The new research could pave way for developing potentially more useful therapies as far as Hepatitis C is concerned.
The researchers of the latest study found that Americans of European origin have a higher probability of possessing a genetic variant that responds positively to available treatments. This is in comparison to the African-Americans.
Study details
For conducting the latest study, researchers took into account the genetic structure of 1,671 people residing in the U.S. All these people were chronically infected with Hepatitis C.
It was found that patients of European origin with the genetic variation found on chromosome 19 responded two times better to the treatment in comparison to the group which had people of African origin.
This difference in results is possibly because of the genetic alterations. The modification is subsequent to the gene that encodes interferon
lambda, a protein.
As of now, this protein is being studied by the New York-based Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Seattle-based ZymoGenetics Inc., so as to develop a treatment for Hepatitis C.
Knowledge of specific medicine can help in better treatment
David Goldstein, a professor at Duke University and senior author of the study, said that if the doctors are able to grasp as to what kind of specific medicines will benefit what kind of patients, they can treat the disease in a better way.
He was quoted as saying, “We want to see a test get into the hands of clinicians so they can use that information on deciding optimal treatment. We want to understand what is happening so we know how this genetic variation influences viral defence.”
About Hepatitis C
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Hepatitis C virus affects almost 170 million people across the globe. The virus attacks the liver and can also lead to cancer.
As of now, the patients infected with Hepatitis C virus are administered interferon with a combination of ribavirin. This proves to be effective in almost half of patients.
The latest study was released today by the journal Nature and funded by Schering-Plough Corp.
Post new comment