New Treatment for Hepatitis C Helps Boost Cure Rate

[Guest guest]

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-treatment-for-hepatitis-c-helps-boost-cure-\

rate-2011-09-20

Bulletin

Press release

Sept. 20, 2011, 10:16 p.m. EDT

New Treatment for Hepatitis C Helps Boost Cure Rate

HOUSTON, Sep 20, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Methodist Hospital in Houston is

excited to share significant news for patients who need treatment for hepatitis

C genotype 1, a viral infection that causes liver inflammation that can lead to

diminished liver function or symptoms for liver failure. Two new antiviral drugs

recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Victrelis and

Incivek, when taken with standard hepatitis C treatment drugs interferon and

ribavirun, cured 65 percent to 75 percent of people with hepatitis C in clinical

trials. " Two decades ago the cure rate for hepatitis C genotype 1 patients was

about 6 percent, so this is a 10 times increase, " notes Dr. Monsour,

Chief of Hepatology at The Methodist Hospital in Houston. The new drugs also

help to shorten treatment time in patients who respond quickly to them.

Dr. Monsour was one of the physicians involved in the Victrelis and Incivek

clinical trials. In this new treatment for hepatitis C video, he notes how

Victrelis has helped to double the cure rate for African-Americans with

hepatitis C.

The new FDA-approved drugs offer more hope in fighting hepatitis C than ever

before. However, some patients with severe liver damage who don't respond

effectively to antiviral medications may need a liver transplant to regain

better health. The state-of-the-art Methodist Center for Liver Disease and

Transplantation has experienced, compassionate physicians and staff and

exceptional resources to help guide patients through its liver transplant

program. Methodist is committed to leading-edge treatment with a focus on

quality of life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 3.2 million

people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C

usually produces no signs or symptoms in early stages, and liver damage

typically occurs decades later. People can get hepatitis C through exposure to

blood infected with the virus, such as by sharing a needle or from an

unsterilized tattoo or piercing. If you think you may be at risk for hepatitis

C, talk with your Methodist Hospital in Houston doctor about having a blood test

that can detect the virus.

SOURCE: Methodist Hospital in Houston

The Methodist Hospital in Houston

Ami Brezina, 832-667-5825

Marketing

www.methodisthealth.com

Copyright Business Wire 2011

[Guest guest]

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-treatment-for-hepatitis-c-helps-boost-cure-\

rate-2011-09-20

Bulletin

Press release

Sept. 20, 2011, 10:16 p.m. EDT

New Treatment for Hepatitis C Helps Boost Cure Rate

HOUSTON, Sep 20, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Methodist Hospital in Houston is

excited to share significant news for patients who need treatment for hepatitis

C genotype 1, a viral infection that causes liver inflammation that can lead to

diminished liver function or symptoms for liver failure. Two new antiviral drugs

recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Victrelis and

Incivek, when taken with standard hepatitis C treatment drugs interferon and

ribavirun, cured 65 percent to 75 percent of people with hepatitis C in clinical

trials. " Two decades ago the cure rate for hepatitis C genotype 1 patients was

about 6 percent, so this is a 10 times increase, " notes Dr. Monsour,

Chief of Hepatology at The Methodist Hospital in Houston. The new drugs also

help to shorten treatment time in patients who respond quickly to them.

Dr. Monsour was one of the physicians involved in the Victrelis and Incivek

clinical trials. In this new treatment for hepatitis C video, he notes how

Victrelis has helped to double the cure rate for African-Americans with

hepatitis C.

The new FDA-approved drugs offer more hope in fighting hepatitis C than ever

before. However, some patients with severe liver damage who don't respond

effectively to antiviral medications may need a liver transplant to regain

better health. The state-of-the-art Methodist Center for Liver Disease and

Transplantation has experienced, compassionate physicians and staff and

exceptional resources to help guide patients through its liver transplant

program. Methodist is committed to leading-edge treatment with a focus on

quality of life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 3.2 million

people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C

usually produces no signs or symptoms in early stages, and liver damage

typically occurs decades later. People can get hepatitis C through exposure to

blood infected with the virus, such as by sharing a needle or from an

unsterilized tattoo or piercing. If you think you may be at risk for hepatitis

C, talk with your Methodist Hospital in Houston doctor about having a blood test

that can detect the virus.

SOURCE: Methodist Hospital in Houston

The Methodist Hospital in Houston

Ami Brezina, 832-667-5825

Marketing

www.methodisthealth.com

Copyright Business Wire 2011