New treatment for hepatitis C

Published on Thursday 24 August 2006 02:02

THOUSANDS of patients in the early stages of infection from hepatitis C are set to benefit from new guidance issued to the NHS.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has backed the use of the drug Pegasys for people recently diagnosed with the virus.

Until now, they have been forced to undergo a liver biopsy to discover the extent of their condition before receiving the treatment, but this can mean a wait of several months.

Others are deterred from treatment because they do not like the idea of having a biopsy.

The guidance is expected to be followed by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.

Campaigners said the guidance was important because liver damage could get worse while patients were waiting to start treatment.

Around 50,000 people in Scotland are estimated to be infected with hepatitis C, with some 12,500 with the mild form of the virus.

Charles Gore, chief executive of the Hepatitis C Trust, said: "This is excellent news for our ongoing battle against hepatitis C.

"Many patients are deterred from treatment by the thought of a liver biopsy or instead, are forced to endure a lengthy wait before a biopsy can be conducted.

"Now patients can be effectively treated while the damage is still limited."

Hundreds of Scots are currently suffering from the effects of the virus, having caught hepatitis C from infected blood products.