Once A Month Interferon
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New Approach To Hepatitis C
June 20 (ABC7) — A new drug is offering hope for millions of Hepatitis C patients. As Dr. Dean Edell reports, this drug may help patients stay healthier with fewer side-effects.
Superstar Billy Graham took home the Worldwide Wrestling Federation title in 1977, but what happened in the ring brought him a challenge he never expected.
Superstar Billy Graham, retired professional wrestler: “We cut our foreheads to produce blood to make the match look more authentic.”
Graham thinks that may be how he contracted Hepatitis C. The disease is most commonly spread through blood.
Vijayan Balan, M.D., hepatologist: “Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect the liver and cause cirrhosis if it is untreated.”
Dr. Vijayan Balan is a liver specialist working on a new treatment.
Dr. Balan, M.D.: “I think there is significant hope in conquering this disease.”
Right now, patients must take medication once a week that can induce days of flu-like symptoms. Now a new drug, Albuferon, is only taken once a month and causes fewer side-effects.
Dr. Balan, M.D.: “They get the drug more continuously for a longer period of time.”
Albuferon is a combination of Interferon, which helps fight infection and Albumin, which allows the medication to stay in the body longer.
Dr. Balan: “You don’t have the peaks and valleys with this new drug.”
Studies show the drug is safe. Soon it will be tested in up to 1,000 people across the country.
Graham says a drug that’s easier to handle would have had him back in the gym sooner and able to focus on the good times.
The first phase of the study showed Albuferon is safe and well tolerated by patients. Right now, more than 1000 people are taking the drug.
