Blood centers and hospitals will also work together to contact individuals who received blood transfusions before 1990, prior to the time when HCV antibody screening tests were adopted nationwide. Approval of this new, more accurate and easier to use product is an example of our commitment to work with the FDA and other organizations to enhance the safety of the world's blood supply and to improve the quality of HCV care. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States. An estimated 3.9 million people are infected with hepatitis C, with 36,000 new infections occurring every year. More than 70 percent of individuals infected with HCV exhibit no symptoms and they will carry the virus for the rest of their lives.
Liver disease is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States.
Chiron's blood testing division manufactures RIBA confirmatory tests and a full line of hepatitis and retroviral antigens. It also offers nucleic acid testing systems for blood screening. Chiron is applying a broad and integrated scientific approach to the development of innovative products for preventing and treating cancer, infectious diseases and cardiovascular disease. This approach is supported by research strengths in recombinant proteins, genomics, small molecules, gene therapy and vaccines. The company offers a full line of hepatitis and retroviral assays aimed at improving the safety of the world's blood supply.