Re: Vertex Protease Inhibitor

[Guest guest]

My son is shipping out again for oversea's and this time we have to go to him so I have been busy getting ready to take off this next weekend . I will see the cardio in August sometime .

[Hepatitis_C_ Central] Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and ITo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 1:06 PM

Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and Is Well Tolerated in 28-day Study By Liz HighleymanGiven the limited efficacy and difficult side effects of interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, researchers are studying a variety of oral antiviral agents that directly target different steps of the viral lifecycle. One of the most promising is telaprevir (previously known as VX-950), an experimental HCV NS34A protease inhibitor being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Tibotec. As reported in the August 2008 Journal of Hepatology, Lawitz and colleagues conducted a small trial to assess the safety and antiviral activity of telaprevir added to standard combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The study included 12 treatment-naive patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. All received 750 mg telaprevir every 8 hours plus 180 mcg/week pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and 1000-1200 mg/day weight-based ribavirin for 28 days. At the discretion of the investigator and patient, participants could then commence off-study treatment with Pegasys plus ribavirin without telaprevir for up to 44 weeks (for a total of 48 weeks, the standard duration of therapy for genotype 1). Results• The combination of telaprevir, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations. • Rash or pruritus (itching) occurred in 5 of the 12 patients; all cases resolved either during or after completion of telaprevir treatment. • All 12 patients experienced rapid viral response (RVR), or undetectable HCV RNA levels by day 28. • 8 of the participants underwent 44 weeks of off-study pegylated interferon plus ribavirin after finishing the telaprevir phase.• All 8 achieved sustained viral response (SVR), or undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after completion of therapy.• 1 individual who received only 22 weeks of treatment achieved SVR. In conclusion, the study authors wrote, "The combination of telaprevir, peginterferon alfa-2a, and ribavirin was generally well tolerated. Events of pruritus and rash resolved during or after end of telaprevir dosing. All 12 patients achieved an RVR."While this is one of the first studies of telaprevir to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, data from the larger and longer PROVE-1, PROVE-2, and PROVE-3 trials have been reported at recent scientific meetings.A majority of experts expect that directly targeted anti-HCV agents such as telaprevir will have to be used in combination with interferon for the foreseeable future, but addition of the new agents may allow for shorter therapy.Alamo Medical Research, San , TX; Fundacion de Investigacion de Diego San , Puerto Rico; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Cambridge, MA.7/22/08References

[Guest guest]

Hahaha I am definately in line for this one , but will my doctor let me ? lol

[Hepatitis_C_ Central] Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and ITo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 1:06 PM

Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and Is Well Tolerated in 28-day Study By Liz HighleymanGiven the limited efficacy and difficult side effects of interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, researchers are studying a variety of oral antiviral agents that directly target different steps of the viral lifecycle. One of the most promising is telaprevir (previously known as VX-950), an experimental HCV NS34A protease inhibitor being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Tibotec. As reported in the August 2008 Journal of Hepatology, Lawitz and colleagues conducted a small trial to assess the safety and antiviral activity of telaprevir added to standard combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The study included 12 treatment-naive patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. All received 750 mg telaprevir every 8 hours plus 180 mcg/week pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and 1000-1200 mg/day weight-based ribavirin for 28 days. At the discretion of the investigator and patient, participants could then commence off-study treatment with Pegasys plus ribavirin without telaprevir for up to 44 weeks (for a total of 48 weeks, the standard duration of therapy for genotype 1). Results• The combination of telaprevir, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations. • Rash or pruritus (itching) occurred in 5 of the 12 patients; all cases resolved either during or after completion of telaprevir treatment. • All 12 patients experienced rapid viral response (RVR), or undetectable HCV RNA levels by day 28. • 8 of the participants underwent 44 weeks of off-study pegylated interferon plus ribavirin after finishing the telaprevir phase.• All 8 achieved sustained viral response (SVR), or undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after completion of therapy.• 1 individual who received only 22 weeks of treatment achieved SVR. In conclusion, the study authors wrote, "The combination of telaprevir, peginterferon alfa-2a, and ribavirin was generally well tolerated. Events of pruritus and rash resolved during or after end of telaprevir dosing. All 12 patients achieved an RVR."While this is one of the first studies of telaprevir to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, data from the larger and longer PROVE-1, PROVE-2, and PROVE-3 trials have been reported at recent scientific meetings.A majority of experts expect that directly targeted anti-HCV agents such as telaprevir will have to be used in combination with interferon for the foreseeable future, but addition of the new agents may allow for shorter therapy.Alamo Medical Research, San , TX; Fundacion de Investigacion de Diego San , Puerto Rico; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Cambridge, MA.7/22/08References

[Guest guest]

well you have fun then,, but make sure you stay on your lasix so you dont get full of fluids againJackie

From: <elizabethnv1@ earthlink. net>Subject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and ITo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 1:06 PM

Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and Is Well Tolerated in 28-day Study By Liz HighleymanGiven the limited efficacy and difficult side effects of interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, researchers are studying a variety of oral antiviral agents that directly target different steps of the viral lifecycle. One of the most promising is telaprevir (previously known as VX-950), an experimental HCV NS34A protease inhibitor being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Tibotec. As reported in the August 2008 Journal of Hepatology, Lawitz and colleagues conducted a small trial to assess the safety and antiviral activity of telaprevir added to standard combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The study included 12 treatment-naive patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. All received 750 mg telaprevir every 8 hours plus 180 mcg/week pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and 1000-1200 mg/day weight-based ribavirin for 28 days. At the discretion of the investigator and patient, participants could then commence off-study treatment with Pegasys plus ribavirin without telaprevir for up to 44 weeks (for a total of 48 weeks, the standard duration of therapy for genotype 1). Results• The combination of telaprevir, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations. • Rash or pruritus (itching) occurred in 5 of the 12 patients; all cases resolved either during or after completion of telaprevir treatment. • All 12 patients experienced rapid viral response (RVR), or undetectable HCV RNA levels by day 28. • 8 of the participants underwent 44 weeks of off-study pegylated interferon plus ribavirin after finishing the telaprevir phase.• All 8 achieved sustained viral response (SVR), or undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after completion of therapy.• 1 individual who received only 22 weeks of treatment achieved SVR. In conclusion, the study authors wrote, "The combination of telaprevir, peginterferon alfa-2a, and ribavirin was generally well tolerated. Events of pruritus and rash resolved during or after end of telaprevir dosing. All 12 patients achieved an RVR."While this is one of the first studies of telaprevir to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, data from the larger and longer PROVE-1, PROVE-2, and PROVE-3 trials have been reported at recent scientific meetings.A majority of experts expect that directly targeted anti-HCV agents such as telaprevir will have to be used in combination with interferon for the foreseeable future, but addition of the new agents may allow for shorter therapy.Alamo Medical Research, San , TX; Fundacion de Investigacion de Diego San , Puerto Rico; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Cambridge, MA.7/22/08References

[Guest guest]

Yep, you and me both, let me tell you, and I am sure many

many, of our quiet(er) ones..

From: <elizabethnv1@ earthlink. net>Subject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and ITo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 1:06 PM

Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and Is Well Tolerated in 28-day Study By Liz HighleymanGiven the limited efficacy and difficult side effects of interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, researchers are studying a variety of oral antiviral agents that directly target different steps of the viral lifecycle. One of the most promising is telaprevir (previously known as VX-950), an experimental HCV NS34A protease inhibitor being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Tibotec. As reported in the August 2008 Journal of Hepatology, Lawitz and colleagues conducted a small trial to assess the safety and antiviral activity of telaprevir added to standard combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The study included 12 treatment-naive patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. All received 750 mg

telaprevir every 8 hours plus 180 mcg/week pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and 1000-1200 mg/day weight-based ribavirin for 28 days. At the discretion of the investigator and patient, participants could then commence off-study treatment with Pegasys plus ribavirin without telaprevir for up to 44 weeks (for a total of 48 weeks, the standard duration of therapy for genotype 1). Results• The combination of telaprevir, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations. • Rash or pruritus (itching) occurred in 5 of the 12 patients; all cases resolved either during or after completion of telaprevir treatment. • All 12 patients experienced rapid viral response (RVR), or undetectable HCV RNA levels by day 28. • 8 of the participants underwent 44 weeks of off-study pegylated interferon plus

ribavirin after finishing the telaprevir phase.• All 8 achieved sustained viral response (SVR), or undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after completion of therapy.• 1 individual who received only 22 weeks of treatment achieved SVR. In conclusion, the study authors wrote, "The combination of telaprevir, peginterferon alfa-2a, and ribavirin was generally well tolerated. Events of pruritus and rash resolved during or after end of telaprevir dosing. All 12 patients achieved an RVR."While this is one of the first studies of telaprevir to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, data from the larger and longer PROVE-1, PROVE-2, and PROVE-3 trials have been reported at recent scientific meetings.A majority of experts expect that directly targeted anti-HCV agents such as telaprevir will have to be used in combination with interferon for the foreseeable future, but addition of the new

agents may allow for shorter therapy.Alamo Medical Research, San , TX; Fundacion de Investigacion de Diego San , Puerto Rico; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Cambridge, MA.7/22/08References

[Guest guest]

Awwww, Liz, many prayers for him..

From: <elizabethnv1@ earthlink. net>Subject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and ITo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 1:06 PM

Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and Is Well Tolerated in 28-day Study By Liz HighleymanGiven the limited efficacy and difficult side effects of interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, researchers are studying a variety of oral antiviral agents that directly target different steps of the viral lifecycle. One of the most promising is telaprevir (previously known as VX-950), an experimental HCV NS34A protease inhibitor being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Tibotec. As reported in the August 2008 Journal of Hepatology, Lawitz and colleagues conducted a small trial to assess the safety and antiviral activity of telaprevir added to standard combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The study included 12 treatment-naive patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. All received 750 mg

telaprevir every 8 hours plus 180 mcg/week pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and 1000-1200 mg/day weight-based ribavirin for 28 days. At the discretion of the investigator and patient, participants could then commence off-study treatment with Pegasys plus ribavirin without telaprevir for up to 44 weeks (for a total of 48 weeks, the standard duration of therapy for genotype 1). Results• The combination of telaprevir, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations. • Rash or pruritus (itching) occurred in 5 of the 12 patients; all cases resolved either during or after completion of telaprevir treatment. • All 12 patients experienced rapid viral response (RVR), or undetectable HCV RNA levels by day 28. • 8 of the participants underwent 44 weeks of off-study pegylated interferon plus

ribavirin after finishing the telaprevir phase.• All 8 achieved sustained viral response (SVR), or undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after completion of therapy.• 1 individual who received only 22 weeks of treatment achieved SVR. In conclusion, the study authors wrote, "The combination of telaprevir, peginterferon alfa-2a, and ribavirin was generally well tolerated. Events of pruritus and rash resolved during or after end of telaprevir dosing. All 12 patients achieved an RVR."While this is one of the first studies of telaprevir to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, data from the larger and longer PROVE-1, PROVE-2, and PROVE-3 trials have been reported at recent scientific meetings.A majority of experts expect that directly targeted anti-HCV agents such as telaprevir will have to be used in combination with interferon for the foreseeable future, but addition of the new

agents may allow for shorter therapy.Alamo Medical Research, San , TX; Fundacion de Investigacion de Diego San , Puerto Rico; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Cambridge,

MA.7/22/08References

[Guest guest]

I am with you and won't try to treat again, either until the new doctor

will agree to use the new protocol.

Try to get yourself as healthy as possible in the meantime!

From: <elizabethnv1@ earthlink. net>Subject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and ITo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 1:06 PM

Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and Is Well Tolerated in 28-day Study By Liz HighleymanGiven the limited efficacy and difficult side effects of interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, researchers are studying a variety of oral antiviral agents that directly target different steps of the viral lifecycle. One of the most promising is telaprevir (previously known as VX-950), an experimental HCV NS34A protease inhibitor being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Tibotec. As reported in the August 2008 Journal of Hepatology, Lawitz and colleagues conducted a small trial to assess the safety and antiviral activity of telaprevir added to standard combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The study included 12 treatment-naive patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. All received 750 mg

telaprevir every 8 hours plus 180 mcg/week pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and 1000-1200 mg/day weight-based ribavirin for 28 days. At the discretion of the investigator and patient, participants could then commence off-study treatment with Pegasys plus ribavirin without telaprevir for up to 44 weeks (for a total of 48 weeks, the standard duration of therapy for genotype 1). Results• The combination of telaprevir, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations. • Rash or pruritus (itching) occurred in 5 of the 12 patients; all cases resolved either during or after completion of telaprevir treatment. • All 12 patients experienced rapid viral response (RVR), or undetectable HCV RNA levels by day 28. • 8 of the participants underwent 44 weeks of off-study pegylated interferon plus

ribavirin after finishing the telaprevir phase.• All 8 achieved sustained viral response (SVR), or undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after completion of therapy.• 1 individual who received only 22 weeks of treatment achieved SVR. In conclusion, the study authors wrote, "The combination of telaprevir, peginterferon alfa-2a, and ribavirin was generally well tolerated. Events of pruritus and rash resolved during or after end of telaprevir dosing. All 12 patients achieved an RVR."While this is one of the first studies of telaprevir to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, data from the larger and longer PROVE-1, PROVE-2, and PROVE-3 trials have been reported at recent scientific meetings.A majority of experts expect that directly targeted anti-HCV agents such as telaprevir will have to be used in combination with interferon for the foreseeable future, but addition of the new

agents may allow for shorter therapy.Alamo Medical Research, San , TX; Fundacion de Investigacion de Diego San , Puerto Rico; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Cambridge, MA.7/22/08References

[Guest guest]

Trust me I am staying on the lasix and have plent of refills lol

[Hepatitis_C_ Central] Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and ITo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 1:06 PM

Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and Is Well Tolerated in 28-day Study By Liz HighleymanGiven the limited efficacy and difficult side effects of interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, researchers are studying a variety of oral antiviral agents that directly target different steps of the viral lifecycle. One of the most promising is telaprevir (previously known as VX-950), an experimental HCV NS34A protease inhibitor being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Tibotec. As reported in the August 2008 Journal of Hepatology, Lawitz and colleagues conducted a small trial to assess the safety and antiviral activity of telaprevir added to standard combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The study included 12 treatment-naive patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. All received 750 mg telaprevir every 8 hours plus 180 mcg/week pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and 1000-1200 mg/day weight-based ribavirin for 28 days. At the discretion of the investigator and patient, participants could then commence off-study treatment with Pegasys plus ribavirin without telaprevir for up to 44 weeks (for a total of 48 weeks, the standard duration of therapy for genotype 1). Results• The combination of telaprevir, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations. • Rash or pruritus (itching) occurred in 5 of the 12 patients; all cases resolved either during or after completion of telaprevir treatment. • All 12 patients experienced rapid viral response (RVR), or undetectable HCV RNA levels by day 28. • 8 of the participants underwent 44 weeks of off-study pegylated interferon plus ribavirin after finishing the telaprevir phase.• All 8 achieved sustained viral response (SVR), or undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after completion of therapy.• 1 individual who received only 22 weeks of treatment achieved SVR. In conclusion, the study authors wrote, "The combination of telaprevir, peginterferon alfa-2a, and ribavirin was generally well tolerated. Events of pruritus and rash resolved during or after end of telaprevir dosing. All 12 patients achieved an RVR."While this is one of the first studies of telaprevir to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, data from the larger and longer PROVE-1, PROVE-2, and PROVE-3 trials have been reported at recent scientific meetings.A majority of experts expect that directly targeted anti-HCV agents such as telaprevir will have to be used in combination with interferon for the foreseeable future, but addition of the new agents may allow for shorter therapy.Alamo Medical Research, San , TX; Fundacion de Investigacion de Diego San , Puerto Rico; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Cambridge, MA.7/22/08References

[Guest guest]

ty honey

[Hepatitis_C_ Central] Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and ITo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 1:06 PM

Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and Is Well Tolerated in 28-day Study By Liz HighleymanGiven the limited efficacy and difficult side effects of interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, researchers are studying a variety of oral antiviral agents that directly target different steps of the viral lifecycle. One of the most promising is telaprevir (previously known as VX-950), an experimental HCV NS34A protease inhibitor being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Tibotec. As reported in the August 2008 Journal of Hepatology, Lawitz and colleagues conducted a small trial to assess the safety and antiviral activity of telaprevir added to standard combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The study included 12 treatment-naive patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. All received 750 mg telaprevir every 8 hours plus 180 mcg/week pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and 1000-1200 mg/day weight-based ribavirin for 28 days. At the discretion of the investigator and patient, participants could then commence off-study treatment with Pegasys plus ribavirin without telaprevir for up to 44 weeks (for a total of 48 weeks, the standard duration of therapy for genotype 1). Results• The combination of telaprevir, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations. • Rash or pruritus (itching) occurred in 5 of the 12 patients; all cases resolved either during or after completion of telaprevir treatment. • All 12 patients experienced rapid viral response (RVR), or undetectable HCV RNA levels by day 28. • 8 of the participants underwent 44 weeks of off-study pegylated interferon plus ribavirin after finishing the telaprevir phase.• All 8 achieved sustained viral response (SVR), or undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after completion of therapy.• 1 individual who received only 22 weeks of treatment achieved SVR. In conclusion, the study authors wrote, "The combination of telaprevir, peginterferon alfa-2a, and ribavirin was generally well tolerated. Events of pruritus and rash resolved during or after end of telaprevir dosing. All 12 patients achieved an RVR."While this is one of the first studies of telaprevir to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, data from the larger and longer PROVE-1, PROVE-2, and PROVE-3 trials have been reported at recent scientific meetings.A majority of experts expect that directly targeted anti-HCV agents such as telaprevir will have to be used in combination with interferon for the foreseeable future, but addition of the new agents may allow for shorter therapy.Alamo Medical Research, San , TX; Fundacion de Investigacion de Diego San , Puerto Rico; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Cambridge, MA.7/22/08References

[Guest guest]

Girl I have gained 40lbs since the last time we say each other , I think I am more than healthy enough lol

[Hepatitis_C_ Central] Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and ITo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 1:06 PM

Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and Is Well Tolerated in 28-day Study By Liz HighleymanGiven the limited efficacy and difficult side effects of interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, researchers are studying a variety of oral antiviral agents that directly target different steps of the viral lifecycle. One of the most promising is telaprevir (previously known as VX-950), an experimental HCV NS34A protease inhibitor being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Tibotec. As reported in the August 2008 Journal of Hepatology, Lawitz and colleagues conducted a small trial to assess the safety and antiviral activity of telaprevir added to standard combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The study included 12 treatment-naive patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. All received 750 mg telaprevir every 8 hours plus 180 mcg/week pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and 1000-1200 mg/day weight-based ribavirin for 28 days. At the discretion of the investigator and patient, participants could then commence off-study treatment with Pegasys plus ribavirin without telaprevir for up to 44 weeks (for a total of 48 weeks, the standard duration of therapy for genotype 1). Results• The combination of telaprevir, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations. • Rash or pruritus (itching) occurred in 5 of the 12 patients; all cases resolved either during or after completion of telaprevir treatment. • All 12 patients experienced rapid viral response (RVR), or undetectable HCV RNA levels by day 28. • 8 of the participants underwent 44 weeks of off-study pegylated interferon plus ribavirin after finishing the telaprevir phase.• All 8 achieved sustained viral response (SVR), or undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after completion of therapy.• 1 individual who received only 22 weeks of treatment achieved SVR. In conclusion, the study authors wrote, "The combination of telaprevir, peginterferon alfa-2a, and ribavirin was generally well tolerated. Events of pruritus and rash resolved during or after end of telaprevir dosing. All 12 patients achieved an RVR."While this is one of the first studies of telaprevir to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, data from the larger and longer PROVE-1, PROVE-2, and PROVE-3 trials have been reported at recent scientific meetings.A majority of experts expect that directly targeted anti-HCV agents such as telaprevir will have to be used in combination with interferon for the foreseeable future, but addition of the new agents may allow for shorter therapy.Alamo Medical Research, San , TX; Fundacion de Investigacion de Diego San , Puerto Rico; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Cambridge, MA.7/22/08References

[Guest guest]

Thats good hon,, you have a safe trip to see your son off,, ok.. Ill be thinkin of yaJackie

From: <elizabethnv1@ earthlink. net>Subject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and ITo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 1:06 PM

Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and Is Well Tolerated in 28-day Study By Liz HighleymanGiven the limited efficacy and difficult side effects of interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, researchers are studying a variety of oral antiviral agents that directly target different steps of the viral lifecycle. One of the most promising is telaprevir (previously known as VX-950), an experimental HCV NS34A protease inhibitor being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Tibotec. As reported in the August 2008 Journal of Hepatology, Lawitz and colleagues conducted a small trial to assess the safety and antiviral activity of telaprevir added to standard combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The study included 12 treatment-naive patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. All received 750 mg telaprevir every 8 hours plus 180 mcg/week pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and 1000-1200 mg/day weight-based ribavirin for 28 days. At the discretion of the investigator and patient, participants could then commence off-study treatment with Pegasys plus ribavirin without telaprevir for up to 44 weeks (for a total of 48 weeks, the standard duration of therapy for genotype 1). Results• The combination of telaprevir, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations. • Rash or pruritus (itching) occurred in 5 of the 12 patients; all cases resolved either during or after completion of telaprevir treatment. • All 12 patients experienced rapid viral response (RVR), or undetectable HCV RNA levels by day 28. • 8 of the participants underwent 44 weeks of off-study pegylated interferon plus ribavirin after finishing the telaprevir phase.• All 8 achieved sustained viral response (SVR), or undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after completion of therapy.• 1 individual who received only 22 weeks of treatment achieved SVR. In conclusion, the study authors wrote, "The combination of telaprevir, peginterferon alfa-2a, and ribavirin was generally well tolerated. Events of pruritus and rash resolved during or after end of telaprevir dosing. All 12 patients achieved an RVR."While this is one of the first studies of telaprevir to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, data from the larger and longer PROVE-1, PROVE-2, and PROVE-3 trials have been reported at recent scientific meetings.A majority of experts expect that directly targeted anti-HCV agents such as telaprevir will have to be used in combination with interferon for the foreseeable future, but addition of the new agents may allow for shorter therapy.Alamo Medical Research, San , TX; Fundacion de Investigacion de Diego San , Puerto Rico; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Cambridge, MA.7/22/08References

[Guest guest]

Many are not even aware, but it should hopefully be approved

by the end of the year, had thought 2009 , but if the FDA

has fast tracked it, maybe lots sooner. Let me know what he

says, so I can start hounding them here, too!

From: <elizabethnv1@ earthlink. net>Subject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and ITo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 1:06 PM

Telaprevir plus Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Produces Rapid Response and Is Well Tolerated in 28-day Study By Liz HighleymanGiven the limited efficacy and difficult side effects of interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, researchers are studying a variety of oral antiviral agents that directly target different steps of the viral lifecycle. One of the most promising is telaprevir (previously known as VX-950), an experimental HCV NS34A protease inhibitor being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Tibotec. As reported in the August 2008 Journal of Hepatology, Lawitz and colleagues conducted a small trial to assess the safety and antiviral activity of telaprevir added to standard combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The study included 12 treatment-naive patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. All received 750 mg

telaprevir every 8 hours plus 180 mcg/week pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and 1000-1200 mg/day weight-based ribavirin for 28 days. At the discretion of the investigator and patient, participants could then commence off-study treatment with Pegasys plus ribavirin without telaprevir for up to 44 weeks (for a total of 48 weeks, the standard duration of therapy for genotype 1). Results• The combination of telaprevir, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations. • Rash or pruritus (itching) occurred in 5 of the 12 patients; all cases resolved either during or after completion of telaprevir treatment. • All 12 patients experienced rapid viral response (RVR), or undetectable HCV RNA levels by day 28. • 8 of the participants underwent 44 weeks of off-study pegylated interferon plus

ribavirin after finishing the telaprevir phase.• All 8 achieved sustained viral response (SVR), or undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after completion of therapy.• 1 individual who received only 22 weeks of treatment achieved SVR. In conclusion, the study authors wrote, "The combination of telaprevir, peginterferon alfa-2a, and ribavirin was generally well tolerated. Events of pruritus and rash resolved during or after end of telaprevir dosing. All 12 patients achieved an RVR."While this is one of the first studies of telaprevir to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, data from the larger and longer PROVE-1, PROVE-2, and PROVE-3 trials have been reported at recent scientific meetings.A majority of experts expect that directly targeted anti-HCV agents such as telaprevir will have to be used in combination with interferon for the foreseeable future, but addition of the new

agents may allow for shorter therapy.Alamo Medical Research, San , TX; Fundacion de Investigacion de Diego San , Puerto Rico; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Cambridge, MA.7/22/08References