This one seems particularly timely now that Merck's Victrelis (boceprevir) has received FDA approval for the treatment of hepatitis C, and Vertex's Incivek (telaprevir) is widely expected to receive similar approval on Monday (May 23rd).
Abbott Receives FDA Approval For Molecular Test For Hepatitis C.
The Abbott RealTime HCV assay is intended for use as an aid in the management of HCV-infected patients undergoing antiviral therapy. The assay measures HCV RNA levels at baseline and during treatment and can be utilized to predict sustained and non-sustained virological response to HCV therapy.
"Monitoring HCV RNA levels is important in the management of the disease with antiviral medications," said Paul Martin, M.D., a gastroenterologist and hepatitis researcher with the Schiff Liver Institute and Center for Liver Diseases in Miami, "Viral load measurements help physicians determine whether to begin antiviral therapy, influence decisions on dosing and therapy duration, and identify drug resistant strains."
Posted by Bruce Lehr May 23rd 2011.
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