Hi Dr.

Recentlyu I read an article written by a doctor in France that claimed HIV is potentially curable while most cases of Hepatitis prove it to be more difficult to cure because of the lack of treatment options. Though he asserted more drugs for Hep are on the way he said they are not novel approaches like those for HIV. Is there any truth to this?

Paul

I hate to disagree with a colleague but he has got it all wrong! There are very imaginative therapies for HCV coming down the line, polymerase, protease and helicase inhibitors as well as anti sense compounds. When HCV is cured it is really cured it does not get into the genome! HBV drugs are mostly of the nucleoside or nucleotide analogue class and are getting better and better and even more effective when used in combination! HBV does integrate into the genome and may never be completely cured but we can sure get close. So far there is no cure for HIV and it is unlikely that a complete cure is in the offing.

This is all promising, however no one should delay their treatment now while waiting for something in the future. All therapies are very uncertain and people should make their decisions based on the treatment available now. Good question! DTD