Economist Intelligence Unit Report Calls for Global Policy Innovation to Tackle the ‘Silent Pandemic’ that is Hepatitis C

Experts recommend comprehensive approach to combat global health issue

London, 15 January 2013, PRNewswire – A new Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) report titled The Silent Pandemic: Tackling Hepatitis C with Policy Innovation, made possible as a result of an educational grant from Janssen Pharmaceutica NV and published today, highlights the urgent need for countries around the world to develop strategies to tackle head-on the growing social and economic issues associated with Hepatitis C (HCV).¹

While the total number of infected individuals is unknown due to a lack of available data, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 150 million people globally are currently living with the blood-borne infectious disease, HCV.² Of these, up to two thirds will develop chronic liver disease and one in five will develop cirrhosis.² HCV is also the leading cause of liver transplantation worldwide1 and in the US the disease now accounts for more deaths than HIV.¹

“The report highlights that worldwide, despite the significant burden of HCV, governments have failed to get a grip on the scale and impact of the disease,” said Charles Gore, President of The World Hepatitis Alliance. “In both developed and developing countries, the true human and economic cost of HCV will continue to rise unless policy makers confront this urgent public health issue now.”

Despite the devastating effects of HCV, the report states that it is now considered preventable and with modern treatments, the majority of suffers can become clear of the virus.¹ The report notes, however, that as few as 10% of patients are currently receiving treatments and there is a large disparity in care across countries.¹ As a result, the report calls for countries to take a “comprehensive approach,” which takes into account local needs and resources available. This includes the following:¹

Effective disease surveillance to create an accurate picture of the problem and ensure effective policies can be developed. The report claims that too few countries – developed or developing – have recently conducted the epidemiological studies necessary for good policy-making at a national, let alone a local, level. According to the EIU, 16 countries in the EU alone have epidemiological data that is either poor or non-existent.¹

Better public awareness is needed to help remove the stigma associated with the disease and create better understanding of HCV.¹ A survey by the European Liver Patients Association found that only 20% of those diagnosed had heard of hepatitis B or C before being told they had it¹ (full survey results are available at: http://www.hepbcppa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Report-on-Patient-Self-Help.pdf).

Prevention measures to reduce high-risk behaviour and improve education on healthy lifestyle choices for those already infected. The report also calls for measures to prevent transmission via healthcare systems, which is the major route of transmission of HCV in developing countries.¹

Innovative ways to reach out to patients to ensure those who need treatment receive it before irreversible conditions develop.¹

“The report highlights that each country has different needs and resources; however, we urge all those involved in the management of HCV and public health to help increase awareness of the disease and look at the most effective ways of delivering effective treatment to those most in need,” said Gaston Picchio, Global Hepatitis Disease Area Leader, Janssen. “Janssen is committed to working with the HCV community and will continue to engage with healthcare professionals, government officials and patient advocates around the world to support their efforts to reduce the individual and societal burden of this devastating disease.”

A full copy of the EIU report and supporting materials, including an info-graphic, is available at: http://www.janssen-emea.com/The-silent-pandemic

A recorded copy of the EIU ‘The Silent Pandemic’ report launch event is also available for viewing at: www.webcasts.com/HepCReportWebcast

About HCV

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a blood-borne infectious disease that affects the liver.^3,4 With an estimated 150 million people infected worldwide,² and three to four million people newly infected each year, HCV puts a significant burden on patients and society.⁵ Estimations indicate that HCV caused more than 86,000 deaths and 1.2 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in the WHO European region in 2002 (latest data available).⁶ Chronic infection with HCV can lead to liver cancer and other serious and fatal liver diseases.⁷ About one-quarter of the liver transplants performed in 25 European countries in 2004 were attributable to HCV (latest data available).⁶

About Janssen

At Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs of our time in infectious diseases and vaccines, oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop innovative products, services and healthcare solutions to help people throughout the world. Please visit http://www.janssen.com for more information.

References:

Economist Intelligence Unit. The Silent Pandemic: Tackling Hepatitis C with Policy Innovation. Available at: http://www.managementthinking.eiu.com/

World Health Organization. Hepatitis C Fact Sheet. Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs164/en/index.html. (last accessed December 2012)

Simin, M et al. 2007. Cochrane systematic review: pegylated interferon plus ribavirin vs. interferon plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 25 (10): 1153-62.
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis C FAQs. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/cFAQ.htm#transmission(last accessed December 2012)

WHO. State of the art of vaccine research and development. Viral Cancers. Available from:http://www.who.int/vaccine_research/documents/Viral_Cancers.pdf. (last accessed December 2012)

Mühlberger, N et al. 2009. HCV-related burden of disease in Europe: a systematic assessment of incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. BMC Public Health 9 (34): 1-14.

Lang K & Weiner DB. 2008. Immunotherapy for HCV infection: next steps. Expert Review of Vaccines 7 (7): 915-923.

Nuova analisi dell’Economist Intelligence Unit sull’Epatite C: gestire “l’epidemia silenziosa” richiede una politica dell’innovazione a livello globale

Gli esperti raccomandano un “approccio globale” per la lotta alla patologia

Londra, 15 Gennaio 2013, PRNewswire – Pubblicata oggi una nuova analisi dell’Economist Intelligence Unit dal titolo “L’Epidemia Silenziosa: affrontare l’Epatite C con la politica dell’innovazione” (The Silent Pandemic: Tackling Hepatitis C with Policy Innovation), realizzata con il grant educazionale di Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, che sottolinea l’urgente bisogno nei Paesi di tutto il mondo di sviluppare strategie condivise per far fronte ad una crescente emergenza sociale ed economica rappresentata dall’Epatite C (HCV).¹

Mentre la portata totale dell’epidemia è ancora sconosciuta a causa della mancanza di dati, la World Health Organization (WHO) stima che nel mondo vi siano circa 150 milioni di persone che attualmente vivono con l’epatite C, una malattia infettiva causata dal virus HCV che colpisce il fegato.² Di queste, più di due terzi sviluppano malattie epatiche croniche che, in un caso su 5, si trasformano in cirrosi. L’epatite C è anche la prima causa al mondo di trapianto di fegato e negli Stati Uniti la patologia determina ormai un numero maggiore di morti rispetto all’HIV.¹

“L’analisi evidenzia che a livello mondiale, nonostante il peso significativo dell’epatite C, i governi non sono riusciti a rallentare la diffusione e l’impatto della patologia” afferma Charles Gore, Presidente della The World Hepatitis Alliance. “Sia nei Paesi avanzati che in quelli in via di sviluppo il reale costo dell’epatite C in termini di vite umane ed impatto economico continuerà a salire a meno che i politici si confrontino subito su questa emergenza di salute pubblica”.

Nonostante gli effetti devastanti dell’epatite C, nel documento si afferma che la patologia è ora considerata prevenibile e in gran parte curabile grazie ai recenti progressi nello sviluppo di nuove terapie.¹ Il report rileva che, comunque, se una minima parte di pazienti, il 10%, è attualmente sottoposta a un trattamento, c’è una notevole disparità nell’accesso alle cure tra i vari paesi.¹

Di conseguenza, l’analisi invita i Paesi ad adottare un “approccio globale” che tenga conto delle esigenze locali e delle risorse disponibili. Tale approccio include: ¹

Sorveglianza effettiva della patologia per creare un quadro preciso del problema e assicurare lo sviluppo di politiche efficaci. Il rapporto afferma che troppi pochi Paesi – avanzati e non – hanno condotto di recente studi epidemiologici necessari alla realizzazione di politiche efficaci a livello nazionale, oltre che a livello locale. In 16 Paesi della sola Unione Europea, i dati epidemiologici a disposizione sono scarsi o inesistenti. ¹

Una migliore consapevolezza del pubblico è necessaria ad aiutare a rimuovere lo stigma associato a questa patologia e a creare un maggiore conoscenza del virus HCV. ¹ Un’indagine condotta dalla European Liver Patients Association ha verificato che il 20% dei pazienti affetti aveva sentito parlare di epatite B o C prima di ricevere la diagnosi.¹ (I risultati complete dell’indagine dell’ ELPA sono disponibili all’indirizzo: http://www.hepbcppa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Report-on-Patient-Self-Help.pdf).

Misure per la prevenzione dei comportamenti a rischio e per l’educazione, di coloro che sono già infetti, alla scelta di stili di vita salutari. La relazione sollecita, inoltre, misure per la prevenzione della trasmissione del virus all’interno delle strutture dei sistemi sanitari, che rappresentano la principale via di trasmissione dell’HCV nei paesi in via di sviluppo. ¹

Metodi innovativi per comunicare con i pazienti così da garantire a coloro che sono in terapia di ottenerla prima che raggiungano lo stadio terminale della patologia. ¹

“La relazione sottolinea che ogni Paese presenta bisogni e risorse differenti; raccomandiamo quindi alla sanità pubblica e a tutti i soggetti coinvolti nella gestione dell’epatite C di contribuire ad aumentare la consapevolezza della malattia e di cercare i mezzi utili a fornire un trattamento efficace ai pazienti più bisognosi” afferma Gaston Picchio, Hepatitis Disease Area Leader di Janssen. “Janssen è impegnata a lavorare con la comunità HCV e continuerà a collaborare con gli operatori sanitari, i funzionari governativi e le associazioni dei pazienti di tutto il mondo, al fine di eliminare l’epatite C, un paziente alla volta”

Una copia completa del report dell’Economist, oltre al materiale di approfondimento, inclusa l’info grafica, sono disponibili al seguente link: http://www.janssen-emea.com/The-silent-pandemic

L’Epatite C

L’epatite C è una patologia infettiva virale che colpisce il fegato. ^3,4 Si stima che, nel mondo, le persone affette siano 150 milioni ² e che ogni anno vengano infettati tra i tre e i quattro milioni di individui, costituendo un pesante fardello per chi ne è colpito e per la società nel suo complesso.⁵ Le stime indicano che l’epatite C sia stata in Europa, nel 2002, responsabile del decesso di più di 86.000 persone e di 1,2 milioni di anni di vita persi per disabilità (DALY) (ultimi dati disponibili).⁶ L’epatite C cronica può portare allo sviluppo di tumore epatico e altre malattie del fegato serie e fatali.⁷ Circa un quarto dei trapianti di fegato eseguiti nei 25 Paesi europei nel 2004 sono stati attribuiti a questa patologia (ultimi dati disponibili).⁶

Informazioni su Janssen

Janssen è un’azienda farmaceutica del Gruppo Johnson & Johnson fortemente impegnata nel dare risposte concrete ai principali bisogni clinici che non hanno ancora trovato un’adeguata soluzione terapeutica nel settore oncologico, in quello immunologico, nelle neuroscienze, nelle malattie infettive e nei vaccini, nell’ambito cardiovascolare e metabolico.

Guidati dal nostro impegno rivolto verso i pazienti, sviluppiamo soluzioni terapeutiche innovative, prodotti e servizi per aiutare le persone di tutto il mondo.

Per maggiori informazioni visitare il sito http://www.janssen.com

Bigliografia:

Economist Intelligence Unit. The Silent Pandemic: Tackling Hepatitis C with Policy Innovation. January 2013 Available at: http://www.managementthinking.eiu.com/

World Health Organization. Hepatitis C Fact Sheet. Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs164/en/index.html. Accessed December 2012

Simin, M et al. Cochrane systematic review: pegylated interferon plus ribavirin vs. interferon plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2007; 25(10):1153-62.

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis C FAQs. [cited 2009 Dec 17] Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/cFAQ.htm#transmission

WHO. State of the art of vaccine research and development. Viral Cancers. Available from http://www.who.int/vaccine_research/documents/Viral_Cancers.pdf. Accessed December 2012

Mühlberger, N et al. HCV-related burden of disease in Europe: a systematic assessment of incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. BMC Public Health. 2009; 9(34):1-14.

Lang K, Weiner DB. Immunotherapy for HCV infection: next steps. Expert Review of Vaccines 2008;7(7): 915-923.

Economist Intelligence Unit Report demonstrates Ireland’s leadership potential in management of Hepatitis C

Dublin, 15 January 2013, PRNewswire– A new report from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) published today, highlights the urgent need for countries around the world to develop strategies to tackle the growing social and economic issues associated with Hepatitis C (HCV) head on.¹ It comes in the aftermath of the publication of the Irish National Hepatitis C Strategy last year.² Ireland currently ranks 12 out of 30 EU countries in terms of its Hepatitis care, though it ranks in the top 4 in terms of prevention of the disease.³

In Ireland, it is estimated that 20,000 – 50,000 people are infected with the virus.⁴ While the total magnitude of HCV is unknown due to a lack of available data, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 150 million people globally are currently living with the blood-borne infectious disease.⁵ Of these, up to two thirds will develop chronic liver disease and as many as one in five will develop cirrhosis.⁵ HCV is also the leading cause of liver transplants worldwide.^1,6

“The Economist report and the recent European Hepatitis Index highlight that Ireland ranks 12 out of 30 EU countries in terms of Hepatitis care. While screening of Hepatitis B is well established in tandem with an effective Hepatitis B vaccination programme for infants, children and high risk groups, the recently published National HCV Strategy 2011-2014 document highlights several areas for improvement in HCV screening, surveillance, and education. Raising both professional and public awareness is an important component of reducing the burden of undiagnosed infection, and the Irish government has an opportunity to lead this further during the term of its EU presidency”, said Prof. Suzanne Norris, head of the recently formed Irish Hepatitis C Outcomes Research Network. “In both developed and developing countries, the true human and economic cost of HCV will continue to rise unless policy makers confront this urgent public health issue now.”

Despite the devastating effects of HCV, the Economist report states that it is now considered preventable and largely curable due to recent advances in treatment.¹

“The report highlights that each country has different needs and resources, however we urge all those involved in the management of HCV and public health in Ireland to help increase awareness of the disease and ensure access to treatment” said Leisha Daly, Country Director, Janssen Ireland. “Janssen is committed to working with the HCV community and will continue to engage with healthcare professionals, government officials and patient advocates in Ireland to eliminate HCV one patient at a time.”

The Economist report, titled The Silent Pandemic: Tackling Hepatitis C with Policy Innovation was developed by the EIU and supported through an educational grant by Janssen Pharmaceutica NV.¹

The full report is available at: http://www.janssen-emea.com/The-silent-pandemic

The full press conference can be viewed at:

http://www.webcasts.com/HepCReportWebcast.

About HCV

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a blood-borne infectious disease that affects the liver.^7,8 With an estimated 150 million people infected worldwide, and three to four million people newly infected each year, HCV puts a significant burden on patients and society.^5,9 Estimations indicate that HCV caused more than 86,000 deaths and 1.2 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in the WHO European region in 2002 (latest data available).⁶ Chronic infection with HCV can lead to liver cancer and other serious and fatal liver diseases.10 About one-quarter of the liver transplants performed in 25 European countries in 2004 were attributable to HCV (latest data available).⁶

About Janssen

Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, is dedicated to addressing and solving the most important unmet medical needs of our time, including oncology (e.g. multiple myeloma and prostate cancer), immunology (e.g. psoriasis), neuroscience (e.g. schizophrenia, dementia and pain), infectious disease (e.g. HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and tuberculosis), and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes).

Driven by our commitment to patients, Janssen develops sustainable, integrated healthcare solutions by working side-by-side with healthcare stakeholders, based on partnerships of trust and transparency.

More information can be found on www.janssen.ie

References:

Economist Intelligence Unit. The Silent Pandemic: Tackling Hepatitis C with Policy Innovation. January 2013 Available at: http://www.managementthinking.eiu.com/

HSE National Hepatitis C Strategy 2011 – 2014, available on http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/HealthProtection/HepCstrategy.pdf (accessed on 08/01/13)

http://www.hep-index.eu/tl_files/hep-index/download/Report_Hepl_HCP_121103.pdf (accessed on 19/12/12)

Thornton et al. Determination of the burden of hepatitis C virus infection in Ireland 2011 Epidemiol. Infect. 2011: doi: 10.1017/S0950268811001920

World Health Organization. Hepatitis C Fact Sheet. Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs164/en/index.html. Accessed December 2012

Mühlberger, N et al. HCV-related burden of disease in Europe: a systematic assessment of incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. BMC Public Health. 2009; 9(34):1-14.

Simin, M et al. Cochrane systematic review: pegylated interferon plus ribavirin vs. interferon plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2007; 25(10):1153-62.

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis C FAQs. [cited 2009 Dec 17] Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/cFAQ.htm#transmission (accessed on 08/01/13)

WHO. State of the art of vaccine research and development. Viral Cancers. Available from http://www.who.int/vaccine_research/documents/Viral_Cancers.pdf. Accessed December 2012

Lang K, Weiner DB. Immunotherapy for HCV infection: next steps. Expert Review of Vaccines 2008;7(7): 915-923.

Reporte de la Unidad de Inteligencia de The Economist llama a la Innovación de políticas globales para luchar contra la “Pandemia silenciosa” que representa la Hepatitis C

Los expertos recomiendan un enfoque integral para combatir este tema de salud global

Londres, 15 de enero de 2013, PRNewswire – Un nuevo reporte de la Unidad de Inteligencia de The Economist (EIU, por sus siglas en inglés) titulado La pandemia silenciosa: enfrentando el problema de la Hepatitis C a través de la innovación en las políticas públicas, fue publicado hoy y realizado gracias a una aportación de Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. Este reporte resalta la urgente necesidad de los países de todo el mundo de desarrollar estrategias para atacar los crecientes aspectos sociales y económicos asociados con la Hepatitis C (VHC).¹

Mientras que el número total de individuos infectados se desconoce debido a la falta de datos disponibles, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) estima que aproximadamente 150 millones de personas viven actualmente con el Virus de la Hepatitis C (VHC)², enfermedad infecciosa transmitida por vía sanguínea a nivel mundial, y de éstas, hasta dos tercios desarrollarán enfermedades crónicas del hígado y una de cada cinco desarrollará cirrosis.² El Virus de la Hepatitis C (VHC) también es la causa fundamental de los transplantes de hígado a nivel mundial1 y actualmente en los EE.UU. la enfermedad representa más muertes que el VIH/SIDA.¹

“El reporte resalta que a nivel mundial, a pesar de la carga significativa del VHC, los gobiernos no han logrado tener control sobre la escala y el impacto de la enfermedad,” dijo Charles Gore, Presidente de la Alianza Mundial contra la Hepatitis. “Tanto en países desarrollados como en desarrollo, el costo verdadero tanto humano como económico del VHC se seguirá elevando a menos de que quienes hacen las políticas confronten ahora, este tema urgente de salud pública.”

A pesar de los efectos devastadores del VHC, el reporte indica que actualmente se considera prevenible y con los tratamientos modernos, la mayoría de los que la sufren pueden deshacerse del virus.¹ El reporte indica, sin embargo, que actualmente tan sólo 10% de los pacientes reciben tratamiento y que hay una gran disparidad en los cuidados de un país a otro.¹ Como resultado, el reporte llama a los países a considerar un “enfoque integral,” que tome en cuenta las necesidades locales y los recursos disponibles, y que incluya lo siguiente:¹

Vigilancia efectiva de la enfermedad para crear una imagen exacta del problema y asegurar que se puedan desarrollar políticas efectivas. El reporte señala que muy pocos países – desarrollados o en desarrollo – han llevado a cabo recientemente los estudios epidemiológicos necesarios para una buena formulación de políticas a nivel nacional y mucho menos a nivel local. De acuerdo con EIU, 16 países de la Unión Europea cuentan con datos epidemiológicos escasos o inexistentes.¹

Se requiere más conciencia pública para ayudar a eliminar el estigma asociado con la enfermedad y crear un mejor entendimiento del Virus de la Hepatitis C (VHC).¹ Un estudio de la Asociación Europea de Pacientes de Hígado (ELPA, por sus siglas en inglés) encontró que sólo el 20% de los diagnosticados habían escuchado hablar de la hepatitis B o C antes de que se les informara que la habían contraído.¹ (Los resultados completos del estudio de ELPA están disponibles en: http://www.hepbcppa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Report-on-Patient-Self-Help.pdf).

Medidas de prevención para reducir la conducta de alto riesgo y mejorar la educación sobre opciones de estilo de vida saludable para los ya infectados. El reporte también llama a las medidas para impedir la transmisión a través de sistemas de cuidados de la salud, que representan el principal medio de transmisión del Virus de la Hepatitis C (VHC) en países desarrollados.¹

Vías innovadoras para llegar a los pacientes para asegurar que aquellos que requieran tratamiento lo reciban antes de desarrollar condiciones irreversibles.¹

“El reporte resalta que cada país tiene distintas necesidades y recursos; sin embargo, se insta a todos los involucrados en el manejo del VHC y la salud pública a ayudar a aumentar la conciencia de la enfermedad y ver las vías más efectivas de proporcionar tratamiento efectivo a los más necesitados,” dijo Gaston Picchio, Líder Global del Área de Hepatitis de Janssen. “Janssen se compromete a trabajar con todos los involucrados en la lucha contra el VHC y seguirá comprometiéndose con los profesionales para el cuidado de la salud, con los funcionarios del gobierno y con los defensores de los pacientes en todo el mundo en apoyo a sus esfuerzos para eliminar el VHC paciente por paciente.”

Se puede encontrar una copia completa del repote de EIU y materiales de apoyo, incluyendo una gráfica informativa, en: http://www.janssen-emea.com/The-silent-pandemic

Acerca de HCV

La Hepatitis C (VHC) es una enfermedad infecciosa que afecta al hígado y que se transmite por contacto con la sangre de una persona infectada.^3,4 Con un estimado de 150 millones de personas infectadas en todo el mundo,² tres a cuatro millones de personas infectadas recientemente cada año, el VHC impone una carga significativa en los pacientes y en la sociedad.⁵ Las estimaciones indican que el VHC ocasionó más de 86,000 muertes y 1.2 millones de años de vida ajustados por discapacidad (DALYs) en la región Europea de la OMS en 2002 (datos más recientes disponibles).⁶ La infección crónica con el VHC puede dar como resultado cáncer de hígado y otras enfermedades graves y mortales del hígado.⁷ Cerca de un cuarto de transplantes de hígado llevados a cabo en 25 países Europeos en 2004 se atribuyeron al VHC (últimos datos disponibles).⁶

Acerca de Janssen

En Janssen, nos dedicamos a enfrentar y resolver algunas de las necesidades médicas no cubiertas de nuestro tiempo en oncología, inmunología, neurociencias, enfermedades infecciosas y vacunas, así como enfermedades cardiovasculares y metabólicas. Impulsados por nuestro compromiso para con los pacientes, desarrollamos productos innovadores, servicios y soluciones para el cuidado de la salud que ayuden a las personas en todo el mundo. Para mayor información visite http://www.janssen.com.

Referencias:

Economist Intelligence Unit. 2013. The Silent Pandemic: Tackling Hepatitis C with Policy Innovation. Disponible en: http://www.managementthinking.eiu.com/

Organización Mundial de la Salud. Hepatitis C Fact Sheet. Disponible en: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs164/en/index.html (visitado por última vez en diciembre de 2012)

Simin, M et al. 2007. Cochrane systematic review: pegylated interferon plus ribavirin vs. interferon plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 25 (10): 1153-62.

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis C FAQs. Disponible en: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/cFAQ.htm#transmission (visitado por última vez en diciembre de 2012)

OMS. State of the art of vaccine research and development. Viral Cancers. Disponible en: http://www.who.int/vaccine_research/documents/Viral_Cancers.pdf (visitado por última vez en diciembre de 2012)

Mühlberger, N et al. 2009. HCV-related burden of disease in Europe: a systematic assessment of incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. BMC Public Health 9 (34): 1-14.