UMass Docs Try Hepatitis Drug
The University of Massachusetts Medical School's MassBiologics laboratory in Boston has begun the first phase of a clinical trial of a new Hepatitis C treatment.
The treatment is based on an antibody called MBL-HCV1. It will be given to 30 volunteers in escalating doses until the trial concludes later this year. A second phase will focus on liver transplant patients.
Hepatitis C attacks the liver and can lead to liver failure. The virus kills about 10,000 people annually and more than 3 million Americans are chronically infected with Hepatitis C.
The antibody developed by MassBiologics is designed to be used shortly before and after liver transplant surgery. Researchers also think it could be used in patients that are newly diagnosed with Hepatitis C.
MassBiologics is a nonprofit, licensed manufacturer of vaccines and other biologic products. The laboratory produces 30 percent of the United States' tetanus/diphtheria vaccine supply. It is run by UMass Medical School professor Donna Ambrosino.
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