In an article published in Health Magazine, Ryan Westergaard, MD, PhD, MPH, assistant professor, Infectious Disease, discussed newer classes of hepatitis C drugs called direct acting antivirals (DAAs), which often can clear the virus in a matter of weeks. 

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread through contact with infected blood, such as shared needles or syringes. For one in four people, HCV results in a short-lived or acute infection that’s overcome by the immune system without further treatment. For the remaining individuals, chronic hepatitis C occurs as the virus takes up residence for the long term. There are currently 4 million people in the US with chronic hepatitis C, which can last a lifetime and cause serious liver damage or liver cancer. While some with chronic hepatitis C will develop symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, or jaundice, many will be free of symptoms for years. The “silent” nature of the disease poses a major public health risk.  

The DAA drugs are a significant improvement over previous treatment regimes, Dr. Westergaard explained, although the cost and frequent lack of insurance coverage for the drugs has posted problems. "The treatment has gotten really easy," said Dr. Westergaard. "We know what we can do to reduce the disease burden of hepatitis C, but we're not even close to making an impact just because of it costing so much money."

He continued, “It won't fix their liver, [but] it'll cure them of the virus that is doing ongoing liver damage. It's dousing the fire even though the house is still burning.” 

Resources:

• “This Is How Hepatitis C Is Treated (and Even Cured for Good),” Health, April 12, 2017