Info on Hep C Treatments

[Babs1469]

My brother is a Senior Scientist at Glaxo Smith Kline so I asked him to get me some new info on Hep..  This is what he told me, Sorry about the links, you have to copy and paste them I still don't know how to do it right. Hope this is helpful to someone!!!!!


I wasn't able to find any info on Chronic C, however Bavituximab sounds pretty cool.  Here's a link to the biotech company that's developing it
http://www.peregrineinc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=40


Also, GSK is working on Eltrombopag.  This is not specifically for HCV, but we're currently studying using it in combination with interferon therapy to allow the interferon to work better.  Here's another link for eltrombopag
http://iwha.gsk.com/gcs_info/oncology/eltrombopag/kranium/index.html

[Babs1469]

As per the second link that was unavailable, here is what it said basically.

Eltrombopag, trade name "Promacta" helps people who have a very low blood platelet count. This condition is called Thrombocytopenia. Treatment with interferon usually brings on thrombocytorpenia which in turn limits that amount of interferon a doctor can prescribe. Eltrombopag will increase ( or maintain) the platelet counts so your doc can more aggressively treat the HVC with interferon.

I'm sure that is what we all want right more nasty interferon!!! Hope this post helps at least one person. Have a wonderful day and remember, You are NOT alone!!!

[frijole]

I looked at the first link and it looked interesting .  The drug binds the cells and may make have benefit with viral resistance.  I was surprised, however, that the trial it has done so far is just a monotherapy trial.  So I googled the drug trial for bavituximab and it said that there was a .5 log reduction in VL in Hep C patients.  I don't think you will find anyone around here jumping up and down yet for that.

I am glad there are more drug companies pursuing this, as it is a big big issue as un baby boomers progress.  I don't think the system can tolerate all the potential live transplants that my be looming.  

Tell your brother to push on .... we are all waiting
frijole