DRUG COMPANY CAMPAIGN UPDATE
by Darlene Morrow, B.Sc.
Nabi Civacir - Human Hepatitis C Immune Globulin.
Nabi currently has a product on the market called HBIG (Hepatitis
B Immune Globulin). This product is used in acute HBV to prevent
chronicity and in liver transplants to prevent re-infection of
the transplanted liver.
Nabi is now conducting research into HCV using polyclonal
antibodies. These polyclonal antibodies are made in the following
way: Plasma is collected from approximately 200 HCV positive
donors. In this sample of 200, the antibodies would differ in
genotype, subspecies and quasispecies. The resulting product is
then 95% purified and processed to inactivate the HCV. The final
product is called Nabi Civacir- Human Hepatitis C Immune
Globulin.
Nabi is looking first and foremost at liver transplants. Civacir
has been tested on a chimp in the following way: A course of the
drug is given at the time of transplant. After that time the
injections are stopped and they look at the HCV and see what
happens. Civacir has prevented the reinfection of the donor liver
with HCV in the chimp, and there was a loss of the HCV RNA as
well as a loss of the antibody to HCV.
The second area Nabi is looking into is the prevention of the
development of acute HCV to chronicity. When an acute attack
occurred in the chimps, a course of Civacir was injected. The
above results were repeated-a loss of HCV RNA and the loss of the
antibody to HCV. The HCV is NOT gone but the number of cells
infected dropped and immune system was able to keep the HCV in
check.
Nabi has been working with the CDC and WHO and presented a paper
at the International HCV/Infectious Disease Conference in Venice
in June 98. They are also presenting at the AASLD in Chicago Nov
98.
Nabi hopes to enter into Phase 1 clinical trials late this year
or early next year. If you are interested in this trial, please
contact me at 1203 Plateau Drive, North Vancouver, BC, V7P 2J3 or
by Fax: (604) 987-7378 or email: hepcbc@iforward.com, or contact
Nabi directly and they will forward information to your
physician.
The contact for Nabi is: Robert Naso, Nabi, 12280 Wilkins Avenue,
Rockville, MD 20852. Phone: (301) 770-3099; Fax: (301) 770-3097
Internet: http://www.nabi.com
Amgen - Consensus Interferon (Infergen).Amgen will supply
Infergen to Canadians for free. Please see article.
Maxim - Maxamine Therapy combines the administration of Maxamine,
which protects critical immune cells, with the administration of
certain agents, including interferons, which stimulate these
immune cells.
Stage III trials have been completed looking at Maxamine in late
stage malignant melanoma. It appears that the patients treated
with Maxamine had an overall improved survival rate of 5X.
Maxim hopes to be conducting Phase II trials on HCV in late this
year or early next year (multicenter). They will be looking for
treatment naive people to participate. I will be in touch with
the CEO. in November for a further update.
GlaxoWellcome - Welferon (Lymphoblastoid IFN), HCV Protease
Inhibitors. They faxed me from London and a Dr. Rubin will be
corresponding with me shortly.
ISIS - Investigational research is still far away from clinical
trials. Our interest will go on file and they will contact us as
they progress.
SciClone - Zadaxin. We need to get the government moving at a
faster pace. It takes far too long now. Will explore the
possibility of allowing Canadians into the studies that will be
held in the new year (dependent on funding) in the US.
Biogen Corp - IntronA- supplied to Schering. Avonex (beta IFN).
No plans to study Avonex with HCV at this time.
Chiron Corporation - Beta IFN (recombinant), Protease Inhibitor
HCV NS3. Sent a letter and have passed on our request to their
HCV specialist who will be in touch shortly. Chiron has completed
enrolment in Phase I Trial for Hepatitis C Vaccine.
DuPont Merck - No current research into HCV.
Immunex - No current work into HCV.
Interferon Sciences, Inc - Alferon N (Interferon Alfa n3) human
leukocyte. Completed phase III clinical trials including Canadian
sites at the University of Toronto, University of Manitoba and
Toronto Hospital. Statistics will be released in the fall.
Will advise us of new trials to be conducted in Canada. Clinical
trial current in co-infected individuals with HIV and HCV in the
US.
Genelabs Technologies - Gene-regulating drug discovery. They are
in early research in this program and have nothing to report.
Keep an eye on their Website at www.genelabs.com for any future
updates.
Vical - Working through Merck but no clinical trials with HCV
proposed.
Physicians Treating HCV Patients with Interferon
& Ribavirin in British Columbia, Canada
Compiled by Darlene Morrow
****PLEASE NOTE: SCHERING PLOUGH CANADA HAS GUARANTEED TO SUPPLY
ONE YEAR OF RIBAVIRIN AT NO COST TO PATIENTS THAT SIGN UP BY
AUGUST 31, 1998. IF YOU SIGN UP AFTER THIS TIME, ONCE THE
CANADIAN APPROVAL GOES THROUGH (SOON), YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY.****
Patients can be non-responders to IFN, relapsers (people who have
failed to maintain a response to IFN), and treatment naive (no
previous IFN).
VANCOUVER
Dr. Frank Anderson
(604) 876-5122 Natalie (nurse)
B206-700 W. 10th Ave.
Dr. Steve Sacks
(604) 689-9404. Alternative number (604) 822-7565/2211 Westbrook
Mall, UBC
Dr. T.C. Yang (Has taken over for Dr. R. Chan)
(604) 689-7200
Dr. L Halperin (Interested in the combo but currently not using
it. Please express your interest if she is your physician)
(604) 682-8224
1160 Burrard Street
Dr. P. Kwan
(604) 875-5862 Linda (nurse)
UBC
Dr. Urs Steinbrecher (He is really swamped.)
(604) 875-5862 Elaine (nurse) (604) 875-5244
950 W. 10th
Dr. M. Weiss
(604) 879-3992 Deim (nurse)
Dr. S. Erb & Dr. Jim Gray
(604) 879-1582 Margaret (nurse)
610-750 W. Broadway
NORTH VANCOUVER
Dr. Michael Hahn (Presently treating with IFN but starting combo
soon)
(604) 984-4138
204-135 E. 15th
Dr. J. Zohrab (Presently treating with IFN but starting combo
soon)
(604) 980-5731
520-145 W. 17th
NEW WESTMINISTER
Dr. Kwok Yik, Dr. Ken Atkinson,
Dr. D. Kepkay, Dr. Brock Pullen
(604) 525-0155 Alternative: (604) 525-6244
410-301 E. Columbia
BURNABY
Dr. George Sing
(604) 438-5509
202-6411 Nelson Ave.
Dr. Susan Kwan
(604) 432-9182
705-4980 Kingsway
RICHMOND
Dr. Martin Fishman
(604) 273-4447
205-6091 Gilbert Road
SURREY
Dr. M Prest
(604) 584-2033
4-13665-96th Ave.
Dr. Henry Wong
(604) 951-9186
203-13798-94A Ave.
MAPLE RIDGE
Dr. H. Binder
(604) 467-7824
11664 223rd Street
VICTORIA
Dr. David Pearson & Dr. Kathy Koziol
320 -1175 Cook St., Victoria, BC V8V 4A1
(250) 383-3365
Dr. Alan Buckley (Interested in the combo but not yet involved)
(250) 383-5403 Joan (secretary)
Fax: (250) 381-7820
314-1175 Cook, Victoria, BC V8V 4A1
Dr. Jamie Papp
(250) 361-1493
204-1120 Yates, Victoria, BC V8V 3M9
Dr. Denis Petrunia & Dr. Raine
(250) 386-7731
204-1120 Yates, Victoria, BC V8V 3M9
Dr. Stephen Holland (Interested in the combo but not yet
involved).
(250) 384-1544
305-645 Fort St., Victoria, BC
CHILLIWACK
Dr. Bill Haniak
(604) 792-8779
PRINCE GEORGE
Dr. Siderov
VERNON
Dr. Brian Chai
(250) 558-1249 Michalene (nurse)
KELOWNA
Dr. Pina Micheletti & Dr. Bruce Borthistle
(250) 763-6433 Carolyn (secretary)
Dr. Craig Render
(250) 763-6433 Carolyn (secretary)
PENTICTON
Dr. Terrance Maguire
(250) 493-1174 Alternate (250) 497-1117
12 - 477 Martin St., Penticton, BC V2A 5C2
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC
Commendations:
Phone: (604) 733-7758
Fax: (604) 733-3503
Complaints: Attention Dr. B.T.B. Taylor, College of Physicians
and Surgeons of BC, 1807 W 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6J 2A9.
Toll Free Complaint Line: 1-(800) 661-9701
Medical Library Service
1383 W 8th Avenue (corner of Hemlock & 8th)
Phone: (604) 733-6671, Fax: (604) 737-8582
The College has a Medical Library that is open to the public. The
librarians are there to help the physicians, so you are on your
own.
Keray Regan Sings for Hepatitis C
by Darlene Morrow
Country Music singer/songwriter Keray Regan gained local fame in
1948 for his hits My Home By the Fraser and Poor, Poor Farmer.
In 1986 Keray received tainted blood (HCV) during open heart
surgery. After struggling with numerous health problems, Keray
decided to write a song to raise HCV awareness and funds for
research. The CD has two songs on it- I have Hepatitis C from
Tainted Blood They Gave to Me and Thank the Good Lord. You can
email Elaine, Keray's long time friend at
In addition, Keray has donated 25% of the sales from his new
country/western tape, "How's Everything at Your Place."
towards hepatitis research, education and awareness through the
HepCURE Society.You can order a copy of this tape from Tyra Regan
McMahon at 250-549-3359.
THE CLF UPDATE
The Canadian Liver Foundation is in the process of developing the
Victoria Chapter and has now completed the recruitment of the
Chapter Board Members. Acting President for the Victoria chapter
is Ray Dieno.
The CLF is working with the BC Lions in the Touchdown for
Tomorrow Program and the 50/50 Corporate Challenge. The unique
part of this program is that all pledges are split 50-50 between
the Canadian Liver Foundation and your team. Your team can donate
its half to another of its favourite charities.
For further information contact: The Canadian Liver Foundation -
(604) 681-4588 or toll-free 1(800) 856-7266. or email Michele
CUPID'S CORNER
This column is a response to requests for a personal classified
section in our news bulletin. Here is how it works:
To place an ad:
Write it up! Max. 50 words. Deadline is the 15th of each month
and the ad will run for two months. We'd like a $10 donation, if
you can afford it. Send checks payable to HeCSC Victoria Chapter,
and mail to HeCSC, Attn. Squeeky, 1611 Quadra St., Victoria, BC
V8W 2L5. Give us your name, tel. no., and address.
To respond to an ad:
Place your written response in a separate, sealed envelope with
nothing on it but the number from the top left corner of the ad
to which you are responding. Put that envelope inside a second
one, along with your check for a donation of $2, if you can
afford it. Mail to the same address as above.
Ad No. 7
Sense of humour? Are you intelligent, articulate, fit, funny and
hard working? So am I, but what I miss is a romantic buddy to
laugh and play with. Fairly attractive, slim brunette, SWF,
financially secure, 48 yrs., symptomless as yet, wishes to meet
SWM, 45 to 50's, for whatever happens! Vancouver based.
Disclaimer: The hepc.bull and/or HeCSC cannot be held responsible
for any interaction between parties brought about by this column.
Conference:
Oct 2 - 4, 1998 in Montreal, Canada "Emerging Therapies For
Chronic Viral Hepatitis" Contact: BioChem Therapeutic Inc
Tel: (514) 978-7815
Fax: (514) 978-7946
COMING UP:
Victoria HeCSC Meetings: Last Wednesday of each month 1-3 PM, and
again at 7-9 PM, St. John the Divine Church Lounge, 1611 Quadra
St. (Entrance through the rear, marked Annex) NEXT MEETING:
August 26th. Contact Victoria:
388-4311.
Penticton HeCSC Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 7-9 PM,
Penticton Health Unit, Board rooms. NEXT MEETING: August 20th.
Contact Leslie:
490-9054
Kelowna HeCSC Meetings: Last Saturday of each month, 1-3 PM, Rose
Avenue Education Room in Kelowna General Hospital. NEXT MEETING:
August 29th. Contact Elaine: 768-3573 Eileen
Nanaimo HeCSC Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 PM,
Health Unit-Central Vancouver Island, 1665 Grant St. NEXT
MEETING: August 13th. Contact: Helen 235-8759.
Parksville/Qualicum 305-335 Hirst St West, Open DAILY
Parksville, Contact:
248-5551
Vancouver CLF Support Group Meetings: Second Thursday of each
month, 7:30 PM, Nurses' Residence of VGH (12th and Heather).
Signs will direct you. NEXT MEETING: August 13th. Contact the
CLF, 681-4588 or Herb, 241-7766.
Sunshine Coast Support Group Meetings: First Thursday of each
month, 7:30 PM, Coast Garibaldi Health Unit in Gibsons. NEXT
MEETING: September 3rd. Contact Karen
Vernon HepCURE Meetings: 1st Tuesday 12-2 PM and 3rd Tuesday of
each month, 6-8 PM, the People Place, 3402 - 27th Ave. NEXT
MEETINGS: August 4th and 18th. Contact: Marjorie 558-7488
www.junction.net/hepcure
Enderby HepCURE Meetings: Last Sunday of each month 2-4 PM, for
High Tea, The Raven Gallery, 701 George St. NEXT MEETING: August
30th. Contact Marjorie: 558-7488 HepCURE
Richmond Support Group: Meetings: Fourth Tuesday of each month in
the Health Unit, 3rd floor, room 3A. The first meeting is the
28th of July from 7 to 9 P.M. Contact Guy, 244-1704
guy@fatherswithoutchildren.com or Carmel at Richmond Health Unit,
279-4069.
Cowichan Valley Hepatitis C Support Services. Meetings: 1st
Thursday 7-9 PM. 3rd Tuesday 10-12:00 noon,. 464 T. CH. Duncan.
NEXT MEETING: August 6th. Contact: Debbie, 748-5450 or Leah, 748-3432.
Castlegar/Grand Forks/Trail Contact Robin: 365-6137
Victoria Chapter HeCSC acknowledges the personal donations,
donations in kind and memorial donations received to date, and
the following for discounts, donations of services, or equipment:
Monk Office Supply. CFAX 1070 Radio, Apple Canada, Pacific Coast
Net and Island Internet, Inc., Mid-Island Realty, Questar
Holdings, Unity Business Machines Ltd., Microsoft of Canada, Jim
Pattison Group, Society Press & Graphics. We also wish to
acknowledge an anonymous agency which has generously supplied us
with government surplus computer equipment.
SUBSCRIPTION FORM
Print subscriptions: Please contact
DISCLAIMER: Neither HeCSS nor the hepc.bull can endorse any
physician, product or treatment. Any guests invited to our groups
to speak, do so to add to our information only. What they say
should not necessarily be considered medical advice, unless they
are medical doctors. The information you receive may help you
make an informed decision. Please consult with your health
practitioner before considering any therapy or therapy protocol.
The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily
those of the organisation.
SUBMISSIONS:
The deadline for any contributions of hepc.bull is the 18th of
each month. Please contact: Joan King-Diemecke at (250) 388-4311,
joan_king@bc.sympatico.ca, Darlene Morrow at 1203 Plateau Drive,
N. Vancouver, BC, V7P 2J3, hepcbc@sprint.ca or C.D. Mazoff at
squeeky@pacificcoast.net
The editors reserve the right to edit and cut articles in the
interest of space.
ADVERTISING:
The deadline for placing advertisements in the hepc.bull is the
15th of each month. Rates are as follows:
Newsletter Ads:
$10 for 1/6th page, per issue
$100 for 1/6th page, 12 issues (in advance)
$20 for 1/3rd page, per issue (vertical or horizontal)
$200 for 1/6th page, 12 issues (in advance)
whole page:
$60 per issue
$600 for 12 issues
1/2 page:
$30 per issue
$300 for 12 issues
Reminder: Any change of address, phone number or postal code,
please let your phone contact (in Victoria) or your chapter
secretary know ASAP
HeCSC Victoria Tel. (250) 388-4311 hepcvic@pacificcoast.net
REPRINTS
Past articles are available at a low cost. For a list of articles
and prices, write to the hepc.bull, via Darlene Morrow at 1203
Plateau Drive, N. Vancouver, BC, V7P 2J3 hepcbc@sprint.ca
HOW TO REACH US:
EDITORS:
TEL: (250) 388-4311
C.D. Mazoff
VICTORIA HeCSC OFFICE:
TEL: (250) 388-4311
Website
CLASS ACTION SUITS:
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Camp Church and Associates
Sharon Matthews / Kim Graham
4th Floor, Randall Building
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 1Z5
1-(800) 689-2322
Grant Kovacs Norell
Bruce Lemer
Grosvenor Building
930-1040 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC, V6E 4H1
Phone: (604) 609-6699 Fax: (604) 609-6688
Before August 1, 1986
Klein Lyons
David A Klein
805 West Broadway, Suite 500
Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1K1
(604)874-7171 or 1-(800) 468-4466
(604)874-7180 (FAX)
also:
Dempster, Dermody, Riley and Buntain
William Dermody
4 Hughson Street South, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z1
(905) 572- 6688
The toll free number to get you in touch with the Hepatitis C
Counsel is 1-(800)-229-LEAD (5323).
ONTARIO AND OTHER PROVINCES
Pre 1986/post 1990
Mr. David Harvey
Goodman & Carr
200 King Street West
Suite 2300
Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3W5
Phone: (416) 595-2300
Fax: (416) 595-0527
TRACEBACK PROCEDURES:
INQUIRIES-CONTACT:
Dr. Lisa Jeppesen, Dr. P Doyle, or Glenda
The Canadian Red Cross Society
4750 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC, V6H 2N9
1-(888) 332-5663 (local 207)
This information is for anyone who has received blood
transfusions in Canada, if they wish to find out if their donors
were Hep C positive.
CLASS ACTION/COMPENSATION
If you would like more information about class
action/compensation, you can contact:
Tricia Plunkett Tel. (250) 479-5369
E-mail: plunket@islandnet.com