Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
Associated Press (12.12.08) - Monday, December 15, 2008
Linda A. Johnson
The approval will give some comfort to physicians who had been prescribing pegylated interferon for off-label use in pediatric patients, given its potentially serious side effects, said Jean P. Molleston, a pediatric hepatitis C expert at Indiana University School of Medicine.
"This treatment is a little more effective than [the older one] and only involves one shot a week," said Molleston, who has participated in industry-funded research. Older versions of interferon had to be injected three times a week, whereas pegylated interferon has been designed to circulate in the blood much longer. The new Rebetol approval includes a liquid formulation for younger patients.
In a clinical trial of Rebetol including 107 children, 55 percent cleared HCV genotype 1 - the most difficult to treat strain carried by about 70 percent of HCV patients in the United States. The duration of treatment was 48 weeks. In children with less common and less resistant strains, 96 percent cleared the virus from their blood during treatment lasting six months. Just 2 percent dropped treatment early in the trial, which was funded by Schering-Plough.
While 55 percent may sound disappointing, it is an improvement, said Molleston. In clinical trials involving Intron A, only 36 percent cleared the toughest-to-treat strain and 81 percent of the easier-to-treat strains.
Rebetol causes anemia and can cause birth defects or kill a fetus. Side effects can include weight loss, stunted growth persisting for several months after treatment has ended, fever, vomiting, headaches, anorexia, fatigue, and a drop in white blood cells. Nonetheless, "children tolerate these drugs much better than adults," Molleston said.
081215
AD082340
Copyright © 2008 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.