A NIH-funded study, published February 19 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, shows that possessing either of two specific gene variants make it more likely that a patient’s own immune system can successfully fight off hepatitis C infection (i.e., without the need for medications). Furthermore, if a person possesses both, the chances of clearing the virus are even greater. These results may predict which patients will respond more favorably to hepatitis C treatment.
For a copy of the study abstract, go to http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1650774#Abstract. For details on NIDA’s AIDS Research Program, go to www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/organization/offices/office-nida-director-od/aids-research-program-arp. For a copy of a press release from Johns Hopkins Medicine, go to http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/studies_advance_
knowledge_of_hiv_impact_on_hepatitis_c_infection_and_genes_that_may_thwart_
hepatitis_c_infection.
For more information, contact the NIDA press office at media@nida.nih.gov or 301-443-6245.