The purpose of the study is to look at whether taking a new medication for hepatitis C
(boceprevir) together with a herbal remedy commonly used for the treatment of depression
(SJW) has any effect on the levels of boceprevir in the blood, compared to when boceprevir is
taken on its own.
Treatment of hepatitis C genotype-1, has recently been significantly improved with the
addition of a new class of drugs called protease inhibitors (PIs). Boceprevir belongs to this
class of antiviral drugs and it is administered in combinations with other drugs to treat
hepatitis C. One of the common side effects of treatment for hepatitis C is low mood
(depression) for which treated patients may self-medicate with preparations containing St.
Johns Wort (SJW).
SJW is known to cause drug interactions, so taking SJW at the same time as boceprevir may
result in a change in how both of these drugs usually work. It is therefore important to find
out if the levels of boceprevir in the blood are significantly affected by taking SJW.
The study aims to help us understand whether it will be safe to take SJW whilst being
simultaneously treated for hepatitis C with boceprevir.
Phase:
Phase 1
Details
Lead Sponsor:
St Stephens Aids Trust
Collaborators:
University of Liverpool University of Turin, Italy