Embargoed for Release Until:
Wednesday, January 29th 6 p.m. ET
Contacts:
Jennifer Ford, IDSA (703) 299-0412
Greg Bologna, AASLD (703) 299-9766
Online Expert Advice for Clinicians Treating Hepatitis C Now Available at
HCVguidelines.org
Today, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), in collaboration with the International Antiviral Society-USA (IAS-USA), announced the launch of a new website, HCVguidelines.org, that will offer up-to-date guidance for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
It is estimated that between 3 and 4 million Americans are infected with HCV and have chronic liver disease as a result. The most recent generation of direct-acting antivirals has the potential to cure most patients with HCV. However, the rapid pace of drug development has left medical providers and insurance companies unsure what the optimal treatments are. The guidance provided through HCVguidelines.org will assist clinicians in using these and other treatments in the care of their patients.
HCVguidelines.org is the result of an ongoing collaboration between the two medical professional societies and IAS-USA. A panel of 27 liver disease and infectious diseases specialists and a patient advocate developed evidenced-based, consensus recommendations for the screening, treatment and management of patients with HCV. This guidance will be made available for health care providers who treat the disease and others who need updated information on the best practices. The site will be updated regularly to keep pace with improved diagnostic tools and new drug options as they meet Food and Drug Administration approval.
"Recent changes in HCV testing guidelines have led to the diagnosis of increasing numbers of patients who were previously unaware of their infection. The guidance provided through HCVguidelines.org comes at a critical time as more and more of these patients seek treatment that has the potential to effectively 'cure' them," said Adrian Di Bisceglie, MD, FACP, president of AASLD.
"In just the past three months, two new medications became available for treating HCV that hold a great deal of promise for patients living with this disease, and more are expected. HCVguidelines.org provides physicians with the latest information and informed guidance on the available treatment options based on a rigorous review of data," said Barbara Murray, MD, FIDSA, president of IDSA.
"An estimated 3-4 million Americans are infected with HCV and are at risk of progressing to chronic liver disease as a result," said Michael Saag, MD, FIDSA, a member of the Board of Directors of the IAS-USA and a co-chair of the guidance panel. He added, "The presence of a readily available, frequently updated guidance document is a great service to providers and their patients, who will benefit from modern treatments that result in cure of HCV up to 95% of the time."
About AASLD
AASLD is a medical subspecialty society representing clinicians and researchers in liver disease. The work of our members has laid the foundation for the development of drugs used to treat patients with viral hepatitis. Access to care and support of liver disease research are at the center of AASLD's advocacy efforts.
AASLD is the leading organization of scientists and healthcare professionals committed to preventing and curing liver disease. AASLD was founded in 1950 by a small group of leading liver specialists and has grown to an international society responsible for all aspects of hepatology.
About IDSA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is an organization of physicians, scientists, and other health care professionals dedicated to promoting health through excellence in infectious diseases research, education, prevention, and patient care. The Society, which has nearly 10,000 members, was founded in 1963 and is based in Arlington, VA. For more information, see www.idsociety.org.
Visit www.idsociety.org/Hepatitis_C to access IDSA's extensive collection of resources on hepatitis C, including the Society's Core Curriculum for HCV at www.idsociety.org/HCV_Curriculum/#Introduction.
About IAS-USA
The International Antiviral Society – USA (IAS-USA) serves as a collaborating partner for the AASLD/IDSA Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Guidance and is responsible for providing expertise and administrative support to HCV Guidance Panel members and processes. A representative from the IAS-USA serves as a co-chair of the HCV Guidance Panel. For more information, see http://iasusa.org
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