Hepatitis C breakthrough

It will take at least five years before the vaccine can be put forwards for regulatory approval

After many years of research a group of Canadian scientists have announced a possible breakthrough for the development of a vaccine for hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C(or HCV) is a virus which can lead to serious illnesses and it is more virulent than HIV. Hepatitis C is an infectious disease affecting primarily the liver. HCV is spread primarily by blood-to-blood contact associated with intravenous drug use, poorly sterilized medical equipment and transfusions.

For many years scientists have thought that developing a hepatitis C vaccine was unlikely due to the complexities involved and resistance of the virus to most known compounds, the science website The Argosyreports. However, a research team based at the University of Alberta have posted research findings which indicate that a potential vaccine has been developed. The vaccine appears to be effective against all known strains of the hepatitis C virus.

According to a press release from the University of Alberta, the vaccine works by stimulating antibodies to fight the viral infection. If successful it could possibly be used to treat those who have the disease and can certainly be used by those most at risk from contracting it. However, it will take at least five years before the vaccine can be put forwards for regulatory approval from bodies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).