A new hepatitis C treatment may maximize recovery potential

Researchers say that a new three-drug combination will provide more effective treatment for patients who suffer from hepatitis C than the standard two-drug regimen, according to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

"This study ushers in a new era of drug development that will provide a host of antiviral agents to treat hepatitis C, and we are now witnessing dramatic and rapid advances in how we will be able to treat these patients," study co-author Stuart C. Gordon said.

In addition to peginterferon and ribavirin, the new pill grouping includes boceprevir, which bars infected cells from replication.

While the previous two-drug therapy yielded a 21 percent success rate in eliminating hepatitis C, the study findings show that the incorporation of the third prescription effectively healed as many as 66 percent of cases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3.2 million Americans are living with hepatitis C. The disease is transmitted through contact with infected blood and is most commonly reported among injection drug users.

Individuals who would like to be screened for hepatitis C or sexually transmitted diseases may consider using online testing services.