Gilead Sciences: High-Performing Pharmaceutical Mar 28, 2009
Gilead's first drug in this category Hepsera, for the hep B virus generated $341 million in sales in 2008. And it recently received approval in the U.S. and other countries to treat hep B patients with its HIV drug Viread. (BusinessWeek)
* Hepatitis B victims skip medicine in bad economy Mar 25, 2009
Taipei Times - archives. Enter your search terms. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Taiwan)
First Step Towards A World Reclassification Of Viruses Feb 25, 2009
(July 29, 2008) Using a newly developed method, Utrecht University researchers have mapped the structure and composition of the hepatitis B virus. The researchers were able to map the structure by spraying the. (Science Daily)
Routine tests may not totally rule out hepatitis, HIV Feb 23, 2009
"We did both the ELISA test prescribed by the government and the advanced Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) test with every donation. Three samples of donor blood tested negative for the mandatory tests but tested positive for Hepatitis B after NAT. Two of these three donations also tested positive for Anti HBc (total), indicating past exposure to Hepatitis B virus. We have prevented a potential transfusion associated with Hepatitis B in as many as nine patients, as each unit of blood is separated into... (Times of India)
When Acute Hepatitis Develops Into Chronic Hepatitis Feb 23, 2009
On the other hand, T effector cells are largely inactive with chronic hepatitis B infections: the Treg cells prevent an immune reaction and, in doing so, increase the number of hepatitis B viruses that are able to live in the organ ... Scientists have investigated 67 spontaneously recovered patients and found that co-infection by hepatitis B virus is. (Science Daily)
India hepatitis death toll reaches 38 Feb 22, 2009
Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease resulting from infection with the hepatitis B virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It usually spreads through blood, semen, or other bodily fluids, often through sexual contact or sharing needles or syringes with an infected person. (CNN -- World)
Chimp attack shows need for primate law Feb 21, 2009
Primates can spread dangerous diseases such as herpes B, monkey pox, tuberculosis and simian immunodeficiency virus or SIV, the primate form of HIV. Nearly every macaque monkey in captivity carries the herpes B virus. Recognizing this serious risk, 20 states including California already prohibit private ownership of primates as pets. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Probe into India hepatitis deaths Feb 21, 2009
The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person ... Chronic carriers have an increased risk of developing liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, because the hepatitis B virus steadily attacks the liver. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Gujarat in the grip of Hepatitis B Feb 19, 2009
Hepatitis B virus, also called serum hepatitis, spreads through infected body fluids such as blood, saliva and breast milk. Infection occurs through contaminated , and sharing of contaminated needles or syringes. (NDTV.com)
Gene Linked To Aggressive Progression Of Liver Cancer Identified Feb 19, 2009
15, 2008) Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver cancer in some individuals, but not all strains of the virus are associated with the same degree of risk. If confirmed, the newly reported data. (Science Daily)
Viruses' Protective Shield Deciphered Feb 17, 2009
(June 23, 2006) Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have analyzed the structure of hepatitis B virus and found that it has unique features that distinguish it from other enveloped viruses such as influenza. . (Science Daily)
New Test May Help To Ensure That Dengue Vaccines Do No Harm Feb 17, 2009
(May 1, 2007) Bananas have emerged as the best candidate to deliver a bite-sized vaccine for hepatitis B virus (HBV) to millions of people in developing countries, according to a recent. (July 18, 2007) A universal influenza vaccine that has been pioneered by researchers from VIB and Ghent University is being tested for the first time on humans by the British-American biotech company Acambis. (Science Daily)
Camouflaging Of Viral DNA Could Be Crucial Step In Progression Of Cancers Feb 15, 2009
In a study published online in Genome Research, scientists have mapped a chemical modification of DNA in three oncogenic viruses (Epstein-Barr, human papilloma virus, and hepatitis B virus) and found that the viral genome undergoes critical changes during the progression of disease, with implications for the development of new methods of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment ... Worldwide, most people are already infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, and millions are infected with the human... (Science Daily)
Radioimmunotherapy: Promising treatment for HIV infection and viral cancers Feb 15, 2009
RIT also has potential as a therapy for cancers that are preceded by viral infections, such as cervical cancer (certain forms of which are associated with human papilloma virus) and hepatocellular carcinoma (associated with hepatitis B virus). Such cancers account for almost a quarter of all cancers. (EurekAlert!)
Pharmasset Receives $10 Million of Working Capital Mar 29, 2008
Pharmasset's primary focus is on the development of oral therapeutics for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Pharmasset is currently developing three product candidates. (PR Newswire)
BARACLUDE(R) (entecavir) Data Continue to Demonstrate Low Incidence of Resistance Through Five Years of Treatment in Nucleoside-naive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Mar 25, 2008
Drug resistance occurs when the hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutates, thereby avoiding the effects of the medication. This can decrease the efficacy of the current medication and may compromise future treatment options. (PR Newswire)
BARACLUDE data show low resistance over 5 years in nucleoside-naive hepatitis B patients Mar 25, 2008
Drug resistance occurs when the hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutates, thereby avoiding the effects of the medication ... BARACLUDE (entecavir) is a prescription medicine used for chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in adults where the virus is multiplying and damaging the liver. (EurekAlert!)
China's Hepatitis B carriers face gloomy future Mar 19, 2008
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Madam Yan and 11 other mothers in China turned to the All-China Women's Federation for help after their toddlers were denied places in kindergarten after testing positive for the Hepatitis B virus. "When I see other children going to school happily and mine is alone, my heart drips with blood," Yan wrote. (Scientific American)
Health Department Gives Information on Hepatitis Mar 9, 2008
Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It is easily spread by direct contact with the blood of body fluids of an infected person. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Flu still widespread, but cases might be leveling out Mar 7, 2008
"What's unusual about this season is we have a good proportion of (influenza A viruses) and (an influenza B virus) circulating at the same time. Usually, we'll see A's come through, and then we'll see B's later in the season. Here, we've got three flu viruses hitting us at the same time. I think that makes it seem rather tough.". In Yankton, pediatrician Dawn Larson said flu case numbers seem slightly higher this year. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
3D Virus Image, At Highest Resolution Ever Mar 6, 2008
3D Virus Image Taken At Highest Resolution Ever. 3D Virus Image Taken At Highest Resolution Ever. (Science Daily)
Flu vaccine mismatch causing more cases this year Mar 3, 2008
However, most of the A (H3N2) and B virus strains were different from those contained in the vaccine, suggesting that protection against circulating. This article is for Paid Print Subscribers ONLY.. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
ProMetic announces signature of definitive license agreement with Kedrion for two hyperimmune products Feb 26, 2008
It is also used in the treatment of acute exposure to hepatitis B following acute exposure to blood containing HBsAg, perinatal exposure of infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers, sexual exposure to HBsAg positive persons, and household exposure of infants to persons with acute hepatitis B virus infection. The groups usually considered at risk are hepatitis B researchers and workers, and many health care professionals. (PR Newswire)
Working Toward Effective Treatment for HBV Infection Feb 25, 2008
25, 2008) Despite the existence of safe and efficient vaccines, hepatitis B virus is one of the most deadly viruses in the world, killing about 1 ... To better understand the direct liver disease induced by hepatitis B virus, recent research brought us one step closer to an effective treatment for HBV infection ... This not only confirmed the previous observation, but showed how the molecular mechanism of how Hepatitis B virus X protein inhibits the liver regeneration. (Science Daily)
Mechanisms of HBV virulence found Feb 25, 2008
WASHINGTON: Scientists at France's National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) have said that they have uncovered a novel molecular mechanism by which the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver diseases ... This not only confirmed the previous observation, but showed how the molecular mechanism of how Hepatitis B virus X protein inhibits the liver regeneration, they added. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Who found some new mechanisms of HBV virulence? Feb 23, 2008
This not only confirmed the previous observation, but showed how the molecular mechanism of how Hepatitis B virus X protein inhibits the liver regeneration ... Reference: Sidorkiewicz M, Jais JP, Tralhao G, Morosan S, Giannini C, Brezillon N, Soussan P, Delpuech O, Kremsdorf D. Gene modulation associated with inhibition of liver regeneration in hepatitis B virus X transgenic mice. (EurekAlert!)
Flu bug out in full force Feb 22, 2008
But the vaccine s Type B component turned out not to be a good match for the B virus that has been most common this winter. This week, the World Health Organization took the unusual step of recommending that next season s flu vaccine have a completely different makeup from this year s. Wendy Rhinehart, RN BSN with Polk Medical Center said they ve been busy treating local residents suffering from the flu. (Rockmart Journal, GA)
Flu season worsens: Shots fight wrong bugs Feb 17, 2008
But the vaccine's Type B component turned out to be a poor match for the B virus that has been most common this winter. And one of the Type A components turned out to be poorly suited for the Type A H3N2/Brisbane-like strain that now accounts for the largest portion of lab-confirmed cases. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Cough, ache, achoo; is it the flu? Feb 14, 2008
The three vaccine strains - one A (H1N1) virus, one A (H3N2) virus, and one B virus - are representative of the influenza vaccine strains recommended for that year ... However, data also suggests "that protection against the H3N2 and B virus strain in the community might not be optimal.". (The Examiner)
Flu shots defense may belacking Feb 9, 2008
The Type B strain chosen for this years vaccine also was not a good match for most of the B virus strains seen in the United States this flu season, Bresee said. While a less-than-ideal virus match between the viruses in the vaccine and those circulating viruses can reduce vaccine effectiveness, we know from past influenza studies that the vaccine can still protect enough to make illness milder or prevent flu-related complications, Bresee said. (MSNBC -- Health)
Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Taiwan: comparison between women born in Taiwan and other southeast countries Feb 7, 2008
Other articles by authors. Related articles/pages. (BioMed Central)
Regular Marijuana Use Increases Risk Of Hepatitis C-related Liver Damage Jan 30, 2008
Scientists have investigated 67 spontaneously recovered patients and found that co-infection by hepatitis B virus is. . (Science Daily)
1/28: Tufik.B Virus Infects Local, Mapped Drive Executable Files Jan 29, 2008
B Virus Infects Local, Mapped Drive Executable Files ... B Virus Infects Local, Mapped Drive Executable Files January 28, 2008. (eSecurityPlanet)
1/28: W32.Tufik.B!inf Detects Files Infected by Virus Jan 29, 2008
inf Detects Files Infected by Virus. E-Security Planet Webcasts. (eSecurityPlanet)
China crawls towards judicial reform Jan 25, 2008
Moreover, in some cases, the claims appear to have generated or reinforced public pressure for modest legal reforms, such as the revision of employment regulations that discriminated against carriers of the Hepatitis B virus [7. The government has also enacted limited institutional reforms. (Asia Times Online)
Hepatitis B virus genotypes and resistance mutations in patients under long term lamivudine therapy: characterization of genotype G in Brazil Jan 23, 2008
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) isolates have been classified into eight genotypes (A to H) with distinct geographical distributions. HBV genotypes may also influence pathogenic properties and therapeutic features. (BioMed Central)
New Test Screens for Flu and Other Viruses Jan 23, 2008
The ProFlu+ test can analyze a single sample for influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus A and B (RSV). These viruses can cause influenza, pneumonia and an infection of the airways called bronchiolitis. (MEDLINEplus)
FDA clears Prodesse respiratory virus test Jan 22, 2008
The product has a platform that allows several tests to be processed using the same sample to detect influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus A and B (RSV). These viruses can cause influenza, an infection of the airways called bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, and all are among the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections. (WTN News)
Nucleonics initiates hepatitis B clinical trial with expressed interfering RNA therapeutic Jan 12, 2008
HORSHAM, PA (January 11, 2008): Nucleonics, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development of novel RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics, announced today that the company has begun treating patients in a Phase 1 human safety study of its experimental treatment for chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, NUC B1000. NUC B1000 () is an expressed interfering RNA (eiRNA)-based product consisting of a plasmid DNA construct designed to produce four short interfering... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Is a universal flu vaccine on its way? Jan 8, 2008
When the M2 protein is linked to a protein from the hepatitis B virus, the hepatitis B proteins cluster together to form particles that display the M2 protein on their surface. This mimics how the M2 protein would be presented during a normal infection, and provokes a stronger immune response than the M2 protein alone when tested in the lab. (Nature News Service)
HK experts find telbivudine works better to suppress HBV Jan 4, 2008
HONG KONG, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Two local universities made their studies results public here Thursday telling that new medication telbivudine suppresses hepatitis B virus (HBV) better than traditional treatments. University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) held a joint press conference on Thursday revealing that telbivudine works better than commonly prescribed medicine lamivudine and adefovir in restraining HBV.. (Xinhuanet, China)
Pharmasset Reports Fiscal Year End 2007 Financial Results Jan 1, 2008
The increased operating expenses for fiscal year 2007 were primarily the result of an increase in Phase 3 registration clinical trial expenses for clevudine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, as well as drug discovery, non-cash stock compensation and depreciation expenses ... Pharmasset's primary focus is on the development of oral therapeutics for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (PR Newswire)
Nonhospital health-care workers at substantial risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens Dec 21, 2007
Findings from the study also suggest that many of the exposed nurses may be at increased risk of infection with serious bloodborne pathogens, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus, since only 65% of these serious exposures were ever formally reported to the nurses administrator. Fear of getting into trouble, not having enough time to report, and not knowing how to report an exposure, were the three most common reasons given for not reporting. (EurekAlert!)
Telbivudine versus Lamivudine in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Dec 20, 2007
Background Reducing hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication to minimal levels is emerging as a key therapeutic goal for chronic hepatitis B.. Methods In this double-blind, phase 3 trial, 1370 patients with chronic hepatitis B were randomly assigned to receive 600 mg of telbivudine or 100 mg of lamivudine once daily. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Standard Hepatitis B Treatment Bested by Newcomer Dec 20, 2007
This occurs in only about 6 percent of people over 5 who are infected with the hepatitis B virus, in about 30 percent of infected children between 1 and 5 years old, and in as many as 90 percent of babies who are infected with the virus ... The goal of treatment is to keep levels of the hepatitis B virus as low as possible ... The number of study volunteers who had undetectable levels of hepatitis B virus by the end of the treatment year were much greater for those on telbivudine. (Health-Finder)
Hepatitis B Vaccine Is Not Linked To Multiple Sclerosis In Childhood Dec 5, 2007
This controversy created public misgivings about hepatitis B vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccination in children remained low in several countries despite vaccination campaigns supporting early vaccination against hepatitis B in children as a means of inducing strong and long-lasting immunity and despite high levels of hepatitis B-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. (Medical News Today)
Hepatitis B Vaccine Not Associated With Childhood Multiple Sclerosis Dec 5, 2007
4, 2007) Vaccinating against the hepatitis B virus does not appear to be associated with the risk of developing multiple sclerosis in childhood, according to a new article ... (May 1, 2007) Bananas have emerged as the best candidate to deliver a bite-sized vaccine for hepatitis B virus (HBV) to millions of people in developing countries, according to a recent. (Science Daily)
Pill Boosts Platelets In Hepatitis C Patients Nov 30, 2007
Scientists have investigated 67 spontaneously recovered patients and found that co-infection by hepatitis B virus is. (May 14, 2007) Even though HIV can be well treated these days, drug users are still more cautious about using needles than they used to be. (Science Daily)
Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viral co-infections among children infected with human immunodeficiency virus attending the paediatric HIV care and treatment center at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania Nov 22, 2007
With increased availability of antibiotics and antifungal agents hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are becoming a cause for significant concern in HIV infected children. We determined the seroprevalence and risk factors for HBV and HCV among HIV infected children aged 18 months to 17 years, attending the Paediatric HIV Care and Treatment Center (CTC) at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. (BioMed Central)
Migration 'fuelling rise in Hepatitis B' Nov 22, 2007
The Foundation's report said: "Much more needs to be done. "There is a serious risk that in the future, while chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection declines in countries which have implemented universal vaccination, the UK - that great pioneer of public health - will continue to harbour an ever-increasing pool of chronic HBV infection. " The Hepatitis B Foundation UK now estimates that there are some 326,000 cases, compared to 180,000 in 2002. However, it acknowledges these figures are of... (Daily Mail)
GNI Announces IND Approval in China for Novel Liver Disease Drug F351 Nov 21, 2007
The principal causes of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis in Japan and China are viral infection by the Hepatitis B virus or Hepatitis C virus. Alcohol abuse and fatty liver may also lead to liver fibrosis. (BusinessWire)
New wave of immigration blamed for doubling of hepatitis B cases Nov 21, 2007
There is a serious risk that in the future, while chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection declines in countries which have implemented universal vaccination, the UK that great pioneer of public health will continue to harbour an ever-increas-ing pool of chronic HBV infection. Damian Green, the Conservative immigration spokesman, said: This is an alarming report and it is reasonable to expect from the Government an urgent response about testing those people coming into the country. (Times Online)
Migration 'fuelling Hepatitis B' Nov 21, 2007
The Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, for instance via unprotected sex or the sharing of contaminated needles. We are not in the middle of a major public health problem yet, but we need to start looking ahead before we find ourselves in one. (BBC News -- Health)
Most Brits Susceptible To Hepatitis B Infection - UK One Of Few ... Nov 12, 2007
180,000 people in the United Kingdom are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus - about 7,700 new infections occur annually ... This would generate a group of immune people more quickly than universal infant immunization alone and accelerate the control of the hepatitis B virus in the UK.. (Medical News Today)
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Men Nov 8, 2007
The large majority of cases occur in patients with chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). The relative risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic HBV or HCV infection is about 25 to 30 times that of those without infection. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Protect yourself, get the flu shot Nov 7, 2007
Each vaccine contains three influenza viruses one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. (Greenville Delta Democrat Times, MS)
Springfield eyed as home of monkey that bit two kids in Columbia Nov 4, 2007
The monkey was identified through photographs as a rhesus macaque, a species known in rare instances to carry Simian B virus, a deadly disease. Worley identified the animal's possible owner as Libby Brozovich, of Springfield. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Gilead Issues More Viread Data Nov 3, 2007
Gilead Sciences ( - - ) on Friday issued positive 48-week data from two late-stage trials on the safety and efficacy of Viread among patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The Foster City, Calif. (TheStreet.com)
Merck licenses rights to new hepatitis B vaccine Nov 2, 2007
Heplisav consists of a portion of the hepatitis B virus linked to a short DNA sequence aimed at bolstering immune response. The DNA sequence does that by stimulating a toll-like receptor, one of a family of sentries that activate the immune system's early response to infection. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Valley researchers pursue cancer vaccine Oct 28, 2007
Similarly, the hepatitis B vaccine, which prevents infection with the hepatitis B virus, prevents some forms of liver cancer. How do therapeutic cancer vaccines differ from the proposed preventive one. (AZCentral)
Discovery Of New Antiviral Mechanism Promising For Hepatitis C Treatment Oct 23, 2007
Scientists have investigated 67 spontaneously recovered patients and found that co-infection by hepatitis B virus is. (Sep. (Science Daily)
Successful Malaria Vaccine Also Proves Effective in Infants Oct 20, 2007
RTS,S works by fusing a protein secreted by the malaria parasite with a molecule on the surface of hepatitis B virus that the human immune system recognizes and attacks. The researchers speculate that it works much like other vaccines, especially because the amount of protection conferred depends on the amount of malaria antibodies in the blood and malaria-recognizing, disease-fighting T cells in the liver. (Scientific American)
Kids with Chronic Hepatitis B Generally Do Well Oct 19, 2007
There was no evidence that interferon therapy helped the patients rid themselves of hepatitis B virus in the long-term. "These findings should be considered when selecting candidates for treatment and choosing antiviral agents," the investigators suggest. (MEDLINEplus)
Malaria Vaccine Trial On Babies Shows Promising Results Oct 19, 2007
The vaccine comprises a protein from the malaria parasite fused onto the surface of hepatitis B virus which the immune system recognizes and attacks. The vaccine was made by GlaxoSmithKline in partnership with the Path Malaria Vaccine Initiative and the trial was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. (Medical News Today)
Structure of influenza B virus protein gives clues to next pandemic Oct 16, 2007
Qinghua Wang, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at BCM, and Jianpeng Ma, associate professor in the same department and their colleagues describe the actual structure of influenza B virus hemagglutinin and compare it to a similar protein on influenza A virus ... What would it take for the bird flu to mutate and start killing people" Thats the next part of our work, said Ma. Understanding that change may give scientists a handle on how to stymie it. There are two main... (EurekAlert!)
