Here is an educational video on HCV:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGI4tmEiFic&feature=youtube_gdata

A newly available test is supposed to be able to tell you your chances of responding to certain HCV treatments.  Most insurance companies will probably not cover it  yet and we have not researched the cost  at this point. The question is, would you want to take this test? How much would you be willing to pay out of pocket?  How would this information affect your decision on whether to be treated or not?  Would you still go through treatment if it predicted your success rate was only 30%?

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100823006144/en/LabCorp-Enhances-HCV-Testing-Services-Launch-IL-28B

Is this a new category of drugs to treat Hep C? I believe so. This one is called “an oral uridine nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor of HCV.” Could I have some comment from a doctor or researcher please?

http://enterprisepost.com/biomed/bio/psi-7977-receives-fast-track-designation-from-the-fda-for-the-treatment-of-chronic-hepatitis-c-infection.html

Final studies are not yet in, but so far it looks like Telaprevir has a better lead at 72% cure rate in 24 weeks.

http://www.minyanville.com/businessmarkets/articles/biotech-biotech-stocks-telaprevir-pegylated-interferon/8/10/2010/id/29543

Watch this video on a new type of drug being tested on chimps in Texas. Sounds promising!

http://lloydwright.org/messages/content/hepatitis-c-breakthrough

John Kerry introduces a bill to provide $600 million in funding for Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer. It’s not nearly as much as needed, but at least it’s going in the right direction. Contact your representatives and tell them to vote for it.

http://kerry.senate.gov/press/release/?id=77720c93-e5db-46a3-b02f-9bfe1814b4c7

Hep C isn’t that obvious a disease, but here’s some info on symptoms that may be present:

http://hepatitis-hepatitis.blogspot.com/2010/08/hepatitis-c-what-are-symptoms-of.html

For more information on the disease, check out the power point on our website:

http://www.hepcfund.org/hepatitis_c.htm

Think tattoos are safe these days? Think again!

http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/Hepatitis/21577

More on the memorial show honoring musician Russ Johnson in Gainesville, FL

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100715/COLUMNISTS/7151004?Title=Show-pays-tribute-to-Russell-Johnson#

See what Consumer Reports has to say about your HCV treatment options:

http://www.consumerreports.org/health/best-buy-drugs/hepatitis_c.htm