Vertex submits application for hepatitis C drug

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. said today that it has completed the submission of a New Drug Application that seeks regulatory approval for telaprevir, a hepatitis C drug candidate with the potential to generate billions of dollars in annual revenue.

The submission includes a request to the US Food and Drug Administration to reduce the FDA’s review time from 10 months to six months, Cambridge-based Vertex said in a press release.

Advances made in developing hepatitis C vaccine

Scientists are zeroing in on a promising vaccine to treat hepatitis C, an international symposium was told Friday in Montreal.

Three preliminary clinical trials in England are showing that a so-called therapeutic vaccine can boost the immune response in those infected with the hepatitis C virus.

State DPH investigates hepatitis B outbreak suspected of causing five to die

The State Health Department (DHHS’ DPH) released findings on Friday on their investigation into GlenCare's assisted living facility in Wayne County. Health officials are attempting to locate the source of a hepatitis B outbreak in the North Carolina nursing home that is suspected of causing five deaths.

Learn how to protect yourself from hepatitis

A workshop on Hepatitis C, “A Serious Public Health Concern” is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at Terrebonne General Medical Center’s OutReach Center inside Southland Mall, 5953 W. Park Ave., Houma.

The workshop will present facts on this highly infectious disease that affects people of all ages in the U.S. and around the world and what you can do to protect yourself.

The event’s guest speaker is Dr. Khalid Moussa, a gastroenterologist at TGMC.