Re: Hep C Protease Inhibitor: Waging War on Hepatitis C

[Guest guest]

This is exciting news!!! Thanks Liz for posting!! I really needed to read this HOPEFUL article. Jodyelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: Hep C Protease Inhibitor: Waging War on Hepatitis CFEBRUARY 21, 2006News AnalysisBy CareyBusinessweek.comBy sleuthing out how the virus disarms the immune system, scientists could be closing in on a cure. Vertex Pharmaceuticals has taken the leadMany viruses have figured out ways to elude the body's protective system. One of the cleverest is the hepatitis-C virus. In scores of millions of infected people, the bug does its damage by making trillions of new viruses a day, years after year.The eventual result often is liver failure or cancer. The cost to the health-care system: an

estimated $20 billion to $50 billion a year in the U.S. alone.But while the virus' ability to hide from the body's defenses is well known, the details of its cunning strategy were a mystery -- until now. The answer is not only a scientific surprise; it also has important medical implications.Experimental drugs now in clinical trials will be far more effective against the virus than anyone had expected. "The drugs have shown such a tremendous effect because the virus is getting a double whammy," explains Dr. Stanley Lemon, professor of microbiology, immunology, and internal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He's one of the leaders of the effort to decipher the mechanism.ALARMING DISCOVERY. Here's why. Like most viruses, the hepatitis-C bug commandeers the host's cellular machinery to make copies of itself. For instance, it uses cells' protein factories to make proteins

that will become the virus' coat. But before these proteins can be assembled into the coat, they must be sliced and diced in several key places. That's the job of a viral enzyme called protease.When Lemon and his colleagues set out to learn how hepatitis C evaded the body's defenses, they discovered that the enzyme was doing another, unexpected, job. "It was a surprise to find that the protease of the virus was involved in blocking the innate immune system response," he says. Lemon's team employed some elegant scientific sleuthing to solve the mystery. Turns out that "the protease targets two cellular signaling molecules at the very beginning of the immune process," he says.Think of the immune system as having a built-in burglar alarm. Cells roam the body equipped with little detectors, or receptors, on their surface. These receptors seek out and attach to foreign invaders, such as viruses. Once the receptor finds such

an invader, it sends out an alarm, mobilizing the immune system to attack the invader.In the case of the hepatitis-C virus, the cells successfully identify them as foreign invaders. But the alarm signal they try to send doesn't get through. The viral protease, Lemon discovered, chops up two crucial molecules that carry the alarm. So even though the "burglar" is detected, the alarm never gets sent to the immune system's police station.ONE LOCK, MULTIPLE KEYS. This ability to evade the immune system has two enormous consequences for drug development. First, a drug that successfully targets the viral protease will be unusually effective. That's because it would not only hit the virus directly, but would also restore the immune system, which is then able to launch its own attack.But such drugs are difficult to design. That's a direct result of the viral protease enzyme's unusual ability to have several targets

-- the viral proteins it cleaves to ensure viral reproduction, and the immune system signaling proteins.Most enzymes work only on one target. When scientists look at their three-dimensional shape, these normal enzymes typically have a deep indentation or pocket. The target protein fits into that pocket like a key into a lock.The hepatitis-C protease enzyme, however, has figured out how to work on several targets. "There are multiple keys for that one lock," explains Lemon. As a result, the lock -- that is, the pocket -- must be exceptionally versatile.HUGE PAYOFF POTENTIAL. Indeed, when scientists at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX ) in Cambridge, Mass., figured out the shape of the enzyme in 1997, they discovered that it has an unusually shallow pocket. That, in turn, made it hard to design a drug that fits in the "lock." When the shape of the enzyme was discovered, "we said: 'Oh, boy, that will be a

tough problem,'" recalls Vertex Chief Executive Josh Bogor.It took the company years to design a drug that could fit in the pocket, thus disabling the viral enzyme. "It turned out to be an excruciating, atom-by-atom exercise," says Boger.The potential payoff, however, is huge. Results of a small trial with the drug, announced by Vertex in early February, were astonishing. After four weeks of treatment with the drug, in combination with the current standard treatment, the hepatitis-C virus became undetectable in all of the 12 patients.The hope, of course, is that the drug's dual effect -- attacking the virus and restoring the immune system response -- will bring an actual cure for patients infected with the virus. That would be a major advance from current treatment, which uses an immune system booster called interferon, a treatment that is often debilitating. It takes many months to even have a chance of

working, and fails in a large number of cases.UNFORESEEN SIDE EFFECTS? Vertex isn't the only company in the hunt with a protease inhibitor for hepatitis C. Schering-Plough (SGP) has one in Phase II clinical trials, and on Jan. 30 reported that it had gotten fast-track designation from the FDA. GlaxoKline (GSK ) is said to be working on one as well. Boehringer Ingelheim was actually in the lead at one point, but it had to stop development of its promising candidate because of side effects.Another possible stumbling block: The new Vertex drug could still fail in upcoming trials, due to unforeseen side effects. But based on the latest results, it is currently the best hope. Wall Street has taken notice. Vertex shares now cost around $38, up from $8.83 last April.This tale may be a rare case of a drug working far better than anyone expected -- all thanks to the hepatitis-C virus' remarkable ability

to shut off the immune system.

Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.

[Guest guest]

Jody, and everyone! Do I read the news realease correctly? It seems this drug will be given in addition to Interferon, and perhaps with Rib. This will, if successful, will increase the efficacy of the treatment. So we should have a better than 50/50 chance, if everything goes well, but may still have the side effects from the Interferon, plus any side effects this new drug may have. Writing this, I feel like a wet blanket. Someone point out why I'm wrong. Please!! ChrisJody <jobotopher@...> wrote: This is exciting news!!! Thanks Liz for posting!! I really needed to read this HOPEFUL article. Jodyelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: Hep C Protease Inhibitor: Waging War on Hepatitis CFEBRUARY 21, 2006News AnalysisBy CareyBusinessweek.comBy sleuthing out how the virus disarms the immune system, scientists could be closing in on a cure. Vertex Pharmaceuticals has taken the leadMany viruses have figured out ways to elude the body's protective system. One of the cleverest is the hepatitis-C virus. In scores of millions of infected people, the bug does its damage by making trillions of new viruses a day, years after year.The eventual result often is liver failure or cancer. The cost to the health-care system: an estimated $20 billion to $50 billion a year in the U.S. alone.But while the virus' ability to hide from the body's defenses is well known, the details of its cunning strategy were a mystery -- until now. The answer is not only a scientific surprise; it also has

important medical implications.Experimental drugs now in clinical trials will be far more effective against the virus than anyone had expected. "The drugs have shown such a tremendous effect because the virus is getting a double whammy," explains Dr. Stanley Lemon, professor of microbiology, immunology, and internal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He's one of the leaders of the effort to decipher the mechanism.ALARMING DISCOVERY. Here's why. Like most viruses, the hepatitis-C bug commandeers the host's cellular machinery to make copies of itself. For instance, it uses cells' protein factories to make proteins that will become the virus' coat. But before these proteins can be assembled into the coat, they must be sliced and diced in several key places. That's the job of a viral enzyme called protease.When Lemon and his colleagues set out to learn how hepatitis C evaded

the body's defenses, they discovered that the enzyme was doing another, unexpected, job. "It was a surprise to find that the protease of the virus was involved in blocking the innate immune system response," he says. Lemon's team employed some elegant scientific sleuthing to solve the mystery. Turns out that "the protease targets two cellular signaling molecules at the very beginning of the immune process," he says.Think of the immune system as having a built-in burglar alarm. Cells roam the body equipped with little detectors, or receptors, on their surface. These receptors seek out and attach to foreign invaders, such as viruses. Once the receptor finds such an invader, it sends out an alarm, mobilizing the immune system to attack the invader.In the case of the hepatitis-C virus, the cells successfully identify them as foreign invaders. But the alarm signal they try to send doesn't get through. The viral protease,

Lemon discovered, chops up two crucial molecules that carry the alarm. So even though the "burglar" is detected, the alarm never gets sent to the immune system's police station.ONE LOCK, MULTIPLE KEYS. This ability to evade the immune system has two enormous consequences for drug development. First, a drug that successfully targets the viral protease will be unusually effective. That's because it would not only hit the virus directly, but would also restore the immune system, which is then able to launch its own attack.But such drugs are difficult to design. That's a direct result of the viral protease enzyme's unusual ability to have several targets -- the viral proteins it cleaves to ensure viral reproduction, and the immune system signaling proteins.Most enzymes work only on one target. When scientists look at their three-dimensional shape, these normal enzymes typically have a deep indentation or

pocket. The target protein fits into that pocket like a key into a lock.The hepatitis-C protease enzyme, however, has figured out how to work on several targets. "There are multiple keys for that one lock," explains Lemon. As a result, the lock -- that is, the pocket -- must be exceptionally versatile.HUGE PAYOFF POTENTIAL. Indeed, when scientists at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX ) in Cambridge, Mass., figured out the shape of the enzyme in 1997, they discovered that it has an unusually shallow pocket. That, in turn, made it hard to design a drug that fits in the "lock." When the shape of the enzyme was discovered, "we said: 'Oh, boy, that will be a tough problem,'" recalls Vertex Chief Executive Josh Bogor.It took the company years to design a drug that could fit in the pocket, thus disabling the viral enzyme. "It turned out to be an excruciating, atom-by-atom exercise," says Boger.The potential

payoff, however, is huge. Results of a small trial with the drug, announced by Vertex in early February, were astonishing. After four weeks of treatment with the drug, in combination with the current standard treatment, the hepatitis-C virus became undetectable in all of the 12 patients.The hope, of course, is that the drug's dual effect -- attacking the virus and restoring the immune system response -- will bring an actual cure for patients infected with the virus. That would be a major advance from current treatment, which uses an immune system booster called interferon, a treatment that is often debilitating. It takes many months to even have a chance of working, and fails in a large number of cases.UNFORESEEN SIDE EFFECTS? Vertex isn't the only company in the hunt with a protease inhibitor for hepatitis C. Schering-Plough (SGP) has one in Phase II clinical trials, and on Jan. 30 reported that it had gotten

fast-track designation from the FDA. GlaxoKline (GSK ) is said to be working on one as well. Boehringer Ingelheim was actually in the lead at one point, but it had to stop development of its promising candidate because of side effects.Another possible stumbling block: The new Vertex drug could still fail in upcoming trials, due to unforeseen side effects. But based on the latest results, it is currently the best hope. Wall Street has taken notice. Vertex shares now cost around $38, up from $8.83 last April.This tale may be a rare case of a drug working far better than anyone expected -- all thanks to the hepatitis-C virus' remarkable ability to shut off the immune system. Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments. It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/Happy Posting

What are the most popular cars? Find out at Autos

[Guest guest]

Extremly promising- thanks Liz

--- Jody <jobotopher@...> wrote:

> This is exciting news!!! Thanks Liz for posting!!

> I really needed to read this HOPEFUL article.

>

> Jody

>

> elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote:

> Hep C Protease Inhibitor: Waging War on Hepatitis

> C

>

> FEBRUARY 21, 2006

>

> News Analysis

> By Carey

> Businessweek.com

>

> By sleuthing out how the virus disarms the immune

> system, scientists

> could be closing in on a cure. Vertex

> Pharmaceuticals has taken the

> lead

>

> Many viruses have figured out ways to elude the

> body's protective

> system. One of the cleverest is the hepatitis-C

> virus. In scores of

> millions of infected people, the bug does its damage

> by making

> trillions of new viruses a day, years after year.

>

> The eventual result often is liver failure or

> cancer. The cost to the

> health-care system: an estimated $20 billion to $50

> billion a year in

> the U.S. alone.

>

> But while the virus' ability to hide from the body's

> defenses is well

> known, the details of its cunning strategy were a

> mystery -- until

> now. The answer is not only a scientific surprise;

> it also has

> important medical implications.

>

> Experimental drugs now in clinical trials will be

> far more effective

> against the virus than anyone had expected. " The

> drugs have shown

> such a tremendous effect because the virus is

> getting a double

> whammy, " explains Dr. Stanley Lemon, professor of

> microbiology,

> immunology, and internal medicine at the University

> of Texas Medical

> Branch at Galveston. He's one of the leaders of the

> effort to

> decipher the mechanism.

>

> ALARMING DISCOVERY. Here's why. Like most viruses,

> the hepatitis-C

> bug commandeers the host's cellular machinery to

> make copies of

> itself. For instance, it uses cells' protein

> factories to make

> proteins that will become the virus' coat. But

> before these proteins

> can be assembled into the coat, they must be sliced

> and diced in

> several key places. That's the job of a viral enzyme

> called protease.

>

> When Lemon and his colleagues set out to learn how

> hepatitis C evaded

> the body's defenses, they discovered that the enzyme

> was doing

> another, unexpected, job. " It was a surprise to find

> that the

> protease of the virus was involved in blocking the

> innate immune

> system response, " he says. Lemon's team employed

> some elegant

> scientific sleuthing to solve the mystery. Turns out

> that " the

> protease targets two cellular signaling molecules at

> the very

> beginning of the immune process, " he says.

>

> Think of the immune system as having a built-in

> burglar alarm. Cells

> roam the body equipped with little detectors, or

> receptors, on their

> surface. These receptors seek out and attach to

> foreign invaders,

> such as viruses. Once the receptor finds such an

> invader, it sends

> out an alarm, mobilizing the immune system to attack

> the invader.

>

> In the case of the hepatitis-C virus, the cells

> successfully identify

> them as foreign invaders. But the alarm signal they

> try to send

> doesn't get through. The viral protease, Lemon

> discovered, chops up

> two crucial molecules that carry the alarm. So even

> though

> the " burglar " is detected, the alarm never gets sent

> to the immune

> system's police station.

>

> ONE LOCK, MULTIPLE KEYS. This ability to evade the

> immune system has

> two enormous consequences for drug development.

> First, a drug that

> successfully targets the viral protease will be

> unusually effective.

> That's because it would not only hit the virus

> directly, but would

> also restore the immune system, which is then able

> to launch its own

> attack.

>

> But such drugs are difficult to design. That's a

> direct result of the

> viral protease enzyme's unusual ability to have

> several targets --

> the viral proteins it cleaves to ensure viral

> reproduction, and the

> immune system signaling proteins.

>

> Most enzymes work only on one target. When

> scientists look at their

> three-dimensional shape, these normal enzymes

> typically have a deep

> indentation or pocket. The target protein fits into

> that pocket like

> a key into a lock.

>

> The hepatitis-C protease enzyme, however, has

> figured out how to work

> on several targets. " There are multiple keys for

> that one lock, "

> explains Lemon. As a result, the lock -- that is,

> the pocket -- must

> be exceptionally versatile.

>

> HUGE PAYOFF POTENTIAL. Indeed, when scientists at

> Vertex

> Pharmaceuticals (VRTX ) in Cambridge, Mass., figured

> out the shape of

> the enzyme in 1997, they discovered that it has an

> unusually shallow

> pocket. That, in turn, made it hard to design a drug

> that fits in

> the " lock. " When the shape of the enzyme was

> discovered, " we

> said: 'Oh, boy, that will be a tough problem,' "

> recalls Vertex Chief

> Executive Josh Bogor.

>

> It took the company years to design a drug that

> could fit in the

> pocket, thus disabling the viral enzyme. " It turned

> out to be an

> excruciating, atom-by-atom exercise, " says Boger.

>

> The potential payoff, however, is huge. Results of a

> small trial with

> the drug, announced by Vertex in early February,

> were astonishing.

> After four weeks of treatment with the drug, in

> combination with the

> current standard treatment, the hepatitis-C virus

> became undetectable

> in all of the 12 patients.

>

> The hope, of course, is that the drug's dual effect

> -- attacking the

> virus and restoring the immune system response --

> will bring an

> actual cure for patients infected with the virus.

> That would be a

> major advance from current treatment, which uses an

> immune system

> booster called interferon, a treatment that is often

> debilitating. It

> takes many months to even have a chance of working,

> and fails in a

> large number of cases.

>

> UNFORESEEN SIDE EFFECTS? Vertex isn't the only

> company in the hunt

> with a protease inhibitor for hepatitis C.

> Schering-Plough

> (SGP) has one in Phase II clinical trials, and on

> Jan. 30 reported

> that it had gotten fast-track designation from the

> FDA.

> GlaxoKline (GSK ) is said to be working on one

> as well.

> Boehringer Ingelheim was actually in the lead at one

> point, but it

>

=== message truncated ===

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I think this new drug will replace the riba because it doesnt have any negative hematological effects . But we shall see what the future holds ...

Re: Hep C Protease Inhibitor: Waging War on Hepatitis C

Jody, and everyone! Do I read the news realease correctly? It seems this drug will be given in addition to Interferon, and perhaps with Rib. This will, if successful, will increase the efficacy of the treatment. So we should have a better than 50/50 chance, if everything goes well, but may still have the side effects from the Interferon, plus any side effects this new drug may have. Writing this, I feel like a wet blanket. Someone point out why I'm wrong. Please!!

ChrisJody <jobotopher@...> wrote:

This is exciting news!!! Thanks Liz for posting!! I really needed to read this HOPEFUL article.

Jodyelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote:

Hep C Protease Inhibitor: Waging War on Hepatitis CFEBRUARY 21, 2006News AnalysisBy CareyBusinessweek.comBy sleuthing out how the virus disarms the immune system, scientists could be closing in on a cure. Vertex Pharmaceuticals has taken the leadMany viruses have figured out ways to elude the body's protective system. One of the cleverest is the hepatitis-C virus. In scores of millions of infected people, the bug does its damage by making trillions of new viruses a day, years after year.The eventual result often is liver failure or cancer. The cost to the health-care system: an estimated $20 billion to $50 billion a year in the U.S. alone.But while the virus' ability to hide from the body's defenses is well known, the details of its cunning strategy were a mystery -- until now. The answer is not only a scientific surprise; it also has important medical implications.Experimental drugs now in clinical trials will be far more effective against the virus than anyone had expected. "The drugs have shown such a tremendous effect because the virus is getting a double whammy," explains Dr. Stanley Lemon, professor of microbiology, immunology, and internal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He's one of the leaders of the effort to decipher the mechanism.ALARMING DISCOVERY. Here's why. Like most viruses, the hepatitis-C bug commandeers the host's cellular machinery to make copies of itself. For instance, it uses cells' protein factories to make proteins that will become the virus' coat. But before these proteins can be assembled into the coat, they must be sliced and diced in several key places. That's the job of a viral enzyme called protease.When Lemon and his colleagues set out to learn how hepatitis C evaded the body's defenses, they discovered that the enzyme was doing another, unexpected, job. "It was a surprise to find that the protease of the virus was involved in blocking the innate immune system response," he says. Lemon's team employed some elegant scientific sleuthing to solve the mystery. Turns out that "the protease targets two cellular signaling molecules at the very beginning of the immune process," he says.Think of the immune system as having a built-in burglar alarm. Cells roam the body equipped with little detectors, or receptors, on their surface. These receptors seek out and attach to foreign invaders, such as viruses. Once the receptor finds such an invader, it sends out an alarm, mobilizing the immune system to attack the invader.In the case of the hepatitis-C virus, the cells successfully identify them as foreign invaders. But the alarm signal they try to send doesn't get through. The viral protease, Lemon discovered, chops up two crucial molecules that carry the alarm. So even though the "burglar" is detected, the alarm never gets sent to the immune system's police station.ONE LOCK, MULTIPLE KEYS. This ability to evade the immune system has two enormous consequences for drug development. First, a drug that successfully targets the viral protease will be unusually effective. That's because it would not only hit the virus directly, but would also restore the immune system, which is then able to launch its own attack.But such drugs are difficult to design. That's a direct result of the viral protease enzyme's unusual ability to have several targets -- the viral proteins it cleaves to ensure viral reproduction, and the immune system signaling proteins.Most enzymes work only on one target. When scientists look at their three-dimensional shape, these normal enzymes typically have a deep indentation or pocket. The target protein fits into that pocket like a key into a lock.The hepatitis-C protease enzyme, however, has figured out how to work on several targets. "There are multiple keys for that one lock," explains Lemon. As a result, the lock -- that is, the pocket -- must be exceptionally versatile.HUGE PAYOFF POTENTIAL. Indeed, when scientists at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX ) in Cambridge, Mass., figured out the shape of the enzyme in 1997, they discovered that it has an unusually shallow pocket. That, in turn, made it hard to design a drug that fits in the "lock." When the shape of the enzyme was discovered, "we said: 'Oh, boy, that will be a tough problem,'" recalls Vertex Chief Executive Josh Bogor.It took the company years to design a drug that could fit in the pocket, thus disabling the viral enzyme. "It turned out to be an excruciating, atom-by-atom exercise," says Boger.The potential payoff, however, is huge. Results of a small trial with the drug, announced by Vertex in early February, were astonishing. After four weeks of treatment with the drug, in combination with the current standard treatment, the hepatitis-C virus became undetectable in all of the 12 patients.The hope, of course, is that the drug's dual effect -- attacking the virus and restoring the immune system response -- will bring an actual cure for patients infected with the virus. That would be a major advance from current treatment, which uses an immune system booster called interferon, a treatment that is often debilitating. It takes many months to even have a chance of working, and fails in a large number of cases.UNFORESEEN SIDE EFFECTS? Vertex isn't the only company in the hunt with a protease inhibitor for hepatitis C. Schering-Plough (SGP) has one in Phase II clinical trials, and on Jan. 30 reported that it had gotten fast-track designation from the FDA. GlaxoKline (GSK ) is said to be working on one as well. Boehringer Ingelheim was actually in the lead at one point, but it had to stop development of its promising candidate because of side effects.Another possible stumbling block: The new Vertex drug could still fail in upcoming trials, due to unforeseen side effects. But based on the latest results, it is currently the best hope. Wall Street has taken notice. Vertex shares now cost around $38, up from $8.83 last April.This tale may be a rare case of a drug working far better than anyone expected -- all thanks to the hepatitis-C virus' remarkable ability to shut off the immune system.

Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments. It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/Happy Posting

What are the most popular cars? Find out at Autos

[Guest guest]

> Jody, and everyone! Do I read the news realease correctly? It

seems this drug will be given in addition to Interferon, and perhaps

with Rib. This will, if successful, will increase the efficacy of

the treatment. So we should have a better than 50/50 chance, if

everything goes well, but may still have the side effects from the

Interferon, plus any side effects this new drug may have. Writing

this, I feel like a wet blanket. Someone point out why I'm wrong.

Please!!

from what I know, which isn't much, this new drug will be

used in combination with existing drugs as stated, but probably at

lower doses and for shorter terms. I think they are still

determining these details. Imagine, a lot of people could tolerate a

grueling treatment if the term was a few months rather than a year,

and knowing their chances of success were high. Kudos to medical

science, when it works!

I noticed you are taking cordyceps.

http://www.chinesenaturalherbs.com/herbsmonth/month_cordyceps.htm

I had been brewing ancient Chinese herbal formulas for about 5 years

before I started treatment, at which point I set herbs aside. I

think the herbs helped me respond to treatment. But I've never tried

cordyceps, partly because it's expensive and also because I've not

heard it touted as a hep c treatment. Other than that, it does look

intriging, even if it is a fungus that grows from the head of an

insect! Got to hand it to those Chinese for originality.

Pete

[Guest guest]

Dear List

Greetings to all. Upon joining this list, after a groups

search on the topic, I opened my first post to read, and it was this

one -- wow. Very hopeful. Does anyone have an idea when this

medicine will be fine-tuned enough for regular people like me?

I just posted a bio in the files, and I'll post it here as an

introduction:

<< My diagnosis of HCV-1 (if I remember the g-type correctly) was in

97 when rejected for life insurance. I've probably had it at least

30 years. Been married 25 years (same man) and have 7 children and

two dogs (GSD freak here). Had a biopsy years ago, and every so

often I get a viral load count -- it's climbing. I have flu-like

aches and pains and am too thin, and some bone loss (according to

dental Xray) but basically normal. I have an old prescript for

Interferon but am afraid to start it and have been hiding from MDs.

Wanted to hear of others experience with the stuff. Maybe I should

try holding out until something better comes? I feel like I'm

wearing out slowly ...can't afford to get any lower! Oh, all

children and husband are fine -- tested neg for it -- thank God. >>

I'm not sure I can keep up with all the emails, but I'll try. I've

been out of the Hep C loop too long -- nothing sounded promising

last time I looked around. When I first was diagnosed, the MDs made

it sound like I was a goner for the diagnosis alone. I didn't want

to hear that, for sure, so ignored them. Later, the MDs seemed to

know more and weren't as dour. That first year after diagnosis was

a bummer -- I don't want to live in fear like that. I worry less

now because it seemed like there wasn't any point to it, but

ignoring all info on it doesn't seem wise either. Time to weigh

risks with the experienced!

I might try some herbal potion from a friend in the UK that seems

harmless enough (on my dogs and her horses anyway!) until I decide

what to do. She swears by it for nearly every other malady, human

and animal, and wants me to give it a try for HCV. I'm not a big

alternative meds person, but I'm not a med person in general! I

essentially trust Western Medicine, primarily, but I know it has

limits and cautions.

God bless

Ginny

==========================================================

> > elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote:

> > Hep C Protease Inhibitor: Waging War on Hepatitis

> > C

> >

> > FEBRUARY 21, 2006

> >

> > News Analysis

> > By Carey

> > Businessweek.com

> >

> > By sleuthing out how the virus disarms the immune

> > system, scientists

> > could be closing in on a cure. Vertex

> > Pharmaceuticals has taken the

> > lead

> >

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Dear List

>

> Greetings to all.

Oops, forgot to say I'm in the city of Los Angeles, a native even

God bless

Ginny

[Guest guest]

>

> Homegirl ! LOL I am from the LA area , although I live in las

vegas now . Jackie is there not far from you

> Re: Hep C Protease Inhibitor:

Waging War on Hepatitis C

>

Hey! Not so far. What part of LA were you in before? I'm in

Woodland Hills (west SF Valley).

Hi to Jackie whereever you are!

God bless

Ginny

[Guest guest]

>

> , who has protease inhibitors in phase three trials. I

can't find anything on that. Vertex Pharmaceuticals finished phase

II, but has not recieved FDA approval for phase III.

http://www.vrtx.com/Pressreleases2006/pr020706.html The only other

study I can find is also in phase II, and it is this one by Schering-

Plough http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00160251?order=2

which has FDA Fast Track approval. I follow this stuff pretty

closely, so if I missed something please help me find it.

> Chris

> Eat well, sleep well, be well!

>

>

Hi Chris

Are there other countries in other phases of study where it might be

more available or the studies more accelerated? I suppose it's

patented or something. Just a thought

God bless

Ginny

[Guest guest]

>

> I was born in Bellflower and grew up in the Paramount and Norwalk

areas . I worked as a paramedic there in downtown LA , and in east

LA . I still go to California almost once a month to see my mom and

sisters . I used to do some partying there in Woodland Hills but that

was way back in the 80's ,lol

> ----- Original Message -----

>

LOL You must be younger than I am, or had your children later because

I was married with children in the 1980s.

If you're ever here again, look me up.

God bless

Ginny

[Guest guest]

>

> I had my first child back when I was 18 and that was in 1977, I kept

having babies until 1992 when I had my last . I am supposed to go to

Long Beach on March 3rd if your gonna be around I would love to meet

for coffee or lunch ?

> ----- Original Message -----

>

That would be great! How many kids are you bringing?

Will tentatively mark the calendar. Near the LB Aquarium maybe since

that's all I know there?

Ginny -- resetting comp for sure now...hung in there too type this

[Guest guest]

>

> I had my first child back when I was 18 and that was in 1977, I kept

having babies until 1992 when I had my last . I am supposed to go to

Long Beach on March 3rd if your gonna be around I would love to meet

for coffee or lunch ?

> ----- Original Message -----

>

That would be great! How many kids are you bringing?

Will tentatively mark the calendar. Near the LB Aquarium maybe since

that's all I know there?

Ginny -- resetting comp for sure now...hung in there too type this

[Guest guest]

>

> I had my first child back when I was 18 and that was in 1977, I kept

having babies until 1992 when I had my last . I am supposed to go to

Long Beach on March 3rd if your gonna be around I would love to meet

for coffee or lunch ?

PS my email is htucker178 or dogmamom @ aol.com

The list isn't showing them. I'm on no mail, read at the site

G