Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Old Drug may Help to Combat Hepatitis C

by VR Sreeraman on September 1, 2008 at 6:42 PM
 Old Drug may Help to Combat Hepatitis C

Researchers from Stanford University say that an old drug may be effective against hepatitis C.

The research team say that their hunch is based on two significant discoveries in fight against hepatitis C:

Advertisement

One of their findings is that a protein called NS4B is actively involved in binding some of the genetic material, or RNA, and thus allows the virus to duplicate.

The researchers have also discovered that an obsolete anti-itching drug clemizole hydrochloride could obstruct the protein, leading to a tenfold decrease in virus replication.
Advertisement

"We're excited about this and we're actively moving forward toward clinical trials," Nature magazine quoted Dr. Jeffrey Glenn, associate professor of gastroenterology and hepatology, as saying.

With the help of coin-sized microfluidic chips that minimizes tabletop biological experiments down to the tiny scale of nanoliters, the research team was able to screen more than 1,200 drug candidates and find clemizole in just two weeks.

Unlike other proteins, NS4B is difficult to purify in large quantities while retaining the protein's natural properties and functionality.

Stephen Quake, PhD, professor of bioengineering and the other senior author said that the paper marks the first time that microfluidic technology has been used to discover a specific drug.

While researching for the specific drug to target the protein, co author Doron Gerber, PhD, in bioengineering discovered18 drugs that substantially reduced NS4B binding to its target RNA.

However they focused on clemizole because it is already known to be safe in humans.

Glenn said, that clemizole could become an essential component in a new class of multidrug treatments for hepatitis C.

The study appears in online edition of the journal Nature Biotechnology.

Source: ANI
SRM
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Drug News

Can a Needle-Free Patch Transform Zika Protection?
Researchers create needle-free Zika vaccine patch, using HD-MAP tech, aiming to protect against fatal virus spread by mosquitoes.
Prolonging Market Exclusivity of Brand-name Insulin
Examining FDA and patent records, researchers found that insulin manufacturers prolong market exclusivity for brand-name products.
FDA Boosts Orphan Drug Designations for Myelofibrosis Treatments
The rise in FDA ODD awards indicates a collective endeavor to create new myelofibrosis medications devoid of mechanisms inducing anemia.
Anti-Rheumatic Drugs May Help Prevent Thyroid Disease
The most significant decrease in autoimmune thyroid disease risk was observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving immunomodulatory drugs or 'biological DMARDs'.
Apotransferrin's Potential in Early Stroke Therapy Revealed
Human apotransferrin injected to mice models suffering from intracerebral hemorrhage was found to mitigate the serious effects of stroke.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Old Drug may Help to Combat Hepatitis C Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests