What to look for in "future tx options"? - Hepatitis Message Board

Robyn_Fla · 07-18-2003, 08:49 PM

Hi all,

Since I am a 1a Stage 1 (no symptoms and have now eliminated alcohol to try to reduce that), I am considering whether the benefits of tx will be worth it for me now or down the road sometime. To better understand the issues, I want to find out more on the potentially better "future" treatment options that lots of people (including my doctors) keep referencing.

My doctor advocates tx now, but is okay if I want to wait a year or two also. I have not yet had a chance to drill him about these "new" developments and what is on the horizon that they think will be better than combined Peg tx.

So, I want to look at research and clinical trials and that sort of info, but I have NO idea what I am even looking for! Here's what I would like feedback on:

- is there some specific new drug or tx in trial or undergoing FDA approval now that has shown promise?
- what drug or other info do I look for when I am searching for info?
- how far out do they think any major improvement to current tx for 1a genotype is anticipated (1-2 years or 8-10 years??), and how big is the improvement?

Can this even be quantified (like it is nearing FDA approval), or are we just talking general improvements and more studies going on every year that provide more info and adjustments to existing treatments?

Thanks for any info you have come across. Course, I would love to hear that "yes, wait a year and then just take one shot to cure it, we're almost there." Yeah, and I AM going to buy a ticket for the $48M Florida lottery tomorrow also just in case!!

Thanks guys!!

Robyn

sean · 07-18-2003, 08:59 PM

Hi Rob--

Here's a place to find some of the info you're looking for. They do seem to update it periodically, even if not constantly:
[url="http://www.hcvadvocate.org/HCVDrugs.htm"]http://www.hcvadvocate.org/HCVDrugs.htm[/url]

hope that helps.

sean

cjari · 07-20-2003, 09:54 PM

Hi~~ The word is that the next big treatment option is the Protease Inhibitors. There are quite a few in trials now from different pharmaceutical companies. I do know that there was one of the Protease Inhibitors that just got cancelled ( can't rem which one ) There was much promise in a drug called Heptazyme but it has been cancelled due to toxicity. Zandaxin that is taken "with" the Pegulated combos is almost ready to be on the market. It has showed improvement in response to tx. Protease Inhibitors are the next big thing ~~possilby 3-5 years.
cjari

Robyn_Fla · 07-23-2003, 07:19 PM

Thanks you guys. I'll take a look.

Take care,

Robyn

Sunshine1 · 07-25-2003, 04:25 PM

Hi Robyn... I am starting the Zadaxin Phase III clinical trial - then, if successful it will go on to Phase IV and then I believe FDA approval. Good stats and little sides reported thus far. Yes, the next thing will be the protease inhibitors - there are others things going on as well. I do know one thing for sure, we are in a better position with achieving svr status now than ten years ago. We all want to rid this once and for all. Keep the faith.