New genotype 1 drug

[Sarpsis]

Hi everyone,

Anyone here signed up to take the new genotype 1 drug when the FDA approves it (supposed to be late April, early May), and has anyone done research about it? I have mild disease, type 1b, and have had it for a long, long time. Probably 25 years or more. Since the old drugs used really didn't do anything for my genotype (relapse rate 50%+) I elected to wait and see. Now there is this break though drug that you only have to take for 24 months instead of 48, and I'm signed up for the treatmane as soon as it's approved. So I'm seeking some knowledge here from any of you who know more than I (which isn't much at all) or who have participated in the trials.

Appreciate anything you can tell me.
Take care,
Kelly

[Bill1954]

Hi again, Kelly. Regarding your statement:

“I guess that gives me "minimal" hope that I could clear it myself.”

I really don’t believe you can realistically hope to clear the virus spontaneously if you’ve been infected for over six months; the virus almost universally requires a course of antiviral therapy to resolve once the chronic phase is established.

One thing to keep in mind is that while you’ve avoided much progression in terms of fibrosis to date, this doesn’t always continue in linear fashion. Some folks go thirty years with very few problems, then for some reason begin to advance. It’d be wonderful to know who and why that occurs, but we don’t have that capability yet.

One the other hand, if you continue to monitor via needle biopsy, it might be possible to continue on the ‘watch ‘n wait’ path nearly indefinitely. There are lots of drugs in development today, so who knows what will avail itself down the road a few years?

Here’s a link to some HCV drugs in various stages of development:

http://www.hcvdrugs.com/

As well as a link to the acronyms used in here:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/Common-Hepatitis-C-Acronyms/show/3?cid=64

Good luck and take care-

Bill

[pedro007]

I heard of a new clinical trial using a cocktail of BMS790052 and a drug  PSI 7977 with no and reduced interferon. That would be a great breakthrough if it worked. Here is the link,       http://investor.pharmasset.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=542609   Good Luck! Pedro007                    

[Sarpsis]

Thank you Doxiemom for answering and the welcome!
I have been to that website and did some researching there. It's a great website. Thank you for sharing it. I just need someone to make my mind up for me I guess! =)

Take care,
Kelly

[Sarpsis]

Thanks for answering Bill, and for the welcome!
I have been struggling with the "should I, or shouldn't I" decision on whether to try the Trev. if and when it becomes available. I'm on the list at my Drs office to recieve notification as soon as the FDA approves it and to get started with the treatment. I have mild infection, and am a niave patient. My doc's PA thinks I would be a great canidate for it....almost to the point of being a bit "pushy" about it. On my last biopsy (done this Dec) it showed minimal regeneration. Last biopsy 4 years ago, that wasn't commented on at all. I guess that gives me "minimal" hope that I could clear it myself.  I'm leaning towards waiting another 3 years and then another biopsy to see where I'm at.  I've had the virus for probably over 30 years.  I know that doesn't mean anything, but I was hoping that someone in here was on the trials and would share some of the experience and advice with me.

Thanks again Bill!

Take care,
Kelly

[DoxieMom04]

Hi Kelly,
Try this website for info that may be helpful.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org

Welcome,
Hugs,
DoxieMom04

[Bill1954]

Hi Kelly,

There are a number of new drugs currently being researched right now; collectively they’re known as STAT-C (Specifically Targeted Antiviral Therapy), or DAA (Direct Acting Antiviral). The two closest to FDA approval are ‘Telaprevir’, and ‘Boceprevir’; both have submitted for formal FDA approval and are awaiting decisions by the board.

I think it might be jumping the gun to assume 24 weeks therapy, at least for all patient groups. They have studied the drug Telaprevir for reduced treatment periods, but I believe that was for treatment naïve patients who achieved RVR (Rapid Viral Response). In any event, I don’t believe treatment duration has been settled upon yet.

They will increase efficacy though, if practical experience follows trial the same patterns they found in trial.

There are a number of folks in here that have completed or are currently engaged in clinical trials with these drugs; hopefully some of them will share their personal experiences with you.

Good luck and welcome to the discussion group,

Billl