Gastrointestinal Infections News

SAN FRANCISCO — In April of this year, the FDA and CDC announced a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli 0157:H7, which was ultimately linked to romaine lettuce from the Yuma growing region in Arizona and California.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals entered into an agreement with Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals for an exclusive, worldwide license to develop and commercialize ARO-HBV, a phase 1/2 subcutaneous ribonucleic acid interference therapy for hepatitis B, according to a press release.

Researchers found that both donation and use of hepatitis C-positive livers has steadily increased over the last couple years due to a significant number of livers from younger individuals related to the rise of drug overdose-related deaths, according to a recently published study.

Gilead Sciences announced plans to launch authorized generic versions of Epclusa and Harvoni, according to a company press release.

Taking rifaximin following initial treatment for Clostridium difficile infection helped patients prevent recurrent disease, according to research published in Gut.

Results of a randomized control study showed the potential for hepatitis surface antigen loss and sustained virologic response in patients without cirrhosis and negative for HBV e-antigen after stopping long-term tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, according to recently published data.

Cidara Therapeutics announced that its prophylaxis development program for IV rezafungin — the company’s lead antifungal candidate — has received both fast track and qualified infectious disease product designations from the FDA.

A review of adults with chronic hepatitis B who had continuous medical coverage showed that the presence of extrahepatic comorbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes were among the primary risks for chronic kidney disease.

Eiger BioPharmaceuticals received written guidance from the FDA for the “D-LIVR” phase 3 study of lonafarnib for patients with hepatitis D, according to a press release.

A recent outbreak showed that puppies can be a source of Campylobacter infections in humans — including multidrug-resistant infections — and underlined that clinicians should consider this exposure in their patients.