Scientists Report First Clinical Trials on Potent New Hepatitis C Drug Successfully Completed

The first clinical trials on a new investigational drug being developed to treat infections caused by Hepatitis C virus have been successfully completed by scientists.

INX-189, which is still in the initial stages, is being considered better than current treatment drugs- ribavirin and interferon, whose side effects are often severe.

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Professor Chris McGuigan of the Welsh School of Pharmacy, academic lead on the project, said: "The efficiency of drug release in this study has also confirmed that one single dose a day is most likely enough in treating the virus".

"We believe that INX-189 offers the possibility of more potency against Hepatitis, more rapid action in the liver, and fewer side effects than existing treatments," he added.

The research undertaken by Cardiff University showed INX-189 killed 90 per cent of the virus at very low (nanomolar) concentration, making it the most potent compound of its kind developed to date.

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Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus.

Approximately 170 million people worldwide are affected with Hepatitis C, which can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis and death.

The research undertaken by Cardiff University showed INX-189 killed 90 per cent of the virus at very low (nanomolar) concentration, making it the most potent compound of its kind developed to date.

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Source-ANI