who are battling the infection.

"Researchers report an experimental oral drug, called ABT-450, has cured more than 90 percent

of patients infected with Hepatitis C." (Via KIVI)

According to a study on the new treatment, it has cured 90 percent of previously untreated

hepatitis C patients and 82 percent of patients who didn't respond to previous therapy in

just weeks. (Via YouTube / hepctv)

Researchers tested the treatment, which is actually a combination of two different drugs,

on 380 patients in four countries back in 2013.

They split the trial into two studies — one looked at the effect the drug had on patients

over the course of 12 weeks, and the other stretched on for 24 weeks. After 12 weeks,

91.8 percent of patients were hepatitis C-free. And the 24-week study boasted a staggering

95.9 percent of patients cured. (Via New England Journal of Medicine)

The study's lead researcher told the BBC the drug works by zeroing in on the protein that

makes the virus and stops it from multiplying. "It is fantastic. I am so excited for the

patients. There is finally hope for their future."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 3.2 million Americans

are infected with hepatitis C, but most don't even know it because there are often no symptoms.

But if the virus is left untreated, it can lead to serious liver problems or even death.

And treatment's currently available have been painful and expensive. But this new drug could

change that.

If it gets approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ABT-450 could potentially

replace Sovaldi, a medication that can cost up to $1,000 a day to use.

And even better? CBS reports none of the trial participants have suffered any adverse side

effects from the drug. But some did report experiencing some mild ones like fatigue,

headache, nausea and insomnia.

There is currently not a vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C, but doctors say you

can protect yourself by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease. That includes

injection drug use.