4-Methylumbelliferone as a Treatment for Chronic HBV/HCV
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
2007-08-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Open-label studies, anecdotal reports, and in vitro scientific research indicate that
4-methylumbelliferone (active ingredient of the dietary supplement Heparvit®) may prevent and
reverse the symptoms and complications of chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV)and
hepatitis C virus (HCV). This effect has been observed among naïve patients as well as those
who are non-responders to interferon, commonly used as first-line therapy for HBV and HCV. In
order to scientifically address the efficacy of this 4-methylumbelliferone on chronic viral
hepatitis, a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study is needed.
It is hypothesized that 4-methylumbelliferone may reduce the impact and aggressiveness of HBV
and HCV upon the liver, thereby slowing the progression to potentially life threatening liver
diseases such as cancer and cirrhosis. This is a preliminary study designed to determine any
indications under controlled conditions that may warrant further detailed clinical studies.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
MTmedical Institute of Health
Collaborators:
BioMonde Preparations Limited The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio