In this podcast, Dr. Andrea Cox from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine discusses her team’s randomized controlled trial that examined the effectiveness of a vaccine regimen for preventing chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. She noted that, while effective treatments exist, prevention of new HCV infections remains a challenge, mainly due to blood-borne transmission through injection drug use. Although not fully preventing chronic infection, the vaccine lowered peak HCV RNA levels and triggered T-cell responses. Cox noted that, despite WHO’s goal for global hepatitis elimination by 2030, new infection prevention is critical alongside regular testing and treatment, as well as the need for ongoing vaccine research.

Reference: Cox A. A Vaccine for Chronic HCV. Consultant 360. Updated November 1, 2022. Accessed January 23, 2024. https://www.consultant360.com/podcast/consultant360/hepatitis-c/andrea-cox-md-phd-vaccine-chronic-hcv