excellent paper on probability of SVR with Telepravir

http://www.natap.org/2007/DDW/DDW_36.htm

[dointime]

Well, we know that telaprevir can cut through wild-type virus like a knife through butter.  So for those who don't have and don't develop resistant variants the outlook is rosy.  

However, this study also shows that resistant variant R155K was still present at week 24 in 2 people after undergoing the 12x12 tx.  For people who do have resistant variants in their viral breeding stock the outcome of treating with telaprevir is still going to be uncertain - and the sides are known to be more severe than for SOC alone.

I am really looking forward to getting the data on you Prove3'ers, and very grateful to you for helping the cause.    However, I believe that the 'cure all' for hepC will be found when 2 active agents are used with SOC, eg. a PI and a polymerase inhibitor.  If only everybody could wait till then eh.

dointime.          

[charm27]

I have read this post a couple of months ago. Thank you for posting it. Good article and Im sure will be promising to some.

Ive been waiting for twenty years or more for a new drug or cure .
I hope I wont have to hold my breath too much longer.

Its a very heavy weight to carry for so long. However being on this forum and seeing all the "success"
stories give us all hope !

Thanks Andiamo.

[Andiamo1]

I can verify that the sides are worse with Telepravir!  The study does seem to imply that the probability of SVR does not improve much beyond 24 weeks.  If you end up with R155, you seem to be screwed no matter how long you treat.

Charm27: I know the issue of carrying this for a long time all too well.  I have HCV since 1961.

We do have hope and that is all that matters.

[charm27]

I know thats why I had mentioned it. ( Carrying the weight) You- 1961  Me 1984
It effects so many aspects of our life. For me after being acute in 1984 I was told I could have children once I was better. ( Unfortunately at that time they didnt know what I was sick from or for that matter what I recovered from. (Same thing I know) I said to myself after being bed-ridden for over 2 years not knowing anything how could I have a family after this..if they dont know. SO my choice was NOT TOO. It just goes on and on as you well know..........Its  been one hardship after another.
Unfortunately we can all write a big fat book but I dont htnk anyone would be interested.
Good Luck, Lets Keep Pluggin and perhaps our dream will come true.

[Andiamo1]

Oddly enough, I don't consider it all bad.  I was a heavy drinker and wasted much of my life.  HCV made me stop drinking and I became much more productive once I did.

[charm27]

Dont get me wrong Ive had so far a life that has been thank God wonderful. You are lucky as well to have had this disease so long and being you were a heavy drinker......you got off lucky!!

I have learned the past few years to live everyday like it was my last and it works for me.

I too am grateful for what I have..and for what I dont have.

We are blessed.
Have a great day!

[miked]

I've never hear of the resistant variant R155K.

Can we be tested for it's presence?

[Andiamo1]

Vertex tests you for it and other variants on a regular basis.  Unfortunately, they don't share the results.

[Andiamo1]

One of the most interesting statements in the paper is the one about VX-950 re-sensitizing the patient to inf/riba if they have treated previously.

[dointime]

" If you end up with R155, you seem to be screwed no matter how long you treat."

I didn't read that conclusion in the paper.  I don't think there has been any data made public to let us know the chances of R155K being killed off by longer duration treatment but it is a burning question.  Perhaps we will get an answer of sorts when we get enough data to compare the SVR rates on the 24 week V 48 week treatments.

dointime.