Researchers say a new an potent treatment for Hepatitis C is in the works and has passed a phase I clinical trial. INX-189, discovered by scientists at Cardiff University’s Welsh School of Pharmacy in 2008 could be approved for treatment of the potentially deadly infection.
”This is still a very early stage of the trials process but none the less a significant development. Successfully completing phase 1a demonstrates that the drug is safe, with no drug-related side effects at all in a single dose of 100mg”, according to Professor Chris McGuigan of the Welsh School of Pharmacy who is leading the drug development trials.
One dose of the drug daily could treat the Hepatitis C virus says McGuigan. To date, the drug is the most potent known for killing the infection.INX8 eradicated 90 percent of the hepatitic C virus in a 2008 study.
McGuigan says,” We believe that INX-189 offers the possibility of more potency against Hepatitis, more rapid action in the liver, and fewer side effects than existing treatments.”
Hepatitis C can lead to liver cirrhosis, cancer and death. The disease affects 170 million people worldwide, making the drug development an important step for saving lives. Current treatment for Hepatitis C using injections of ribavirin and interferon have side effects that make treatment intolerable for some. INX-189 has few side effects. The studies are being conducted in the United States.
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by on 06. Sep, 2010 in Health News
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