Viral hepatitis B and C impact 325 million people around the world, causing approximately 1.4 million deaths a year. However, despite the prevalence of the hepatitis virus, advancements in medicine have ensured it is preventable, treatable, and in some cases even curable.
Wondering how you can stay on top of those advancements? Here are five recent hepatitis headlines to help you keep current on the latest happenings:
1. Identifying new medications to cure hepatitis B and E virus infection
A new approach for discovering antiviral medications to treat hepatitis B (HBV) and E (HEV) viruses aims to identify drug candidates. Princeton’s research team developed a new high-throughput screening platform to help identify small molecules that are capable of interfering with the hepatitis lifecycle. Embracing these methods allows researchers to identify new strategies to attack the hepatitis virus and rapidly screen for treatment options.
2. Florida State University Study Aids Fight Against HIV, Hepatitis B
Florida State University College of Medicine researchers are exploring new, more potent treatment options for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HBV. This work has established the first-ever mechanism responsible for how two widely used antiviral medications inhibit viruses. Research suggests new pathways for developing medications that avoid the virus mutations that can render treatments ineffective for many patients.
3. Hepatitis C treatments could expand organ donor pool, study suggests
New research shows that advances in hepatitis C (HCV) treatments could introduce a whole new group of organ donors. When comparing heart transplant survival rates, researchers found no significant differences between patients who received organs from HCV-positive and uninfected donors. Using HCV-positive donor hearts would expand the donation pool, particularly in rural areas with limited donors and increased infection rates due to the opioid epidemic.
4. Will Hepatitis Be On the Menu in 2020?
Over the last few years, numerous restaurants have reported that food service staff worked while infectious, potentially spreading hepatitis A (HAV) to other staff members and patrons. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 29,000 HAV cases in 30 states since 2016. The CDC recommends that individuals who are at risk of contracting HAV get vaccinated to prevent outbreaks from starting and spreading—especially those handling food.
5. Improving Hepatitis C Care Cascade in IV Drug Users
Up to 90 percent of all new HCV infections worldwide are attributed to the use of intravenous (IV) drugs. A plan to capture the at-risk population for HCV treatment involves increasing education, screening, and access to care by working with opioid substitution therapy clinics, medication-assisted treatment centers, sober living homes, drug rehabilitation centers, federally qualified health centers, and city and county health departments. The hope is that integrating testing with other health services, including rehabilitation and primary care, will improve the HCV care cascade in IV drug users.
Fighting Hepatitis with Innovative Specialty Therapies
Treating hepatitis can be highly complex—which is why Avella and BriovaRx are dedicated to providing the guidance, education, and support hepatitis patients need during treatment. We stock all of the latest, most advanced hepatitis medications on the market.
Individuals prescribed to hepatitis medications often face unique challenges and require the highest possible level of support. That’s why Avella and BriovaRx patients have access to clinical support services, with guidance and education offered by disease-state-focused pharmacists and care coordinators.
Adherence to specialty drug regimens is essential—and it’s often more difficult for hepatitis patients because treatment typically requires a combination of antiviral medications on a daily basis. As a result, hepatitis patients can experience several unwelcome side effects. To combat this, Avella and BriovaRx offer access to interactive tools that boost adherence, such as text message reminders for taking and refilling medications.
Recent years have shown amazing advancements in hepatitis treatment and prevention options—but the medical field is ever-changing. If you (or someone you love) is treating hepatitis, it’s important to choose a specialty pharmacy you can trust to provide the treatment options and support you need. Learn more about the Avella and BriovaRx efforts to meet the unique needs of individuals living with hepatitis.
