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FDA: New HCV Therapies Create Better Alternatives for Patients
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Therapeutic advances in the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection have greatly increased a patient’s chance for a cure and at a faster rate, according to a consumer update from the FDA.
Jeffrey S. Murray, MD, deputy director of the division of antiviral products in the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said new regimens present more options to cure HCV.
“Interferon-based injections often make patients feel ill and give them flu-like symptoms,” Murray said. Interferon therapy requires 6 months to 1 year and cures only 40% to 50% of patients with HCV, according to the report. “Patients with very advanced liver disease couldn’t take the additional treatment because often those injections could make them worse. Now, patients can treat their hepatitis C with only pills — drug combinations that are faster and have a higher cure rate,” Murray said.
Among untreated patients with HCV, nearly eight in 10 will remain infected for life, and three in four patients with chronic HCV are baby boomers, according to the report.
“When it comes to hepatitis C, the outlook for the future is better, but the past is catching up with us, especially if you are a baby boomer,” Murray said. “Still, this is a fortuitous time because better hepatitis C treatments are becoming available just as the patient population at risk of long-term complications is about to peak. There are treatments for chronic hepatitis and many reasons to get tested now more than ever because of the availability of safe and effective therapies.”