Utilizing Ultrasonography, Platelet Count, and Albumin Levels, With Transient Elastography as Reference
“Conclusions: USG alone has limited reliability in diagnosing cACLD but is valuable for ruling out advanced fibrosis in asymptomatic patients due to its high NPV. Adding platelet and albumin levels improves diagnostic accuracy, though TE remains essential for definitive diagnosis. This approach may streamline screening and optimize resource use, particularly in settings with limited TE access. USG combined with platelet count and serum albumin offers a cost-effective, accessible, and practical solution for the initial assessment of cACLD. Further studies are needed to validate these findings in broader populations.”
Investigational Combination Hepatitis C Therapy Demonstrates a 97% Sustained Virologic Response
“At the ongoing The Liver Meeting in San Diego, Atea Pharmaceuticals has presented posters about the company’s investigational antiviral combination of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir, which is being studied for potential hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. In one of the posters, the combination therapy achieved a 97% sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) in a phase 2 lead-in cohort. According to the investigators, the analysis supports a short 8-week treatment with bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir for chronic HCV.”
Scientists Fear What’s Next for Public Health if RFK Jr. Is Allowed To ’Go Wild’
“Many scientists at the federal health agencies await the second Donald Trump administration with dread as well as uncertainty over how the president-elect will reconcile starkly different philosophies among the leaders of his team. Trump announced Thursday he’ll nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be secretary of the Health and Human Services Department, after saying during his campaign he’d let the anti-vaccine activist “go wild” on medicines, food, and health.”
Video:
Global launch of The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology Commission on viral hepatitis
