Will we ever have a hep C vaccine?

[Hep Editors]

Behind the excitement over new hep C treatments lies a separate, arguably more important struggle to combat the global epidemic: The quest for a vaccine, which experts say isn’t anywhere near achieving success.

In fact, the first and only study to test a hep C vaccine among at-risk humans began in March 2012. Results aren't expected until after its scheduled wrap-up in January 2016.

Numerous factors have held research back and littered obstacles across the road to even a partially successful vaccine. For starters, there is the matter of time: Hepatitis C was only identified and named 1989.

Then there’s the matter of will: Unlike HIV, which has had a vociferous activist community fighting for scientific progress for over three decades, HCV lacks such fierce political advocacy to fight for funding. What gives?

For more in-depth info: http://www.hepmag.com/articles/vaccine_research_2502_27395.shtml

[Mike]

I sure hope a vaccination is developed. That would be a real game changer!

Mike

[KimInTheForest]

I sure hope a vaccination is developed. That would be a real game changer!
Mike

It certainly would be a game changer. But it doesn't sound, from this article, as though the type of vaccine that is ever likely to be developed for Hep C would actually eradicate it, as other vaccines we are familiar with have been able to do for their respective illnesses. From the article: "it is less likely that it would achieve what is known as sterilizing immunity: the ability to totally prevent the virus. Bailey believes that the best hope may be “partially protective” vaccine that would reduce, but not totally eliminate, the risk of infection…."

Still - it all helps!

best,
kim

[Mike]

It's because the virus mutates and there are many different genotypes. Kind of like the flu virus/vaccination.

Mike