Hepatitis C Support Group
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.
One of our members mentioned Vertex (which is the drug company that markets VX-950) so I thought id post an update about this experimental drug for Hep C awaiting fast track approval.
VX-950 is a protease inhibtor (think of treatments we have for HIV) being evaluated as monotherapy. It has been shown to result in significant reduction in HCV RNA and serum ALT levels
There were studies a couple years ago on a different protease inhibitor that were halted early after being found to cause cardiac toxicity in animals.
The enthusiasm for this class of agents however has been renewed with the development of three new drugs, NM283, VX-950, and SCH 503034. Each of these agents have been shown to significantly suppress HCV RNA when used either alone or in combination with PEGIFN. Given prior experience with these agents, and the early phase of their trials, therapy with anti-HCV protease inhibitors should be approached with caution. Further studies of their use in combination therapy with interferon or triple therapy with interferon and ribavirin need to be evaluated.
Dr O.
VX-950 is a protease inhibtor (think of treatments we have for HIV) being evaluated as monotherapy. It has been shown to result in significant reduction in HCV RNA and serum ALT levels
There were studies a couple years ago on a different protease inhibitor that were halted early after being found to cause cardiac toxicity in animals.
The enthusiasm for this class of agents however has been renewed with the development of three new drugs, NM283, VX-950, and SCH 503034. Each of these agents have been shown to significantly suppress HCV RNA when used either alone or in combination with PEGIFN. Given prior experience with these agents, and the early phase of their trials, therapy with anti-HCV protease inhibitors should be approached with caution. Further studies of their use in combination therapy with interferon or triple therapy with interferon and ribavirin need to be evaluated.
Dr O.
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I miss traveling with my husband. Has anyone found a specific site regarding cruising for widow/widowers or any sightseeing trips. Not interested in being with couples and kids,,,I realize a cruise ship will have a portion size of families and couples, but perhaps they also put together a part of the cruise ship for groups of widows/widowers????
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A friend sent this to me..As far as I can see, grief will never truly end.It may become softer overtime, more gentleand some days will feel sharp.But grief will last as long as Love does - ForeverIt's simply the way the absence of your loved onemanifests in your heart. A deep longing accompaniedby the deepest Love some days. The heavy fog mayreturn and the next day, it may recede.Once again, it's...
Hugs
Dr O.
No thanks. I'd MUCH prefer the whole breast being radiated, and go for 6-7 weeks. At least I'm not signing my own death warrant. Thanks for the article tho. God bless. Hugs, Lee
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/07/06/lymedisease.treatment/index.html#cnnSTCText