Merck Sharpe and Dohme launches new hepatitis education campaign

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has announced the launch of a new corporate initiative that is designed to raise awareness of the issues affecting patients with hepatitis C.

The Hope Against Hepatitis C scheme will incorporate a number of educational programmes, research collaborations and public-private partnerships and aims to offer support to the patient community.

It includes participation in a new study of screening approaches, sponsorship of American Liver Foundation initiatives and the launch of a new information website for consumers.

This is intended to have an impact on the proliferation of an easily transferable condition that often goes undiagnosed due to a lack of symptoms among many sufferers.

Patrick Bergstedt, senior vice-president and general manager for infectious diseases in Merck's global human health division, said: "We also are committed to partnering with the scientific community to advance the field and to improving access to chronic hepatitis C care."

Last month, the company published new clinical trial data demonstrating the efficacy of Victrelis, its oral hepatitis C protease inhibitor.