research for new drugs?

[cakes8267]

I have Hep C, geno type 1, went through 66 wks of Pegasis and interferon,, level went down to zero at wk 15 but levels came back after 6 wks of stopping treatment.  I am thinking about getting involved with a research study with Boceprevir and Pegasis and interferon but am concerned that I may end up with the Palcebo.  Any thoughts if I should just wait for the FDA approval or go ahead and do the research drugs?  

[willbb]

I agree with Dave..unless there is  trial that would  guarantee you the study drug because you  had relapsed......it would make no sense to take a chance of doing SOC again.

Good luck

WILL

[cakes8267]

thanks Dave, yes I have very good insurance so I can afford the drugs.  I think I have had the disease since 1981.  Liver is in good shape.  Level 1 to maybe 2.  I can afford to wait but am very very anxious to get rid of the disease.  I tolerated the treatment fairly well.  What I am worried about is that I will sign myself up for the study and be stuck in it for 1 1/2 yrs and then the tela and boce will come out.  What is this rash reaction I read about?  I never had that with the pegasis and interferon.  

[spectda]

Do you have insurance or a way of paying for treatment? If so and the condition of your liver is good enough that you can afford to wait, I would wait until the new drugs are available.

It is looking pretty good that tela and boce will be approved by mid year (we never know for sure of course). You give up a lot of control and input about your treatment when you are part of a trial. Also if you get the placebo your response is likely to be the same as your first treatment since you will not have the ability to request higher dosages or longer treatment duration in a trial.

You don't want to treat a third time if you don't have to.

Welcome to the forum,
- Dave