Latest news with #hepatitisC
Associated Press
a day ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Live Love Life Hosts Largest National HIV Testing Day Event Across Central and Northeast Florida
Live Love Life Community Health Care Clinics will host its largest outreach effort to date, offering free, walk-in HIV testing at multiple locations. HOLLY HILL, FL, UNITED STATES, June 27, 2025 / / -- In recognition of National HIV Testing Day on Friday, June 27, Live Love Life Community Health Care Clinics will host its largest outreach effort to date, offering free, walk-in HIV testing at multiple locations across Central and Northeast Florida. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., providing residents with a simple, fast, and confidential way to know their status and access supportive care. The testing sites will be located at the Live Love Life Clinic in Holly Hill. In addition, testing will be available at three off-site Walgreens and pharmacy locations: Walgreens #7241 in Deltona, Walgreens #4441 in Daytona Beach, and PHD Pharmacy in Orlando. All locations will offer free rapid HIV tests, with no appointments necessary, and results are available in minutes. 'At Live Love Life, we believe health equity begins wherever people are; not just inside a clinic,' says Mark Walczyk, CEO of Live Love Life. 'That's why today, we're meeting our community where they live, work, and gather; with free STI, HIV, and hepatitis C testing, health education, and real pathways to care. We invite everyone—whether you're curious, concerned, or simply care about your health - to stop by, bring a friend, and take one small step toward something better. Because this is more than public health, this is public love.' National HIV Testing Day is a critical moment to increase awareness around HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. Early diagnosis not only improves health outcomes but also plays a vital role in preventing the spread of HIV within the community. Through this event, Live Love Life aims to empower individuals to take charge of their health and encourage open conversations about testing and care. Beyond HIV testing, Live Love Life Clinics offer a wide range of inclusive health services year-round. These include hepatitis C testing and treatment, harm reduction support, PrEP and PEP education, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, and assistance with insurance enrollment and benefits navigation. The organization has established clinics in Holly Hill, Daytona, Ormond Beach, Deland, Orlando (Pine Hills and Universal), and Jacksonville (Downtown and Southside), with additional locations in development. Community members are encouraged to attend, bring friends or loved ones, and help spread the word about this life-saving initiative. No registration is required—just walk in and get tested. For more information about Live Love Life, please visit Charlie Walker Live Love Life email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Atea Pharmaceuticals Announces Continued Advancement of Global Phase 3 HCV Program with Dosing of First Patient in C-FORWARD Outside North America
C-FORWARD is the Second Phase 3 Trial in the Global HCV Development Program; the First Phase 3 Trial, C-BEYOND, is Currently Enrolling Patients in the US and Canada Regimen has Potential Best-in-Class Profile with Short Treatment Duration, Low Risk for Drug-Drug Interactions and Convenience with No Food Effect HCV Infection Remains a Significant Global Health Burden, with Approximately 50 Million People Infected, Including up to 4 Million in US BOSTON, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVIR) (Atea or Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of oral antiviral therapeutics for serious viral diseases, today announced that the first patient was dosed in the global Phase 3 C-FORWARD trial evaluating the combination regimen of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir compared to the regimen of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). C-FORWARD, the second of two Phase 3 trials comparing this regimen, is being conducted at study sites outside of North America. Atea initiated C-BEYOND, the Company's Phase 3 trial in the US and Canada in April 2025 and continues to enroll patients in that study. In both studies, the regimen of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir is being administered orally once-daily for 8 weeks (in patients without cirrhosis) or 12 weeks (in patients with compensated cirrhosis) while the regimen of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir is being administered orally once-daily for 12 weeks. 'We are pleased to reach another important milestone for our global HCV program with the first patient dosed in C-FORWARD, our HCV Phase 3 trial being conducted outside North America. Our Phase 3 program is now enrolling patients on a global basis,' said Jean-Pierre Sommadossi, PhD, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Atea. 'We are focused on the successful development of a potential best-in-class HCV regimen that may make it easier to treat and cure patients infected with HCV. The target profile of our regimen is particularly well suited for both patients and healthcare providers in test-to-treat models of care, which enables seamless diagnosis and treatment for patients infected with HCV.' HCV continues to be a significant global health burden despite the availability of direct-acting antivirals, with an estimated 50 million people worldwide chronically infected with HCV, and approximately one million new infections each year. It is estimated that between 2.4 to 4 million people in the US alone are living with chronic HCV. 'It has been nearly a decade since the last generation of treatments for HCV became available to patients and in this time, the patient population and what they need to obtain a cure has evolved. Many patients infected with HCV are taking concomitant medications, including some that may not be recommended with the currently available HCV therapies,' said Dr. Eric Lawitz, MD, The Texas Liver Institute, Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio. 'The regimen of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir may offer a potent and more convenient option for my patients and may also make treatment more accessible for any patient who tests positive for HCV. I look forward to seeing the Phase 3 results when they are available.' 'The evolving HCV patient population and rising burden of untreated HCV in Europe mirrors trends seen in North America. Many patients present with co-morbidities and complex medical histories, with treatment decisions often influenced by concomitant medications,' said Tarik Asselah, MD, PhD, a principal investigator in the C-FORWARD trial and a Professor of Hepatology, Hôpital Beaujon, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), University of Paris-Cité, France. 'To truly advance HCV eradication and meet the needs of today's patients, an ideal treatment would combine high efficacy, short duration, and minimal risk of drug-drug interactions." Atea hosted a virtual HCV panel discussion with key opinion leaders (KOLs) on May 14, 2025. A panel of six experts, including leading hepatologists and prescribers from the US, Canada and Europe, discussed the current challenges for patients infected with HCV and the results from Atea's global Phase 2 study evaluating the regimen of bemnifosbuvir, a nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor, and ruzasvir, an NS5A inhibitor were reviewed. Company management also reviewed the HCV commercial market opportunity and the design for the global Phase 3 clinical development program. To listen to the replay of the KOL event, please click here. About the Phase 3 C-BEYOND and C-FORWARD Trials in Adults with Chronic HCV Atea is conducting two open-label Phase 3 trials, C-BEYOND in the US and Canada, and C-FORWARD, a global trial outside of North America. Each Phase 3 trial is expected to enroll approximately 880 treatment-naïve patients, including those with and without compensated cirrhosis. The trials are comparing the fixed dose combination (FDC) regimen of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir to the FDC regimen of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. The regimen of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir is being administered orally once-daily for 8 weeks (in patients without cirrhosis) or 12 weeks (in patients with compensated cirrhosis) while the regimen of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir is being administered orally once-daily for 12 weeks for all patients with or without compensated cirrhosis. The primary endpoint for each trial is HCV RNA < lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) at 24 weeks from the start of treatment and encompasses sustained virologic response 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) in each arm. Measurement at 24 weeks from the start of treatment is to ensure the primary endpoint occurs at the same relative timepoint from the start of treatment in all patients. Last month, at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2025, Atea presented results from the full cohort of patients (n=275) enrolled in its Phase 2 study evaluating the regimen. These results showed a robust 98% (210/215) SVR12 with the regimen in the 'Per-Protocol Treatment-Adherent Population.' The SVR12 rate was 95% (245/259) in the 'Per-Protocol Regardless of Adherence Population' (also referred to as the 'efficacy evaluable population'), which included patients who were not treatment adherent (17%). Results from three additional Phase 1 studies demonstrated that the combination of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir had a low risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and supported the safety of the regimen in HCV patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) taking a standard HIV treatment, and the safety of bemnifosbuvir in participants with hepatic or renal impairment with no need for dose adjustments. About HCV HCV is a blood-borne, positive-sense, single-stranded (ss) RNA virus that primarily infects liver cells. A leading cause of chronic liver disease and liver transplants, HCV is mainly spread via blood transfusion, hemodialysis and needle sticks, with 242,000 deaths occurring each year. Chronic HCV infection is the leading cause of liver cancer in the US, Europe and Japan. In the US, HCV infections predominate in patients in the age group between 20-49 years old, and it is estimated that fewer than approximately 10% of patients have cirrhosis. About Bemnifosbuvir and Ruzasvir for HCV Bemnifosbuvir has been shown in in vitro studies to be approximately 10-fold more active than sofosbuvir (SOF) against a panel of laboratory strains and clinical isolates of HCV GT 1–5. In vitro studies have also demonstrated bemnifosbuvir remained fully active against SOF resistance-associated substitutions (S282T), with up to 58-fold more potency than SOF. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of bemnifosbuvir supports once-daily dosing for the treatment of HCV. In both nonclinical and clinical studies, bemnifosbuvir has been shown to have a low risk for DDIs. Bemnifosbuvir has been administered to over 2,300 subjects and has been well-tolerated at doses up to 550 mg for durations up to 12 weeks in healthy subjects and patients. Ruzasvir has demonstrated highly potent and pan-genotypic antiviral activity in preclinical (picomolar range) and clinical studies. Ruzasvir has been administered to over 2,100 subjects at daily doses of up to 180 mg for 12 weeks and has demonstrated a favorable safety profile. The PK profile of ruzasvir supports once-daily dosing. About Atea Pharmaceuticals Atea is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing oral antiviral therapies to address the unmet medical needs of patients with serious viral infections. Leveraging Atea's deep understanding of antiviral drug development, nucleos(t)ide chemistry, biology, biochemistry and virology, Atea has built a proprietary nucleos(t)ide prodrug platform to develop novel product candidates to treat single stranded ribonucleic acid, or ssRNA, viruses, which are a prevalent cause of serious viral diseases. Atea plans to continue to build its pipeline of antiviral product candidates by augmenting its nucleos(t)ide platform with other classes of antivirals that may be used in combination with its nucleos(t)ide product candidates. Atea's lead program and current focus is on the development of the combination of bemnifosbuvir, a nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor, and ruzasvir, an NS5A inhibitor, to treat HCV. For more information, please visit Forward Looking Statement This press release includes 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include but are not limited to statements regarding the potential best-in-class profile of the regimen of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir for the treatment of HCV and the potential to develop a regimen that makes it easier to treat and cure HCV patients. When used herein, words including 'expected,' 'should,' 'anticipated,' 'believe,' 'will,' 'plans', and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements or information that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, performance or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based upon Atea's current expectations and various assumptions. Atea believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and beliefs, but they are inherently uncertain. Atea may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. Actual results could differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation, uncertainties inherent in the drug discovery and development process and the regulatory submission or approval process, unexpected or unfavorable safety or efficacy data or results observed during clinical trials or in data readouts; delays in or disruptions to clinical trials or our business; our reliance on third parties over which we may not always have full control, our ability to manufacture sufficient commercial product, competition from approved treatments for HCV, the timeline for the completion of the strategic alternatives review process is unknown and there can be no assurance that the process will result in any particular outcome; dependence on the success of Atea's most advanced product candidates, in particular the combination of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir for the treatment of HCV; as well as the other important factors discussed under the caption 'Risk Factors' in Atea's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 as such factors may be updated from time to time in its other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at These and other important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. While Atea may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, except as required by law, it disclaims any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Atea's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Contacts Jonae BarnesSVP, Investor Relations and Corporate Joyce AllaireLifeSci AdvisorsJallaire@ in to access your portfolio
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Udupi nurse loses Saudi job due to false hepatitis diagnosis; gets over ₹13 lakh compensation
Jun 23, 2025 09:20 PM IST A senior Nurse in Udupi was on Monday awarded ₹ 13.49 lakh in compensation by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission after he lost a job opportunity in Saudi Arabia due to a false hepatitis C diagnosis. The compensation amount accounts for three years of lost income, in addition to medical costs and mental agony.(Unsplash/representational) Shivakumar Shettigar, 43, a qualified industrial nurse from Udupi, was slated to join the United Medical Response Company in the gulf nation this February. However, a pre-departure medical test conducted at the National CT Scanner and Diagnostic Center in Mangaluru incorrectly indicated that he was positive for Hepatitis C, a condition that disqualifies candidates under Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) medical norms. Distressed by the result, Shettigar underwent follow-up testing at a private lab in Manipal and at the district government hospital in Udupi, both of which confirmed he was negative. Alleging negligence and the use of faulty kits, Shettigar moved the consumer forum, claiming the lab's error cost him not only the job but also significant emotional and financial distress. According to a court directive, after examining evidence and hearing both parties, the commission ruled in Shettigar's favour on May 21, 2025, directing the diagnostic centre to pay ₹ 13.49 lakh in damages within 45 days, with a 6 per cent annual interest applicable in case of default. The compensation amount accounts for three years of lost income (estimated at ₹ 82,584 per month), in addition to medical costs and mental agony.
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Concern raised over shortage of female gastroenterologists
KARACHI: A severe shortage of trained and qualified female gastroenterologists in Pakistan is contributing to delayed diagnoses and poor health outcomes for women suffering from gastrointestinal and liver diseases, as many are reluctant to consult male doctors due to cultural and social barriers. This concern was raised on the second day of the 7th Annual Conference of the Pakistan GI and Liver Disease Society (PGLDS), where experts warned that women across rural and urban areas are silently enduring serious health issues that are often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. They called for a national colorectal cancer screening program, especially for women, who due to the sensitivities involved and lack of female doctors, frequently present in advanced stages when treatment becomes more difficult. Speaking at the conference here at Liaquat National Hospital's convention centre, local and international specialists called for urgent public health reforms, including screening programs, dietary awareness, and structural changes in homes and schools to prevent a looming health crisis. Dr Lubna Kamani, President of PGLDS, reiterated the call for early detection and lifestyle change. 'We are facing a tsunami of fatty liver, hepatitis C, and colorectal cancer. It's time people took screening seriously. Medicines for Hepatitis B and C are available in Pakistan, but most people do not know they are infected. We urge everyone to get tested and follow medical advice.' Without national programs for screening and chronic illness prevention, she warned, the health system will collapse under the weight of non-communicable diseases. Dr Nazish Butt, a senior member of PGLDS, emphasised the rising burden of obesity and gut health issues in women. She noted that poor diets, sedentary routines, and hormonal factors were making women more vulnerable to gastrointestinal and liver disorders. 'We are seeing more young women with advanced liver disease and GI cancers because they delay seeking help.' Dr Sajjad Jamil, Secretary General of PGLDS, blamed obesity as the 'mother of all illnesses' and criticised the country's deteriorating dietary culture. 'Children start consuming sugary drinks, processed meat and junk food from an early age. There's no physical activity in schools, no playgrounds, and too much screen time. We are nurturing disease.' He demanded immediate implementation of a national colorectal cancer screening program and school-based awareness campaigns promoting healthy eating and exercise. International experts highlighted the importance of preventive approaches. South Korean expert Prof Eun Young Kim shared how her country controls liver and GI diseases through regular screenings, national health insurance, and diet and activity awareness. 'What we see here is preventable. Governments must invest in health promotion, not just treatment.' Dr Shahid Ahmed, Patron of PGLDS, said the conference aimed to equip local healthcare professionals with updated knowledge and treatment options. 'We've invited experts from South Korea, Turkey, South Africa and beyond to present and train our young doctors on how the world is addressing these diseases.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Health Line
20-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
The Progression of Hepatitis C: What Are the Stages?
Key takeaways Every case of hepatitis C begins as an acute infection. Infections that last more than 6 months are considered chronic. Many people with hepatitis C end up with chronic hepatitis C that can last a lifetime. The consequences of long-term infection include liver damage, liver cancer, and even death. Early detection and treatment are key for stopping the progression of hepatitis C and avoiding major complications. Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that leads to liver inflammation. Symptoms can be mild for many years, even while liver damage is taking place. Many people with hepatitis C end up with chronic hepatitis C that can last a lifetime. The consequences of long-term infection include liver damage, liver cancer, and even death. Early detection and treatment are key for stopping the progression of hepatitis C and avoiding major complications. How HCV is transmitted HCV is a bloodborne pathogen. That means the virus is transmitted through contact with blood that contains HCV. To reduce your risk of exposure: Avoid sharing razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and other personal hygiene items. Avoid sharing needles, syringes, and other sharps. Disinfect wounds and surfaces touched by blood and other bodily fluids as soon as possible. Patronize tattoo and body piercing studios that practice proper sterilization practices. HCV usually isn't transmitted through sexual contact, but it's possible. Using condoms, gloves, and other barrier methods during sexual activity can help reduce your risk. Birthing parents with HCV can also transmit the virus during childbirth, but not through nursing. Early warning signs In most cases, there are no early warning signs. Most people are symptom-free and remain unaware of the infection. Others experience mild symptoms, such as fatigue and loss of appetite, which tend to resolve independently. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 30% of people clear the infection within 6 months of exposure without medical intervention. Acute hepatitis C The acute phase of hepatitis C is the first 6 months after contracting HCV. Early symptoms may include: fever fatigue loss of appetite nausea and vomiting In most cases, symptoms clear up within a few weeks. If your immune system doesn't fight the infection on its own, it enters the chronic phase. Given the vague nature of the symptoms, hepatitis C may go unnoticed for years. It's often discovered during a blood test that's being done for other reasons. Chronic hepatitis C Approximately 70% of people will go on to develop chronic hepatitis C. However, even in the chronic phase, it may take years for symptoms to show. The progression begins with inflammation of the liver, followed by the death of liver cells. This causes scarring and hardening of liver tissue. Roughly 15–30% of people with chronic hepatitis C go on to develop cirrhosis of the liver within 20 years. Cirrhosis of the liver When permanent scar tissue replaces healthy liver cells, and your liver loses the ability to function, it's called cirrhosis. In this condition, your liver can no longer heal itself. This can cause fluid to build up in your abdomen and the veins in your esophagus to bleed. When the liver fails to filter toxins, they can build up in your bloodstream and impair brain function. Cirrhosis of the liver can sometimes develop into liver cancer. This risk is greater in people who drink excess alcohol. Treatment of cirrhosis depends on the progression of the condition. End-stage hepatitis C Chronic hepatitis C can cause serious long-term health consequences when it leads to liver scarring. End-stage hepatitis C occurs when the liver is severely damaged and can no longer function properly. Symptoms may include: fatigue nausea and vomiting loss of appetite abdominal swelling yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) muddled thinking People with cirrhosis may also experience bleeding in the esophagus, as well as brain and nervous system damage. A liver transplant is the only treatment for end-stage liver disease. Factors that affect the progression Because alcohol is processed in the liver, consumption of excess alcohol can hasten liver damage, so it's important not to drink it. Damage also progresses faster in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV. People who also have hepatitis B are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer. Males who have cirrhosis tend to experience faster disease progression than females. People over 40 with cirrhosis also experience faster disease progression than younger people. If you suspect that you have hepatitis C, consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to prevent and treat any serious complications or progression. Frequently asked questions What is the life expectancy of a person with hepatitis C? Many people live for years after receiving a hepatitis C diagnosis. Your outlook ultimately depends on the stage at diagnosis, whether liver damage has occurred, and your overall health. How many people experience long-term complications of hepatitis C? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 5–25 out of every 100 people who have hepatitis C develop cirrhosis within 10–20 years. People who develop cirrhosis have a 3–6% annual risk of hepatic decompensation or 'decompensated' cirrhosis. This occurs when your liver function decreases and may be a sign of end-stage hepatitis C. People who develop cirrhosis also have a 1–4% annual risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, which is the most common type of primary liver cancer. What are the chances of dying from hepatitis C? Hepatitis C alone typically isn't fatal, but complications from untreated or advanced hepatitis C can be. People who develop decompensated cirrhosis, for example, have a 15–20% risk of death within a year of diagnosis. If you have questions about your outlook, talk with your healthcare professional. They're the only person with direct insight into your diagnosis and medical history.
