AASLD Hepatitis C Treatment Guidelines Updated to Include Boceprevir and Telaprevir

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) has updated its guidelines for the treatment of genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, reflecting the advent of new direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs).

The latest guidelines, published in the October 2011 issue of Hepatology (available free online), are also endorsed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the American College of Gastroenterology, and the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable.

ICAAC 2011: Interferon May Reduce Liver Disease Progression in HIV/HCV Coinfected Relapsers

Unsuccessful interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection appeared to improve or slow liver fibrosis progression in HIV/HCV coinfected people, but this was usually temporary, according to 2 studies presented the 51st Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC 2011) last month in Chicago.

EACS 2011: Antiretroviral Therapy Reduces Liver Fibrosis Progression in HIV/HCV Coinfected People

Earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and spending more time on HIV treatment may help slow liver disease progression in HIV/HCV coinfected patients, according to an Italian study using non-invasive methods presented at the 13th European AIDS Conference (EACS 2011) last week in Belgrade.

Coffee Helps Reduce Side Effects in HIV/HCV Coinfected People during Interferon-based Therapy

HIV/HCV coinfected people who drink at least 3 cups of coffee daily were less likely to experienced adverse events related to interferon-based therapy for hepatitis C, according to a French study presented at the 10th AIDS Impact Conference last month in Santa Fe. However, whether coffee somehow directly relieves side effects remains unknown.

EACS 2011: People on Methadone Maintenance Can Be Successfully Treated for Hepatitis C

Opiate users on methadone maintenance therapy can be successfully treated for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and can achieve outcomes similar to those of patients not on methadone, according to data presented at the 13th European AIDS Conference (EACS 2011) this week in Belgrade.

Adherence to Interferon-Based Therapy for Hepatitis C Slips Over Time

Adherence to interferon-based therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection tends to decrease over time, and poorer adherence leads to lower likelihood of sustained virological response, researchers reported in the September 20, 2011, Annals of Internal Medicine.

FDA Approves Pegasys Autoinjector for Hepatitis C Patients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved an autoinjector for pegyalted interferon alfa-2a, which will make it more convenient for hepatitis C patients to self-administer the medication.

Telaprevir (Incivo) for Chronic Hepatitis C Approved in Europe

The European Commission last week approved the hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor telaprevir for treatment of genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C in both previously untreated people and prior non-responders to interferon-based therapy.