Jennifer Mathews: In 1974, Willene Pyles had a blood transfusion. Four years ago, she was diagnosed with hepatitis C. Her doctor said her treatment options were grim in part because she's black.
Dr. Lennox Jeffers: Approximately 80% to 90% of African Americans who are taking the current medication are not responding to therapy.
Jennifer Mathews: The most common medications for Hepatitis C are interferon and ribavirin.
Dr. Lennox Jeffers: The response rate among African-Americans to interferon alone was approximately 0% to 1%. With interferon and ribavirin, it approaches anywhere from 10% to 20%
Jennifer Mathews: Now Dr. Lennox Jeffers hopes the long-acting form of interferon along with ribavirin will help even more. Early studies show a 32% response rate among African Americans. More than 50% of whites responded.
Doctors think race explains some of the difference. But taking the medication for the full 48 weeks is also an issue. This electronic cap tracks their progress.
Dr. Shvawn McPherson-Baker: At least this way we can -- we have some objective way of measuring how patients take their medicine.
Jennifer Mathews: To help them get their answers, Dr. Lennox Jeffers is encouraging more African Americans like Willene to get involved in the study.
Willene Pyles: I came to this program to become informed of what this program can do to help me.
This is Jennifer Mathews reporting.
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