The test, which is based on plasma levels of the protein IP-10, can predict the treatment efficacy of pegylated-interferon and ribavirin – the standard treatment of hepatitis C.
To develop the test, researchers conducted a prospective study, in which they identified that the protein IP-10 was elevated in patients in whom treatment was ineffective.
According to researchers, this test can inform the physicians if the patients will respond to standard treatment or if they will need new therapeutic intervention.
The commercialisation of the test is expected in 2011.
