We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Response-Guided Therapy Now a Reality for Some Hepatitis C Patients

By HospiMedica staff writers
Posted on 10 Jul 2008
A new drug regimen called response-guided therapy will reduce the length of treatment for certain patients with hepatitis C from 24 weeks to only 16.

Hepatitis C patients who have low levels of genotype 2 or 3 viruses before starting treatment, and who show a rapid virological response by clearing the virus from the blood within the first four weeks of treatment will be eligible for the new regimen according to guidelines recently approved by the European Commission. More...
The treatment is based on the Roche (Basel, Switzerland) Pegasys system, which comprises peginterferon alfa-2a (40 KD) plus Copegus (ribavirin).

Response-guided therapy has been made practical through the use of Roche's highly sensitive, real-time PCR diagnostic tests, which accurately measure the levels of virus in the patient's blood. The automated COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HCV Test is the newest and most advanced Roche product for measuring hepatitis C virus levels.
"Response-guided therapy in hepatitis C is an excellent example of how Roche is uniquely positioned to individualize healthcare and deliver real benefit to patients, physicians, and healthcare payers by combining the power of innovative pharmaceuticals and diagnostics,” said William M. Burns, CEO, of Roche's pharmaceuticals division. "This approval for 16 weeks of treatment in genotype 2 and 3 patients with a rapid response demonstrates the value of using diagnostic tools to determine an individual treatment regimen and hopefully will encourage more eligible patients to come forward for treatment.”


Related Links:
Roche

Gold Member
STI Test
Vivalytic Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Array
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
New
X-Ray Generator
Advantage Plus Generators
New
Radiofrequency Generator
GX1
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to HospiMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Hospital Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of HospiMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of HospiMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of HospiMedica International in digital format
  • Free HospiMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Surgical Techniques

view channel
Image: Allevion Medical receives FDA Clearance for Vantage, introducing a fully disposable approach to minimally invasive spinal decompression (photo courtesy of Allevion Medical)

Single-Use System Enables Minimally Invasive Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis is frequently driven by hypertrophic bone that narrows the canal and produces pain. Conventional decompression often relies on larger incisions and bulky retractors, adding time,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2026 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.