Nearly 8 percent of ESRD patients have Hepatitis C. Medications like Sovaldi have offered a chance to cure Hepatitis C, but are unavailable to ESRD patients due to chemical contents. However, a recent new drug combination has shown potential in curing the Hepatitis C virus in ESRD patients.
The drug combination, developed by Merck, was the focus of a recent study involving 224 ESRD patients. The participants were divided into two groups; 116 took a single pill with the two drugs for 12 weeks, while the rest received the placebo. Results showed that 99 percent of the group who took the real pill showed no sign of the virus. Some side effects were reported, but none deadly.
While the effectiveness and cost of the drugs still needs further research, medical officials say it’s the start in developing a safer way for ESRD patients to receive Hepatitis C treatment.
