Summaries to 4 New HCV Abstracts presented at AASLD Conference

[Guest guest]

First Sustained Response Data for Polymerase Inhibitor Mericitabine

SUMMARY

76% of treatment-naive genotype 1 or 4 hepatitis C patients achieved 12-week

sustained response to mericitabine (formerly RG7128) plus pegylated

interferon/ribavirin, according to a report at EASL 2011.

Polymerase Inhibitor PSI-7977 Works Well with Interferon or Companion Drug

SUMMARY

Almost all treatment-naive hepatitis C patients treated with Pharmasset's

candidate PSI-7977 plus pegylated interferon/ribavirin experienced 12-week

sustained response, and more than 90% treated with a PSI-7977 + PSI-938 all-oral

combo had undetectable HCV at 14 days, researchers reported at CROI.

Telaprevir Improves HCV Cure Rates Regardless of IL28B Status

SUMMARY

The Vertex experimental protease inhibitor telaprevir, taken with pegylated

interferon plus ribavirin, increased sustained response in people with all IL28B

gene patterns, researchers reported at EASL 2011.

Pegylated Interferon Lambda Boosts Response with Fewer Side Effects

SUMMARY

Hepatitis C patients taking an experimental interferon formulation -- pegylated

interferon lambda -- had higher rates of rapid and early virological response,

with fewer flu-like symptoms and blood cell deficiencies, according to a report

at EASL 2011.

Information at www.HIVandHepatitis.com

[Guest guest]

First Sustained Response Data for Polymerase Inhibitor Mericitabine

SUMMARY

76% of treatment-naive genotype 1 or 4 hepatitis C patients achieved 12-week

sustained response to mericitabine (formerly RG7128) plus pegylated

interferon/ribavirin, according to a report at EASL 2011.

Polymerase Inhibitor PSI-7977 Works Well with Interferon or Companion Drug

SUMMARY

Almost all treatment-naive hepatitis C patients treated with Pharmasset's

candidate PSI-7977 plus pegylated interferon/ribavirin experienced 12-week

sustained response, and more than 90% treated with a PSI-7977 + PSI-938 all-oral

combo had undetectable HCV at 14 days, researchers reported at CROI.

Telaprevir Improves HCV Cure Rates Regardless of IL28B Status

SUMMARY

The Vertex experimental protease inhibitor telaprevir, taken with pegylated

interferon plus ribavirin, increased sustained response in people with all IL28B

gene patterns, researchers reported at EASL 2011.

Pegylated Interferon Lambda Boosts Response with Fewer Side Effects

SUMMARY

Hepatitis C patients taking an experimental interferon formulation -- pegylated

interferon lambda -- had higher rates of rapid and early virological response,

with fewer flu-like symptoms and blood cell deficiencies, according to a report

at EASL 2011.

Information at www.HIVandHepatitis.com