Hepatitis C research in B.C. given $5M boost

published on April 21, 2016 in CBC News

Study will look for ways to reduce new infections in the province

A new study looking at ways to reduce the incidence of hepatitis C infections across the province will be launched following funding of $5 million from the B.C. government.

The study, which will be led by Dr. Julio Montaner, director of the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BCCFE), was announced Thursday morning by Health Minister Terry Lake.

"This initiative offers a unique opportunity to potentially curb the rapidly rising toll of hepatitis C in North America," Montaner said.

A collaboration between the BCCFE, B.C. Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver Coastal Health, St. Paul's Hospital Foundation and University of British Columbia, the study will focus on patients in Vancouver who have been successfully cured of hepatitis C, but are identified as at high risk of re-infection.

By evaluating treatment options, harm reduction and support services currently offered through Vancouver Coastal Health, the team hopes to identify the next steps in improving outcomes for patients.

Hepatitis C currently affects an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 British Columbians and can be life-threatening.

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© Copyright BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
St. Paul's Hospital 608–1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
Tel: 604-806-8477 | Fax: 604-806-9044
General inquiries: info@bccfe.ca
Media inquiries: communications@bccfe.ca
(Please do not use any of these email addresses to send personal information or book an appointment. To book appointments or contact the H2H clinic, please call 604-416-1517 or fax: 604-564-4893. Do not send your or your client's personal information via email.)

Our work serves clients and communities across British Columbia on lands and waters cared for and nurtured by the many distinct First Nations across the province. The BC-CfE humbly and gratefully acknowledge the stewards of these lands, particularly the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) on whose unceded, traditional and ancestral territories our offices are located.