DURHAM, N.C. – It’s not a cure, but this may be some of the best news patients infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have heard in a long time: A new drug, eltrombopag, appears to be effective in boosting low platelet counts, one of the major reasons why patients can’t endure antiviral treatments.Other drugs that can restore normal platelet functions are infusions or injections; eltrombopag is a pill taken just once a day.
