In Early Test, New Hepatitis C Drug Shows Promise

Researchers are reporting that a drug is showing promise in early testing as a possible new treatment for hepatitis C, a stubborn and potentially deadly liver ailment.

It's too early to tell if the drug actually works, and it will be years before it's ready to seek federal approval to be prescribed to patients. Still, the drug -- or others like it in development -- could add to the power of new drugs in the pipeline that are poised to cure many more people with hepatitis C, said Dr. Eugene R. Schiff, director of the University of Miami's Center for Liver Diseases.

Anadys reports positive data on hepatitis C drug

Anadys Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Thursday that a potential hepatitis C drug met key goals in a midstage clinical trial.

The company said 72 percent of patients taking ANA-598 had undetectable viral levels by the eighth week, compared with 38 percent taking placebo.

The company is presenting the data at the 45th annual European Association for the Study of the Liver meeting Thursday.

The study analysis is preliminary, the company said. The results also confirm positive safety results from prior studies.

Living with hepatitis C? GHC launches online directory to help

Hepatitis is a serious liver disease that can be caused by viral infections.

The group Health Centre (gHC) has launched an online directory to help provide consistent care for those with hepatitis C.

An online directory titled 'Hep C -- At A glance,'' provides a quick reference to essential information and also answers some basic questions.