Preliminary results showed that a mean reduction in viral load of 3.94 log10 was achieved in the treatment group, as compared to a mean reduction of 0.22 log10 in the placebo group. All subjects in the treatment group had viral load decline between 3.0 and 4.5 log10, and two subjects reached undetectable levels of HCV RNA. Furthermore, all patients had viral loads that remained suppressed for at least 7 days after dosing was completed, maintaining a mean reduction of more than 2.0 log10 from baseline through day 12, the last day of viral load measurement in the study.
Tripep: The ChronVac-C(R) Study Has Been Successfully Completed With Good Safety And Favorable Clinical Data
Early data from three patients who have initiated standard of care treatment after completing the clinical trial have experienced a rapid loss of the virus, implying a possible role for ChronVac-C® in combination therapies. Tripep will therefore pursue clinical development of ChronVac-C® along two lines, the current ChronVac-C® as an addition to standard of care, and a 2nd generation improved ChronVac-C® as a monotherapy. GMP production and preclinical safety testing of the 2nd generation ChronVac-C® should start in the spring of 2010.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172370.php
Role of free radicals in liver diseases.
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) are produced by metabolism of
normal cells. However, in liver diseases, redox is increased thereby damaging
the hepatic tissue. The common
mechanism for hepatocarcinogenesis (cause of liver cancer) is chronic inflammation associated with severe oxidative stress. As a consequence, antioxidants have been proposed as an adjunct therapy for various liver diseases.
PMID: 19941170
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Vitamin D Boosts Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C
Adding a daily dose of Vitamin D to the regimen of pegylated interferon-alfa 2 and ribavirin might increase the response rates, according to an abstract which was presented at the Liver Meeting 2009, the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Association of the Study of Liver Disease.
http://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/11/25/vitamin-d-boosts-treatment-chronic-hepatitis-c
Multitasking may be Achilles heel for hepatitis C
The virus is a microcosm of efficiency, and each of its amino acids plays multiple roles in its survival and ability to sidestep attack. But new research from Rockefeller University suggests that this fancy footwork and multitasking could be the key to bringing down the virus. The work, which focuses on a once-ignored protein, provides insights on how drug therapy for sufferers of the disease might be improved.
http://newswire.rockefeller.edu/?page=engine&id=1001
The Antifibrotic Effects Of Green Tea
The researchers drew a conclusion that green tea may protect liver cells and reduce the deposition of collagen fibers in the liver. Green tea provides a safe and effective strategy for improving hepatic fibrosis.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/171527.php
Efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2a (40KD) plus ribavirin in hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Compared with patients with less severe disease, SVR rates are significantly lower in patients with advanced fibrosis. However, irrespective of genotype and degree of fibrosis, the time to become hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA undetectable was the strongest predictor of SVR.
PMID: 19918980
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Boceprevir Study Doubles Hepatitis C Clearance Rate
The triple combination of boceprevir and the current treatments of pegylated-interferon and ribavirin appears to eliminate the virus at double the rate of the standard drugs alone.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jM2zJcEr6Yu9MfpqePkZjHlzP3hAD9\BNCFB00
Zinc supplementation improves the outcome of chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis.
PMID: 19902019
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Doc Offers Top Hep C Drug Picks
Respected doctor's opinion on the hits and misses coming from last week's annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease.
http://www.thestreet.com
What Is the Optimal Timing of Hepatitis C Antiviral Therapy Before and After Liver Transplantation?
Treatment of patients with compensated cirrhosis was the most cost-effective strategy; it resulted in improved survival and decreased cost when compared with the other 3 strategies. Given these results, we strongly recommend expeditious administration of antiviral therapy to patients with compensated cirrhosis before their disease advances.
http://www.docguide.com
Valeant Pharmaceuticals Highlights Taribavirin Phase IIb End of Study
It is believed that
taribavirin (TBV) may present an alternative therapy to ribavirin (RBV) for the
treatment of hepatitis C by delivering similar efficacy to ribavirin but with
significantly less anemia, which is the main treatment-limiting toxicity
associated with ribavirin.
http://www.money.cnn.com
Diet and Hepatitis C
Today, hepatology experts increasingly recognize the importance of the metabolic aspects of chronic hepatitis C, and pay more attention to managing obesity and blood sugar and fat abnormalities.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org
UPDATE 1-Once-daily Schering hepatitis C drug shows promise
85-87 pct have no trace of virus after 12 wks; Side effects similar to standard 2-drug combo
http://www.reuters.com
Twice Daily Oral Medication Shows Promise in Treating Patients with Hepatitis C
This is the first study to demonstrate that an IFN-free, twice
daily, combination DAA regimen produces similar antiviral activity compared to
triple therapy (SOC plus protease) over 2 weeks of treatment," said Dr. Gane.
"This combination may represent the first IFN-free treatment regimen for both
treatment-naive and previously treated patients with HCV Genotype 1
infection.
http://www.reuters.com
GlobeImmune's Hepatitis C Therapeutic Vaccine Combined With Standard of Care
Increases End of Treatment Response Rate by 15%
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Globeimmune-Inc-1069001.html
Schering-Plough reports data on hepatitis C drug
Schering-Plough Corp. said its experimental hepatitis C drug
boceprevir helped eliminate the virus in about half of patients who did not
respond to standard treatments.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jM2zJcEr6Yu9MfpqePkZjHlzP3hAD9\BNCFB00
October 2009 Hepatitis C Research
The Relationship Between Hepatitis C and Vascular Disease
Mixed cryoglobulinemia is a common extrahepatic manifestation of Hepatitis C. Although not much is known about why this vascular disease frequently accompanies the Hepatitis C virus, researchers have uncovered some new information.
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2009/10/the_relationshi.html?eml=hepcen92
Idenix Pharmaceuticals Presents Data on IDX184 for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Today, Idenix announced presentations of data on IDX184, a once-daily novel liver-targeted nucleotide prodrug of 2'-methyl guanosine (2'MeG) for the treatment of HCV, at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) currently being held in Boston, Massachusetts.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS140350+30-Oct-2009+PRN20091030
NVHR Applauds New Bipartisan Legislation
Bipartisan legislation introduced today in the US House of Representatives, "The Viral Hepatitis and
Liver Cancer Control Act," will increase awareness and prevention of a disease
that is already afflicting over 5 million Americans - more than half of whom
do not know they are infected - and will help set the stage to avoid tens of
billions of dollars in unnecessary health care costs in the coming decade, the
National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) said today.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS241232+29-Oct-2009+PRN20091029
ZymoGenetics Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial of PEG-Interferon lambda in Hepatitis C with Bristol-Myers Squibb
PEG-Interferon lambda (IL-29) is a novel type 3 interferon in development for
hepatitis C. The native human protein Interferon lambda is generated by the
immune system in response to viral infection. In a Phase 1b clinical trial in
patients with relapsed HCV, administration of PEG-Interferon lambda over four
weeks in combination with ribavirin was shown to be well-tolerated and resulted
in significant antiviral activity.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS101995+27-Oct-2009+BW20091027
Sustained virological response in a patient with chronic hepatitis C treated by monotherapy with the NS3-4A protease inhibitor telaprevir.
This case suggests that long-term telaprevir monotherapy may be effective in
CH-C patients with genotype 1 and a low viral load.
PMID: 19857995
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Vertex hep C drug helps tough to treat patients
Interim results from an ongoing study released on Wednesday showed that 57
percent of patients, who failed to respond to treatment with the standard
treatments of pegylated-interferon and ribavirin and 90 percent of those who
responded but later relapsed, achieved a sustained viral response when
telaprevir was added to their regimen.
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssHealthcareNews/idUSN2727066420091028
Hepatitis C Personal Stories
New Webpage created for sharing personal experiences with the Hep C virus.
http://www.healthyhepper.com/hcvpersonalstories.htm
SciClone Announces Enrollment of First Patient in Its Phase 2 Trial of SCV-07 in Hepatitis C
SciClone is eager to
investigate further SCV-07's potential to enhance the immune response against
hepatitis C and to determine whether the compound is capable of improving the
current standard of care treatment.
http://www.sys-con.com/node/1152453
New Book, 'Breaking Free from Hepatitis C: A Personal Journey'
Personal account, based on author's journal and experience over the course of
11 years, offers insider's look and calls for action on prevention.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS120249+20-Oct-2009+PRN20091020
Lots of coffee may be good for people with hepatitis C
A study of people infected with the liver-damaging virus hepatitis C found the
risk of serious liver damage halved in people who drank at least three cups of
coffee a day.
http://www.oregonlive.com
Hepatitis C and Alcohol
Is it okay to have an occasional drink if you have Hepatitis C?
http://www.healthyhepper.com/hepatitiscandalcohol.htm
Human Genome Sciences gets milestone payment for development of hepatitis C drug, Zalbin
Human Genome Sciences Inc. said Monday it will be paid $75 million by
Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG for successful clinical testing of the hepatitis C
drug candidate Zalbin. The companies plan to file for U.S. and European regulatory approval in the fourth quarter. Assuming licensure
by the FDA and other regulatory agencies, HGS believes that ZALBIN could become
a market-leading treatment for chronic hepatitis C.
http://www.hgsi.com/albuferona.html
Hepatitis C Associated Skin Conditions
Review of Hep C associated skin problems by the Society of Correctional Physicians (SCP).
http://www.corrdocs.org
Liver stiffness scan shows cirrhosis
Fibroscan is a quick and reliable noninvasive technique that can be applied
successfully in the vast majority of patients to estimate liver fibrosis. The
commonest indication for Fibroscan is chronic hepatitis C.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/
Aethlon Medical Announces BIOCOM Conference Presentation
Hemopurifier® represents the first-in-class
medical device to selectively adsorb viruses and immunosuppressive toxins from
the bloodstream. The Hemopurifier® seeks to improve Hepatitis-C treatment
outcomes.
http://www.6minutes.com.au/articles/z1/view.asp?id=501899
Researchers Pave The Way For Effective Liver Treatments
This will give us new insights for the treatment for liver fibrosis, and it will give us the
platform to test new treatments. This also allows us to do the critical
experiments that will assess the ability of different drugs to work. There are
really no effective therapies for liver fibrosis—there is only transplantation.
Any less invasive therapy would be desirable. This is a big advance.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009204037.htm
Liver Cells Grown From Patients' Skin Cells
It is possible that in the future a small piece of skin from a patient with loss of liver function could be used to produce healthy liver cells, replacing the diseased liver with normal tissue.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008172003.htm
Treatment optimization in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
The treatment duration that obtains the optimal risk-benefit ratio in chronic hepatitis C infection is guided by viral kinetic data in weeks 4 and 12.
PMID: 19804920
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
7 Ways to Manage the Stress of Living with Hepatitis C
Expert Physician Offers Coping Strategies and Much More in New Book Edition. "We don't choose to be sick, but we can choose how we try to handle the
situation." Living with Hepatitis C, Fifth Edition
http://www.okspanishnews.com/noticias/detalle.php?idnoticia=919&idcategoria=14
Avila Presents Preclinical Data on its Novel, Orally-Available, Pan-Genotype Protease Inhibitor, AVL-181, Demonstrating Protein Silencing of Hepatitis C
Virus
The data showed that AVL-181 bonds selectively, covalently
and irreversibly to HCV protease (also known as "NS3/4A"), thus silencing a key
protein necessary for successful viral replication resulting in a prolonged
duration of action. Furthermore, the data demonstrate that the amount of HCV protease silenced by AVL-181 can be measured in a dose- and time-dependent manner in an animal model using Avila's novel translational technology known as a covalent probe.
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20091\005005164&newsLang=en
Keeping hepatitis C virus at bay after a liver transplant
One of the most common reasons for needing a liver transplant is liver failure or liver cancer caused by liver cell infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, in nearly all patients the new liver becomes infected with HCV almost immediately. But now, Hideki Ohdan, Kazuaki Chayama, and colleagues, at Hiroshima University, Japan, have developed an approach that transiently keeps HCV levels down in most treated HCV-infected patients receiving a new liver.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-10/joci-khc092409.php
Top 10 Post Counseling Messages
Messages we can give to advise the newly diagnosed person during this difficult period.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org
September 2009 Hepatitis C Research
Prolonged treatment with pegylated interferon alpha 2b plus ribavirin improves sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 patients with late response in a clinical real-life setting
Patients with CHCV genotype 1 infection should be treated with PEG-IFN plus ribavirin combination therapy as early as possible, and 72 weeks' treatment is recommended in patients with LVR regardless of age.
PMID: 19788694
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Silymarin Inhibits in Vitro T Cell Proliferation and Cytokine Production in Hepatitis C Virus Infection.
Silymarin's (an extract of milk thistle) ability to inhibit the proliferation
and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion of T cells, combined with its previously
described anti-viral effect suggests a possible mechanism of action that could
lead to clinical benefit during HCV infection.
PMID: 19782083
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Should Those With Hepatitis C Get a Swine Flu Shot?
In and of itself, Hepatitis C does not imply a mandatory H1N1 vaccination. Some of the indicators of a high swine flu complication risk are age, chronic disease, diabetes, immune system strength and being overweight. There are some with Hepatitis C who are strong, have no detectable liver damage and are able to fight off pathogens. These individuals may opt to focus on lifestyle practices to stay healthy instead of receiving a shot.
http://zikkir.com/health/8077
Marcial: Pharma Firms May Vie for Vertex
Telaprevir is a potential blockbuster drug for treating hepatitis C, with a multibillion-dollar market. Vertex could get FDA approval for it next year.
http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/sep2009/pi20090928_154221.htm
Achillion Completes Phase 1a Trial of ACH-1625; Begins Dosing in Phase 1b Segment With HCV-Infected Patients
ACH-1625 is a potent small molecule inhibitor of HCV protease, an enzyme necessary for viral replication. We are pleased that the outstanding safety profile established in preclinical testing continues to be seen in this human clinical trial.
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=174151
Smoking Pipes May Transmit HCV
New research shows that a pipe passed between people is capable of transmitting the Hepatitis C infection.
http://www.newstin.com/tag/us/147394806
Can Vitamin B-12 Help Hepatitis-Related Fatigue?
Although there are only a few reasons that someone with hepatitis could benefit from vitamin B-12 for an energy boost (anemia,alcohol, Encephalopathy, aged over 60), there is some interesting evidence tying this nutrient to Hepatitis C suppression.
http://zikkir.com/health/7803?wscr=1152x720
Iron depletion before HCV antiviral therapy: A pilot, randomized, controlled trial.
We aimed to investigate whether blood letting improves the efficacy (SVR) and tolerability of PEG-IFNalpha2b + Ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C patients. They conclude that blood letting does not increase the overall efficacy of antiviral therapy. However, there was a strong trend to higher sustatined viral remission SVR in naive patients undergoing phlebotomies (blood lettings) and this warrants further investigation.
PMID: 19760753
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Blueberries, Asparagus and HCV
Being a lover of blueberries and asparagus, the recent news articles about
research done on blueberries and HCV and asparagus and liver toxicity not only
got my interest but also perked up my appetite!
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/news/newsLetter/2009/advocate0909.html#5
Genetic Hint for Ridding the Body of Hepatitis C
30 to 40 percent of those infected somehow defeat the infection
and get rid of the virus with no treatment. In this week's Advanced Online
Publication at Nature, Johns Hopkins researchers working as part of an
international team report the discovery of the strongest genetic alteration
associated with the ability to get rid of the infection.
http://newswire.ascribe.org/cgi-bin/behold.pl?ascribeid=20090916.110445&time=12%\
2026%20PDT&year=2009&public=0
New Collaborations and Breakthrough Advancements in RNA-Based Drug Development
Advancing the first microRNA therapy for Hepatitis C into human clinical trials.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS96029+16-Sep-2009+PRN20090916
Managing depression during hepatitis C treatment.
Mental illness, particularly depression, is common among HCV-infected patients and
remains an obstacle to interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment. We summarize the
risk factors for interferon-alpha-induced major depressive disorder
(IFN-alpha-MDD) in HCV patients and the evidence for antidepressant prophylaxis
and symptomatic antidepressant treatment of depression.
PMID: 19751550
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Clinical Trials of New Anti-Hepatitis C Drug Began
Russian medics and engineers report about finishing preclinical trial stage of a
new candidate drug for treating hepatitis C and starting clinical trials. The ID-12 chemical compound is an original low molecular inhibitor, which blocks initial stages of virus expansion.
http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/8901/
Practice guidelines for the treatment of hepatitis C: Recommendations from
an AISF/SIMIT/SIMAST Expert Opinion Meeting.
This article reports the recommendations for the
treatment of hepatitis C virus infection on an individual basis, drafted by
experts of three scientific societies.
PMID: 19748329
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Aussies aid Hepatitis C 'breakthrough'
Very exciting new research:
"...researchers said the new study showed use of the interferon-lambda in treatment
could benefit those people identified as best suited to receive it and spare
others the cost and side effects of their current treatments." That would be nice!
http://www.watoday.com.au/breaking-news-national/aussies-aid-hepatitis-c-breakth
rough-20090914-fmdz.html
Prevalence and predictors of hepatic steatosis in adults with newly diagnosed chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C.
The results of this study provide additional evidence that obesity worsens liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis C, and suggest a role for weight loss as a treatment modality in these patients.
PMID: 19745689
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
MSM as a Liver Supplement for those with Hepatitis C
MSM may be useful to avoiding and repairing fibrosis of the liver.
http://www.healthyhepper.com/hepatitiscMSM.htm
Retreatment Benefits Some Hepatitis C Non-Responders
The author found that 48 weeks of retreatment with pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin resulted in sustained virologic response in 10 to 20 percent of patients who previously failed standard treatment and in 6 to 8 percent of those who previously failed a course of pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin. He also found that 72 weeks of retreatment was associated with higher rates of sustained virologic response, and that long-term, low-dose interferon-based maintenance treatment had no significant effect on clinical outcomes.
http://www.modernmedicine.com/modernmedicine/Pathology/Retreatment-Benefits-Some-Hepatitis-C-Non-Responde/ArticleNewsFeed/Article/detail/625110?contextCategoryId=40137
Largest comparative hepatitis C study confirms treatment effectiveness and lower
relapse rate for Pegetron(R) patients
A noteworthy finding is that patients receiving the peginterferon
alfa-2b and ribavirin (Pegetron) treatment regimen were significantly less
likely to relapse than those receiving Pegasys RBV. Lower relapse rates are important for patients because the side effects of hepatitis C treatments can be quite debilitating. Another important finding from the study was the confirmation of early
responses to treatment exhibited among patients as an indication of overall
success.
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2009/09/c3243.html
Physician Congressman Speaks Up on Viral Hepatitis
The National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) is hosting a briefing, The Experts' Perspective: Gaps and Strategies in the Hepatitis Crisis.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/physician-congressman-speaks-up-on-viral
-hepatitis,952475.shtml
Anadys Pharmaceuticals Commences Dosing in Phase II Study of ANA598
ANA598 has demonstrated potent antiviral activity and good tolerability as a
single agent, as well as preclinical properties indicative of likely synergy
when used clinically in combination regimens.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS122724+09-Sep-2009+PRN20090909
HIV/HCV Coinfection Updates from the International AIDS Society Conference
www.ias2009.org/pag
Acute hepatitis C: analysis of a 126-case prospective, multicenter cohort.
AHC remains rare, and drug and sexual transmission are predominant.
A 3-month follow-up after diagnosis avoids treatment for four out of 10
patients. Antiviral treatment is highly effective, 24 weeks of pegylated
interferon-alpha alone being a good option.
PMID: 19734798
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Food intake increases liver stiffness in patients with chronic or resolved
hepatitis C virus infection.
Food intake increases liver stiffness in patients with hepatitis C virus infection
and healthy controls. To standardize liver stiffness evaluation, we suggest
measurement in the fasting condition.
PMID: 19732330
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Impact of obesity, steatosis and insulin resistance on progression and
response to therapy of hepatitis C.
Clinical progression of chronic hepatitis C depends on several
cofactors, which also have a negative affect on the rate of response to
interferon-alpha-based therapy.
PMID: 19732324
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Nutritional Healing for Hepatitis C
Everyone with Hepatitis C, also known as HCV, should take an active part in the
maintenance of their health and treatment of their disease with the guidance of
a qualified health care professional. The more we learn about nutrition and how
it may help improve our condition or assist in treating HCV, the better prepared
we will be to take an active role in our Hep C treatment. Read more including diet tips.
http://www.healthyhepper.com/nutritionalhealing.htm
A Review of Sleep Disturbance in Hepatitis C.
PMID: 19730115
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
RNAi as a new therapeutic strategy against HCV.
Several reports have indicated the efficiency
and specificity of synthetic and vector based siRNAs inhibiting HCV replication.
In the present review, we focused on the recent development in the potential use
and issues regarding siRNA as a therapy for HCV.
PMID: 19729057
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Brand new interview with Dr. Zhang on Hepatitis C Treatment
Interview with author of, "Healing Hepatitis C with Modern Chinese Medicine"
http://www.healthyhepper.com/hepatitisczhang.htm
Hepatitis C therapy-the future looks bright.
Over the past three
decades, ribavirin and interferon-alpha have remained the only available
medicines for treating hepatitis C sufferers. Given that this combination
therapy is partially effective at best and is associated with severe
side-effects, there is an unmet need for new molecular entities which inhibit
HCV replication. By employing a combination of structure-based drug design
together with high-throughput screening approaches, several pharmaceutical
companies have been successful in identifying potentially useful compounds for
treating HCV infections. This article provides an overview of some of the
small-molecule inhibitors that have shown promise so far in clinical trials and
which could reach the clinic within the next three years.
PMID: 19727870
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Blueberry leaves can help fight against hepatitis C, according to a new study.
According to scientist Hiroaki Kataoka and colleagues, a chemical found in rabbit-eye blueberry, found in the southeastern regions of the US, strongly suppressed replication of the hepatitis C virus. The blueberry leaf-derived viral replication inhibitor was found to be proanthocyanidin.
http://healthyhepper.com/hcvblueberry.htm
