Latest news with #HCV
Daily News Egypt
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Roche helps Egypt expand digital pathology and AI diagnostics
Roche Diagnostics is supporting Egypt's expansion of digital pathology and the integration of artificial intelligence into its public health system to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses, particularly in underserved regions, a company official said. The initiatives are being rolled out in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) system, according to Liliane Kanaan, North Africa Lead and General Manager for Egypt at Roche Diagnostics. Egypt is one of the first countries in Africa to adopt digital pathology at scale. The technology digitises tissue samples, allowing them to be viewed and analysed remotely. 'By reducing diagnostic turnaround times and enabling telepathology, this innovation will improve both the speed and equity of care delivery,' Kanaan said. 'In underserved communities, digital pathology will facilitate timely first opinions, helping patients receive a diagnosis locally without the need for extensive travel.' For more complex cases, the system allows for rapid second opinions from national or international experts. 'This significantly decreases the travel time and physical burden on both patients and healthcare professionals, while also accelerating diagnosis and treatment planning,' Kanaan added. Roche is also collaborating with national stakeholders to integrate AI into diagnostic workflows by deploying digital pathology scanners and AI-powered tools to modernise hospital pathology laboratories. Kanaan said this helps reduce the burden on healthcare professionals and directly addresses a critical skills gap. 'Notably, this solution directly addresses the severe shortage of pathologists across Africa, where statistics reveal there is approximately one pathologist for every one million people—compared to a ratio of about 1 to 25,000 in countries like the United States and United Kingdom,' she said. The company, which has operated in Egypt for over two decades, has been involved in several national health programmes. Kanaan cited collaborations that have contributed to national health outcomes, including Egypt's Hepatitis C elimination campaign. 'Roche played a key role in deploying national screening efforts, contributing to Egypt's recognition as a WHO Golden Tier country for HCV elimination—an achievement that reflects both the scale and effectiveness of the programme,' she stated. Other past partnerships include supporting the national blood safety strategy with Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) technology at the National Blood Transfusion Center and providing over two million tests during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company continues to support the Presidential Breast Cancer Initiative, launched in 2019, which has screened more than 30 million women to date. Aligning with national priorities like the Presidential Women's Health Initiative ensures innovation addresses the population's most pressing needs, Kanaan said. As part of this, Roche supported the upgrade of more than 26 public pathology laboratories across Egypt. 'These 26 upgraded sites enabled us to deliver over 20,000 full breast cancer diagnostic panels, an essential step in defining effective treatment plans for patients,' she said. Roche is also participating in the national cervical cancer early detection campaign, which has screened more than 20,000 women in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and several non-governmental organisations (NGOs). To meet the region's specific needs, Kanaan said the company localises its solutions by engaging with stakeholders including the Ministry of Health, UHI, military hospitals, academic institutions and NGOs. This involves providing comprehensive solutions that go beyond product sales to include capacity-building programmes, lab software and health consultancy services tailored to local infrastructure and regulations.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Virus Traces Discovered in The Brain Lining of People With Schizophrenia
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) may play a role in mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, according to a new study. Experts have long noted links between these psychiatric disorders and certain viral infections, but direct evidence of the viruses inside human brains is lacking. In the brain's protective lining, however, the new study found traces of 13 different viral species. HCV showed a significant association with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, compared to healthy controls. Related: The study, led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, analyzed postmortem brain samples from patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, as well as unaffected subjects to serve as controls. They focused on the choroid plexus, a network of capillaries and connective tissue that controls production of cerebrospinal fluid. This stuff surrounds the brain and spinal cord to cushion against impact, helps remove metabolic waste from the brain, and regulates the exchange of incoming and outgoing molecules. The choroid plexus is known to be a target for viruses, and since previous studies have found so few viral traces in the brain itself, the authors of the new study deemed this structure a good place for a closer look. They acquired samples from the Stanley Medical Research Institute collection, a repository of brain tissue to study people with mental health disorders. To hunt for hidden viruses, the researchers conducted sequencing with the Twist Comprehensive Viral Research Panel, which can help identify more than 3,000 different viruses in human samples. This revealed an array of viral sequences in the choroid plexus, especially in samples from patients who had schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. While those samples were more likely to contain viruses in general, HCV was the only viral species with a statistically significant link, the study found. Thus, the researchers chose it "to characterize the association between psychiatric disorders and viruses," they write. In a second phase of the study, the authors zoomed out from individual brain samples to analyze TriNetX, a vast database of health records from 285 million patients. Using these records, they found HCV in 3.5 percent of patients with schizophrenia and 3.9 percent of those with bipolar disorder. That's nearly twice the prevalence of HCV in patients with major depression (1.8 percent), the researchers note, and seven times the prevalence in the control population (0.5 percent). The new study found evidence of viruses only in the brain lining, despite also inspecting samples of the hippocampus – a brain region involved with learning, memory, and emotion, among other roles. The hippocampus was reliably clean, even if the lining wasn't. It appears the protective layer was effectively doing its job of keeping pathogens out of the brain. Yet patients with HCV in the lining did show altered gene expression in the hippocampus, hinting at how a virus might still wield influence from the brain's margins. More research is still needed to clarify the associations between viruses and psychiatric disorders, and to explore possible mechanisms that could let pathogens pull strings from the periphery. Even if HCV can contribute to these conditions, that wouldn't mean it's the only factor. The new findings don't suggest everyone with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder has HCV, the authors point out. They do, however, offer hope for novel tactics against devastating psychiatric disorders, says Sarven Sabunciyan, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins. "Our findings show that it's possible that some people may be having psychiatric symptoms because they have an infection, and since the hepatitis C infection is treatable, it might be possible for this patient subset to be treated with antiviral drugs and not have to deal with psychiatric symptoms," Sabunciyan says. The study was published in Translational Psychiatry. Related News 40% of People Have Eyes That Aren't Perfectly Round. Here's What You Need to Know. Plague Death in Arizona Shows Insidious Disease Never Disappeared Measles Can Erase Your Immune System's Memory, Expert Says Solve the daily Crossword
Business Wire
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Enanta Pharmaceuticals to Participate in Baird's Biotech Discovery Series
WATERTOWN, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENTA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to creating small molecule drugs for viral infections and immunological diseases, today announced that members of management will participate in a virtual fireside chat on Tuesday, July 22 at 1:30 p.m. ET as part of Baird's Biotech Discovery Series. A live webcast of the event will be accessible by visiting the 'Events and Presentations' section on the 'Investors' page of Enanta's website at A replay of the webcast will be available following the event and will be archived for at least 30 days. About Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Enanta is using its robust, chemistry-driven approach and drug discovery capabilities to become a leader in the discovery and development of small molecule drugs with an emphasis on indications in virology and immunology. Enanta's clinical programs are currently focused on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its earlier-stage immunology pipeline aims to develop treatments for inflammatory diseases by targeting key drivers of the type 2 immune response, including KIT and STAT6 inhibition. Glecaprevir, a protease inhibitor discovered by Enanta, is part of one of the leading treatment regimens for curing acute and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and is sold by AbbVie in numerous countries under the tradenames MAVYRET® (U.S.) and MAVIRET® (ex-U.S.) (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir). A portion of Enanta's royalties from HCV products developed under its collaboration with AbbVie contribute ongoing funding to Enanta's operations. Please visit for more information.
Health Line
14-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What are the Different Types of Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a type of hepatitis that can be further broken down into genotypes, or strains. Knowing which type you have can determine which treatment will work best for you. Hepatitis C is a type of liver disease that is among the most common viral forms of hepatitis in the United States. Treatment is essential to easing hepatitis C infection and helping to prevent long-term complications. Knowing the type of hepatitis C you have can help your doctor in deciding which treatment to suggest. What is hepatitis C? The term 'hepatitis' refers to liver inflammation in general. Hepatitis C is inflammation due to infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). There are five types of viral hepatitis, with HAV, HBV, and HCV the most common in the U.S. The other types are HDV and HEV. How do you get hepatitis C? Hepatitis C primarily spreads through direct contact with the blood of someone who also has the viral infection. While treatable when detected in its early stages, about half of people with hepatitis C aren't aware they even have this condition. There is also currently no vaccine available for HCV to help prevent hepatitis C. How are different types of hepatitis C classified? Different types of hepatitis C are classified into different strains, or genotypes, of HCV, depending on the genetic makeup of the virus. Seven main genotypes are currently recognized. Though some strains are seen worldwide, others are more regional. Genotype Description 1 Genotype 1 is the most common HCV strain, accounting for about 60% of cases in the U.S. This strain may also be further divided into types 1a and 1b. 2 Genotype 2 also includes types 2a, 2b, and 2c. While cases have been noted worldwide, strain 2 is primarily seen in both central and western Africa. 3 Genotype 3 is another possible strain of HCV seen in the U.S. However, it's primarily diagnosed in Asia. Genotype 3 may also be further classified into types 3a and 3b. 4 Genotype 4 is mostly seen in the Middle East and northern Africa 5 Strain 5 is primarily seen in South Africa. 6 Genotype 6 mostly occurs in southeastern Asia. 7 Strain 7 is only seen in the Congo region of central Africa. How does the type of hepatitis C affect treatment? The differences between each strain of HCV may determine how well prescription direct-acting antiviral treatments can help treat hepatitis C. Each type can impact the effectiveness of the overall treatment. The most commonly diagnosed hepatitis C genotypes in the U.S. are genotypes 1, 2, and 3. As such, your doctor will likely choose an antiviral treatment that can target one of these three strains. Testing can help confirm the exact genotype you have. During treatment, a doctor will order regular blood testing to determine whether the medications you're taking are working. How do you know which type of hepatitis C you have? Genotype testing for hepatitis C can be important to determine exactly which type of HCV infection you have, so a doctor can make tailored treatment recommendations. This includes the type of antiviral treatment prescribed and how long you need to take these medications. While genotype 1 is the most common type of hepatitis C in the U.S., it's important to let your doctor know if you've recently traveled internationally in case you have come into contact with other types. The only way to know which type of hepatitis C you have is through a blood test. A doctor will then send a sample to a lab for further molecular testing. A doctor can also confirm that you have hepatitis C by testing your blood for an HCV antibody. »MORE: Learn more about symptoms, causes, and risk factors of hepatitis C. How to treat different types of hepatitis C? Treatment for any type of hepatitis C is important in clearing up the viral infection. While some cases are short-term (acute), others may develop into chronic hepatitis C. Chronic cases can also increase your risk of developing liver cirrhosis or cancer. According to the CDC, antiviral treatment for hepatitis C in the U.S. typically involves oral medications you take for 8 to 12 weeks. Hepatitis C treatment also has an estimated 95% cure rate. The key is to determine which type of hepatitis C you have so a doctor can prescribe the right treatment. In some cases, you might need more than one medication. Your doctor may first try a pangenotypic regimen, which means that it may treat all genotypes. Examples of medication include: glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (Mavyret) sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (Epclusa) sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (Vosevi) Genotypes 1 and 4 may respond best to ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni) or elbasvir/grazoprevir (Zepatier). Prescribing the right medication for your hepatitis C genotype may involve some trial and error. This is why regular blood testing is important to determine whether the antiviral medications are working. »MORE: Discover a full list of heptatitis C medications. The takeaway Hepatitis C is an infection that results from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Several strains of HCV exist worldwide – seven main ones are currently known. The type of HCV infection you have can be determined with a simple blood test. While some direct-acting antiviral medications target all HCV genotypes, it may be useful to try a treatment that targets your specific genotype. Testing your blood to see which type of HCV you have can help a doctor decide which treatment may work best for you. Frequently asked questions Find answers to some frequently asked questions about hepatitis C genotypes: What is an HCV genotype? An HCV genotype refers to different strains of HCV that arise due to variations in the genetic make up of the virus. While new HCV genotypes are still being discovered, there are currently seven main genotypes that are known. How common is each HCV genotype worldwide? Genotype 1 is considered the most common worldwide and in the U.S. Genotypes 2 and 3 are also seen around the globe, while genotypes 4 to 7 are more regional. Does my HCV genotype affect my treatment? It's possible that the HCV genotype you have can affect how well antiviral treatments can work. However, newer medications are being developed that can treat all forms of hepatitis C and eliminate the need for genotype testing. How is HCV genotype testing performed? HCV genotype testing involves a blood test. A laboratory can then look for variations in the virus' genome to identify the strain, before reporting the results back to your doctor. Can a person have more than one HCV genotype? While uncommon, it's possible to have more than one HCV genotype at the same time. In this case, your doctor will need to make sure your treatment can treat all of them. Does my HCV genotype affect how severe my symptoms are? Some studies indicate that certain genotypes are associated with more severe hepatitis. For example, genotype 3 HCV infections may increase your risk of rapid fibrosis as well as liver cancer. Can my HCV genotype change over time? No, your HCV genotype will not change over time. You will usually only need to be tested to find out the genotype once. However, if you get the virus again, you'll need to have a test to determine the genotype once more. Are certain HCV genotypes more common in specific populations? Certain genotypes are more likely in particular geographical locations. For example, while genotype 1 is the most common worldwide, some genotypes are more regional, such as genotype 7 that is mostly seen in the Congo. Do HCV genotypes differ in how easily they spread? While it's unclear whether certain HCV genotypes spread more easily than others, research suggests some genotypes may have higher viral loads.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
No impact on CV exports due to the West Asia tensions: Ashok Leyland
Ashok Leyland does not foresee any impact from recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia on its commercial vehicle (CV) exports, with shipments continuing as usual to key markets in the region, Sanjeev Kumar, president of Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCV) at Ashok Leyland, said on Tuesday. 'As of now, no. There has been no impact on exports. They are going on as usual,' Kumar told Business Standard in an interview. The company has a 'fairly strong presence' in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and also exports to Africa, he added. In FY25, around 8 per cent of Ashok Leyland's total production was exported, while the remaining 92 per cent was sold in the domestic market. The company exported 15,255 units during the year, marking a robust 28.7 per cent year-on-year growth. Kumar also downplayed the effect of rising crude oil prices—linked to tensions in the West Asian region—on the domestic CV industry. He noted that diesel prices have remained stable for the past two to three years, offering predictability for fleet operators. 'What the industry wants is constant pricing. How does it help the CV operator? He knows what his expenses will be and, on that basis, engages with customers. This frequent up and down in crude prices will not have an impact. These are very temporary, event-driven issues,' he said. 'Three years back, when diesel prices were set, crude prices were at a higher level. So, I don't think we can expect anything negative in terms of crude right now,' he added, while acknowledging that sustained high crude prices could push up input costs like rubber. Kumar was speaking on the sidelines of a company event in New Delhi, where Ashok Leyland outlined plans to strengthen its footprint in northern India. The company is targeting an increase in its M&HCV market share in the region from 26 per cent currently to 30 per cent over the next two to three years. Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, currently operates nearly 300 channel outlets in northern India and plans to add over 50 touchpoints this year. 'Northern India is the largest market for the commercial vehicle sector and contributes to more than a third of the total industry volume,' Kumar said during the event. The company has gained nearly 6.5 percentage points of market share in the region over the past three years, driven by various factors including cost efficiency, he said. Looking ahead, Ashok Leyland plans to continue investing in new technologies and product development while capitalising on infrastructure growth and freight mobility demands in the region.
