Glecaprevir and pibrentasvir yield high response rates in patients with HCV genotype 1-6 without cirrhosis

Efficacy and Safety of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Real-World Single-Center Experience in Tianjin, China

Objective

Toward the limited real-world data concerning the treatment response to brand direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy, we proposed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DAAs for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in mainland China.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-center, cohort study, all HCV-infected adult patients treated with brand DAA drugs covered by Tianjin local health insurance (Apr 2018–Sept 2019) and responding to other specific inclusion criteria were recruited. The five available DAA regimens included sofosbuvir + ribavirin (SOF + RBV), elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR), ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir (OBV/PTV/r/DSV) ± RBV, daclatasvir + asunaprevir (DCV + ASV), and SOF + DCV ± RBV. Demographic, virologic, clinical, and adverse effects data obtained during and after DAAs treatment were collected. We evaluated the rate of sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12), the incidence of adverse effects, and assessed the factors associated with SVR12.

Results

Four hundred ninety-four patients finished the treatment and completed the 12-week post-treatment follow-up. The overall SVR12 rate was estimated at 96.96%. SVR rates greater than 95% were achieved in most of the HCV genotypes with the exception of GT1a (0%), GT3a (93.33%), and GT3b (88.24%). SVR12 for patients treated with DCV + ASV, EBR/GZR, OBV/PTV/r/DSV ± RBV, SOF + DCV ± RBV, and SOF + RBV for 12 or 24 weeks was 86.67%, 100%, 98.11%, 97.56%, and 95.06%, respectively. Subjects with compensated cirrhosis (92.73%) and prior treatment experience (77.78%) had significantly lower SVR rates when compared to chronic hepatitis C (98.15%) and treatment-naive (97.69%) groups. In Tianjin, the available DAA regimens were generally well-tolerated, and not a single serious adverse event was reported.

Conclusion

In this large real-life single-center HCV cohort from China, oral DAAs were highly effective and well-tolerated. Further and larger-scale studies are needed to evaluate their clinical safety and efficacy.

Discovery of a Silicon-Containing Pan-Genotype Hepatitis C Virus NS5A Inhibitor

We describe a study leading to the discovery of compound 11, a pan-genotypic hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitor with excellent potency, metabolic stability, and pharmacokinetics (PK). Compound 11 incorporating a 4-silapiperidine group was discovered by further optimizing our previous lead with a triethylsilyl moiety. It displayed great potency against genotype 1 subtype a (GT1a), -1b, -2a, -3a, -4a, -5a, and -6a with an EC₅₀ range of 0.33-17 pM and improved potency against the resistance-associated variant GT1a_M28T. Pharmacokinetics (PK) study indicated that compound 11 has reasonable PK exposures with a high liver distribution in preclinical animal species (mouse, rat, and dog). The results of a 14 day repeat-dose toxicity study identified the safety of compound 11.

Real-world experience of 12-week direct-acting antiviral regimen of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND

In clinical trials, a pangenotype direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimen consisting of glecaprevir (GLE) and pibrentasvir (PIB) exhibited high virologic efficacy and tolerability in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study sought to confirm these findings in real-world settings, focusing on patients with cirrhosis, history of DAA failure, or HCV genotype 3 who were treated with a 12-week regimen in a large multicenter study from Japan.

METHODS

In a nationwide multicenter prospective cohort study, we analyzed background characteristics, tolerability, and treatment outcome of patients who underwent a 12-week GLE/PIB regimen.

RESULTS

Of 1190 patients, 509 (42.8%) underwent the 12-week regimen, and the remaining patients underwent an 8-week regimen. The rate of sustained virologic response (SVR) of patients treated with the 12-week regimen was 99.0%, comparable with that of patients treated with the 8-week regimen. The adverse events were observed in 29.1% of patients. The main adverse event was pruritus, which was observed in 14.7%. Ten patients (2.0%) discontinued therapy during treatment period.

CONCLUSION

The 12-week GLE/PIB regimen was well-tolerated with high virologic efficacy in patients with cirrhosis, experience of DAA, or HCV genotype 3; tolerability and SVR rate were comparable with those of DAA-naïve, non-cirrhotic, non-genotype 3 patients who underwent 8-week regimen.

Efficacy and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with hepatitis C virus infection aged ≥75 years

AIM

Opportunities to treat older patients with hepatitis C virus infection have increased. We investigated the efficacy and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with HCV infection aged ≥75 years.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 131 patients with hepatitis C virus infection treated with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir at nine institutions in Japan. The patients were divided into two groups according to their age: the elderly group (n = 43, aged ≥75 years) and younger group (n = 88, aged <75 years). We compared the clinical characteristics, virologic response and adverse events between the two groups. The predictive factors for adverse events were also assessed.

RESULTS

The presence of cirrhosis (27.9%), a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (23.3%) and comorbidities (88.4%) were more frequently observed in the elderly group than in the younger group. Six (14.0%) patients in the elderly group and 19 (21.6%) in the younger group dropped out before the sustained virologic response 12 assessment. In the intention-to-treat population, 86.0% in the elderly group and 78.4% in the younger group achieved sustained virologic response 12 (P = 0.30). In the modified intention-to-treat population, all patients achieved sustained virologic response 12. A total of 27.5% of patients experienced adverse events. The most frequently observed adverse events was pruritus, and was significantly associated with female sex, the presence of hemodialysis and serum albumin at baseline <4.0 g/dL.

CONCLUSION

Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir therapy was effective and well tolerated, even in elderly patients with hepatitis C virus infection aged ≥75 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••-••.

Comparison of three therapeutic regimens for genotype-3 hepatitis C virus infection in a large real-life multicentre cohort

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In the direct-acting antiviral era, treatment of genotype-3 HCV (HCV-GT3) is still challenging. Real-life comparisons between recommended regimens, sofosbuvir (SOF)+daclatasvir (DAC), SOF/velpatasvir (VEL), glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB), are scarce. We aimed at filling this data gap.

METHODS

Sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment completion (SVR12) was assessed for all HCV-GT3 patients consecutively treated within the Lombardia web-based Navigatore HCV-Network; differences in SVR12 across regimens were evaluated by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 2082 subjects with HCV-GT3, 1544 were evaluable for comparisons between regimens: SOF + DAC (1023, 66.2%), SOF/VEL (369, 23.9%), GLE/PIB (152, 9.8%). Patients treated with former regimens were more frequently male, cirrhotic, HIV-positive, pretreated, used ribavirin in their regimen, and had lower baseline HCV-RNA. SVR12 was similar across groups: 94.8% in SOF + DAC, 97.6% in SOF/VEL, 96.7% in GLE/PIB (P = .065). At univariate analysis, SVR12 was associated with female gender (97.9% vs 94.8%, P = .007) and lower median pretreatment Log₁₀ HCV-RNA (5.87 vs 6.20, P = .001). At multivariate logistic regression analysis, treatment with SOF/VEL was associated with a higher likelihood of SVR12 than SOF + DAC, but only in the absence of ribavirin (98% vs 90.3%). Female gender and lower pretreatment HCV-RNA were independently associated with SVR12.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large real-life setting of HCV-GT3-infected patients with a high proportion of cirrhosis, the success rate was remarkable. The slight advantage of SOF/VEL on SOF + DAC was significant only without ribavirin. The current prescription shift towards novel regimens (ie SOF/VEL and GLE/PIB) in easier-to-treat patients allows ribavirin-free and shorter schedules without mining SVR12 in this <<difficult-to-treat>> genotype.

The effectiveness and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in chronic hepatitis C patients with refractory factors in the real world: a comprehensive analysis of a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Direct-acting anti-virals (DAAs) have markedly improved the effectiveness of anti-viral therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. In a phase III trial in Japan, treatment with the NS3/4A protease inhibitor glecaprevir and the NS5A inhibitor pibrentasvir (G/P) resulted in a small number of patients with refractory factors. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of G/P, especially among patients with these refractory factors, and the influence of these factors on treatment.

METHODS

In a prospective, multicenter study involving 33 medical institutions, 1439 patients were treated with G/P, and their efficacy, safety, and most frequent adverse effects (AEs) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall SVR12 rates were 99.1% (1397/1410) in the per-protocol-analysis, and genotype sustained virologic response SVR12 rates were: genotype 1, 99.4% (707/711); genotype 2, 99.4% (670/674); genotype 3, 80.0% (16/20). DAA-naïve patients (p = 0.008) with HCV genotype except 3 (genotype 1 vs. 3, p = 2.68 × 10-5; genotype 2 vs. 3, p = 3.28 × 10-5) had significantly higher SVR12 rates. No significant difference was observed between CKD stage 1-3 (99.1% [1209/1220]) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4-5 (98.9% [188/190]) patients, or between cirrhotic (99.0% [398/402]) and non-cirrhotic (99.1% [999/1008]) patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that genotype 3 [OR 33.404, 95% CI (7.512-148.550), p value (p = 4.06 × 10-5)] and past experience of IFN-free DAAs [OR 3.977, 95% CI (1.153-13.725), p value (p = 0.029)] were both significantly independent predictors of non-SVR12. AEs were reported in 28.2% of patients, and 1.6% discontinued treatment owing to drug-related AEs. AEs were significantly higher in CKD stage 4-5 (41.6% [79/190]) than CKD stage 1-3 (26.1% [319/1220]) patients (p = 2.00 × 10-5). AEs were also significantly higher in cirrhotic (38.6% [155/402]) than in non-cirrhotic (24.1% [243/1008]) (p = 2.91 × 10-18) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

G/P regimen is highly effective and safe to treat CHC patients even with refractory factors such as CKD and advanced liver fibrosis. However, patients with past experience of IFN-free DAA treatment and genotype 3, CKD stage 4 or 5, and advanced liver fibrosis should be more closely observed.

Simplified monitoring for hepatitis C virus treatment with glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir, a randomised non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for HCV has high efficacy and limited toxicity. We hypothesised that the efficacy of glecaprevir-pibrentasvir for chronic HCV with a simplified treatment monitoring schedule would be non-inferior to a standard treatment monitoring schedule.

METHODS

In this open-label multicentre phase IIIb trial, treatment-naïve adults with chronic HCV without cirrhosis were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive glecaprevir-pibrentasvir 300 mg-120 mg daily for 8 weeks administered with a simplified or standard monitoring strategy. Clinic visits occurred at baseline and post-treatment week 12 in the simplified arm, and at baseline, week 4, week 8, and post-treatment week 12 in the standard arm. Study nurse phone contact occurred at week 4 and week 8 in both arms. Participants requiring adherence support were not eligible, including those reporting recent injecting drug use. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at post-treatment week 12 (SVR12), with a non-inferiority margin of 6%.

RESULTS

Overall, 380 participants (60% male, 47% genotype 1, 32% genotype 3) with chronic HCV were randomised and treated with glecaprevir-pibrentasvir in the simplified (n = 253) and standard (n = 127) arms. In the intention-to-treat population, SVR12 was 92% (95% CI 89%-95%) in the simplified and 95% (95% CI 92%-99%) in the standard arm (difference between arms -3.2%; 95% CI -8.2% to 1.8%) and did not reach non-inferiority. In the per-protocol population, SVR12 was 97% (95% CI 96%-99%) in the simplified and 98% (95% CI 96%-100%) in the standard arm. No treatment-related serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with chronic HCV infection without cirrhosis, treatment with glecaprevir-pibrentasvir was safe and effective. In comparison to standard monitoring, a simplified monitoring schedule did not achieve non-inferiority.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03117569.

LAY SUMMARY

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C is highly effective and well tolerated. The SMART-C randomised trial evaluated an 8-week regimen of glecaprevir-pibrentasvir for hepatitis C treatment, using a simplified monitoring schedule that included no pathology tests or clinic visits during treatment. This simplified strategy produced a high cure rate (92%), but this was not equivalent to the standard monitoring schedule cure rate (95%).

Systematic review with meta-analysis: impact of baseline resistance-associated substitutions on the efficacy of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir among chronic hepatitis C patients

BACKGROUND

The effect of baseline resistance-associated substitutions (RAS) on the sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) among chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients receiving the second generation, pan-genotypic glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) regimen is unclear.

AIM

To assess the effect of RAS on the SVR12 in CHC patients treated with G/P regimen.

METHODS

The EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane central register of controlled trials databases were searched for relevant studies published before 1 March 2019. The principal outcome was to compare the SVR12 in CHC patients with and without baseline RAS, particularly in genotype-1, genotype-3 and direct-acting anti-virals (DAAs) failure patients. The outcomes were pooled using a random-effects model and odds ratio (OR) was calculated. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tools for randomised and nonrandomised interventional studies.

RESULTS

After initially identifying 410 studies, 3302 patients from 17 studies were included. Among 50 cases of virologic failures, 48% had genotype-3 infection, 44% genotype-1 infection and 36% DAA-failure patients. Baseline RAS were present in 44(88%) patients. The most common NS5a and NS3 mutations were Y93H and A166S respectively. The odds of SVR12 were significantly reduced in patients with any baseline RAS (NS3 and/or NS5a) (OR 0.32, 95%C I[0.15, 0.65], I2  = 0%) and NS5a substitutions (OR 0.36, 95%CI [0.18,0.73]). The impact of RAS on SVR12 was significant among genotype-3 patients, but not among genotype-1 or DAA-failure cases. The presence of Y93H and A30K mutations significantly impacted SVR12 rates in genotype-3 patients.

CONCLUSION

Baseline NS3 or NS5a RAS, especially the NS5a substitutions-A30K, Y93H, decrease the odds of achieving SVR12 in genotype-3 CHC patients.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for genotype 6 chronic hepatitis C patients in Taiwan

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 6 is uncommon in Taiwan, and reports of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) treatment for GT6 are few. This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of LDV/SOF in treating chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with GT6 infection.

METHODS

CHC patients that were infected with GT6 and treated for 12 weeks with LDV/SOF at two hospitals were enrolled. All patients were followed for an additional 12 weeks after the completion of LDV/SOF treatment. Demographics, HCV viral load, lipid and sugar profiles, and adverse events were recorded and reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 127 patients were enrolled. Cirrhosis was found in 68.2% of them. Sustained virological response (SVR), determined by per-protocol analysis, was 97.6%. The SVR rates for cirrhosis versus non-cirrhosis (96.5% vs 100%, P = 0.229) and low versus high viral load (cutoff value: 10⁶  IU/mL; 100% vs 95.6%, P = 0.108) were similar. Following HCV clearance, significantly lower glycosylated hemoglobin was present both in patients with or without diabetes mellitus. Twenty-three (18.1%) patients exhibited adverse events, and each adverse event presented with an incidence of 0.8% to 3.1%. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were the most common. During treatment, 18 patients (14.2%) had alanine aminotransferase elevations consistent with more than grade 1 abnormalities, and none had signs of decompensation. Renal function remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION

The high SVR and excellent safety of LDV/SOF treatment for GT6 CHC patients suggest that LDV/SOF is a favorable option for treating GT6 CHC patients in Taiwan and Asia.

Cost-effectiveness of Using Kidneys From HCV-Viremic Donors for Transplantation Into HCV-Uninfected Recipients

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Less than 4% of patients with kidney failure receive kidney transplants. Although discard rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremic kidneys are declining, ~39% of HCV-viremic kidneys donated between 2018 and 2019 were discarded. Highly effective antiviral agents are now available to treat chronic HCV infection. Thus, our objective was to examine the cost-effectiveness of transplanting kidneys from HCV-viremic donors into HCV-uninfected recipients.

STUDY DESIGN

Markov state transition decision model. Data sources include Medline search results, bibliographies from relevant English language articles, Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, and the US Renal Data System.

SETTING & POPULATION

US patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis who are on kidney transplant waiting lists.

INTERVENTION(S)

Transplantation with an HCV-unexposed kidney versus transplantation with an HCV-viremic kidney and HCV treatment.

OUTCOMES

Effectiveness measured in quality-adjusted life-years and costs measured in 2018 US dollars.

MODEL, PERSPECTIVE, AND TIMEFRAME

We used a health care system perspective with a lifelong time horizon.

RESULTS

In the base-case analysis, transplantation with an HCV-viremic kidney was more effective and less costly than transplantation with an HCV-unexposed kidney because of the longer waiting times for HCV-unexposed kidneys, the substantial excess mortality risk while receiving dialysis, and the high efficacy of direct-acting antiviral agents for HCV infection. Transplantation with an HCV-viremic kidney was also preferred in sensitivity analyses of multiple model parameters. The strategy remained cost-effective unless waiting list time for an HCV-viremic kidney exceeded 3.1 years compared with the base-case value of 1.56 year.

LIMITATIONS

Estimates of waiting times for patients willing to accept an HCV-viremic kidney were based on data for patients who received HCV-viremic kidney transplants.

CONCLUSIONS

Transplanting kidneys from HCV-viremic donors into HCV-uninfected recipients increased quality-adjusted life expectancy and reduced costs compared with a strategy of transplanting kidneys from HCV-unexposed donors.

WITHDRAWN: The next frontier: universal hepatitis C virus screening in pregnant women

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Synthesis and evaluation of 2'-dihalo ribonucleotide prodrugs with activity against hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleoside inhibitors have been a key focus of nearly 2 decades of HCV drug research due to a high barrier to drug resistance and pan-genotypic activity profile provided by molecules in this drug class. Our investigations focused on several potent 2'-halogenated uridine-based HCV polymerase inhibitors, resulting in the discovery of novel 2'-deoxy-2'-dihalo-uridine analogs that are potent inhibitors in replicon assays for all genotypes. Further studies to improve in vivo performance of these nucleoside inhibitors identified aminoisobutyric acid ethyl ester (AIBEE) phosphoramidate prodrugs 18a and 18c, which provide high levels of the active triphosphate in dog liver. AIBEE prodrug 18c was compared with sofosbuvir (1) by co-dosing both compounds by oral administration in dog (5 mg/kg each) and measuring liver concentrations of the active triphosphate metabolite at both 4 and 24 h post dosing. In this study, 18c provided liver triphosphate concentrations that were 6-fold higher than sofosbuvir (1) at both biopsy time points, suggesting that 18c could be a highly effective agent for treating HCV infected patients in the clinic.

Integrating HCV testing with HIV programs improves hepatitis C outcomes in people who inject drugs: A cluster-randomized trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

There have been calls to integrate HCV testing into existing services, including harm reduction and HIV prevention and treatment, but there are few empirical trials to date. We evaluated the impact of integrating HCV testing/education into integrated care centers (ICCs) delivering HIV services to people who inject drugs (PWID) across India, using a cluster-randomized trial.

METHODS

We compared ICCs with usual care in the PWID stratum (12 sites) of a 22-site cluster-randomized trial. In 6 sites, ICCs delivering HIV testing, harm reduction, other preventive services and linkage to HIV treatment were scaled from opioid agonist therapy centers and operated for 2 years. On-site rapid HCV antibody testing was integrated after 1 year. To assess impact, we conducted baseline and evaluation surveys using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) across the 12 sites (n = 11,993 recruited at baseline; n = 11,721 recruited at evaluation). The primary outcome was population-level self-reported HCV testing history.

RESULTS

At evaluation, HCV antibody prevalence ranged from 7.2-76.6%. Across 6 ICCs, 5,263 ICC clients underwent HCV testing, of whom 2,278 were newly diagnosed. At evaluation, PWID in ICC clusters were 4-fold more likely to report being tested for HCV than in usual care clusters, adjusting for baseline testing (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 3.69; 95% CI 1.34-10.2). PWID in ICC clusters were also 7-fold more likely to be aware of their HCV status (aPR 7.11; 95% CI 1.14-44.3) and significantly more likely to initiate treatment (aPR 9.86; 95% CI 1.52-63.8).

CONCLUSIONS

We provide among the first empirical data supporting the integration of HCV testing into HIV/harm reduction services. To achieve elimination targets, programs will need to scale-up such venues to deliver comprehensive HCV services. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT01686750.

LAY SUMMARY

Delivering hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing to people who inject drugs (PWID) in places where they also have access to HIV prevention and treatment services is an effective way to improve uptake of HCV testing among communities of PWID. To achieve the World Health Organization's ambitious elimination targets, integrated programs will need to be scaled up to deliver comprehensive HCV services.

Hepatitis C Virus: Efficacy of New DAAs Regimens

BACKGROUND

HCV treatment showed dramatical change due to the introduction of potent, strong, direct antiviral drugs. Before the appearance of Direct-acting antivirals, multiple therapeutic interventions were used for hepatitis C, but none of these interventions were effective on patient-centered outcomes. Direct-acting antivirals cause disruption of viral replication because they target specific nonstructural viral proteins.

AIM

To review the advantages of efficient HCV therapy and its long term drawbacks.

METHODS

A search of the literature published in indexed databases (PubMed, Medline In-Process, and Embase) within the last 5 years was conducted. Any duplicated citations were excluded before first-pass screening. Citations (titles and abstracts) were screened for eligibility by a single reviewer. Full texts (including congress abstracts, posters and other congress communications) of citations deemed relevant during title and abstract screening were retrieved for second-pass review.

RESULTS

Studies on the clinical effects of DAAs for hepatitis C show better tolerance, improved survival and fewer complications when compared to previous interferon therapy.

CONCLUSION

HCV treatment has improved dramatically. Since that time, there are multiple approved oral therapies all with high efficacy. The most important factor which should be considered during choosing appropriate therapy is to ensure that it covers the viral genotype of the infected patients.

Pangenotypic direct acting antivirals for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent approval and adoption of pangenotypic direct acting antivirals (DAAs) necessitated a revision of the 2015 World Health Organization guidelines for the management of persons with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and relevant conference proceedings to identify randomized and non-randomized trials, as well as prospective observational studies of DAAs. The proportions of persons with events were pooled for sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12), discontinuations due to adverse events (DAEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), and all-cause mortality. Analyses were stratified by HCV genotype and antiviral treatment experience, with subgroup analyses based on presence of cirrhosis and HIV-HCV coinfection.

FINDINGS

The evidence base consisted of 238 publications describing 142 studies. In the overall analysis, which included all persons irrespective of treatment experience or comorbidities, the pooled proportion achieving SVR12 exceeded 0.94 for all pangenotypic regimens across genotypes 1, 2, and 4. Some heterogeneity may have led to lower SVR rates in persons with genotype 3 infection. High SVR12 (>0.90) was observed in persons with genotype 1 infection with cirrhosis, though evidence varied and was limited for genotypes 2-4. Evidence was sparse for persons with HIV-HCV coinfection. All regimens were associated with small proportions of persons with DAEs, SAEs, or all-cause mortality.

INTERPRETATION

Based on this and other supporting evidence, the WHO issued updated guidelines with a conditional recommendation, based on moderate quality evidence, for the use of pangenotypic DAA regimens for persons with chronic HCV infection aged 18 years and older (July 2018).

FUNDING

This study was funded by the World Health Organization.

Overview of hepatitis C infection, molecular biology, and new treatment

The World Health Organization estimates that 71 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis C viral infection. A major challenge is overall lack of public awareness of hepatitis C, particularly among infected people of their infection status. Chronic hepatitis C infection is associated with advanced liver disease, is the main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma and causes many extra-hepatic manifestations. The existence of seven viral genotypes complicates targeting of treatment. Recent years have seen the approval of many direct acting antivirals targeted at hepatitis C virus non-structural proteins. These have revolutionized therapy as they allow achievement of extremely high sustained virologic responses. Of great significance is the development of pan-genotypic drug combinations, including the NS3/4A-NS5A inhibitor combinations sofosbuvir-velpatasvir and glecaprevir-pibrentasvir. However, resistance-associated mutations can result in failure of these treatments in a small number of patients. This, combined with the high costs of treatment, highlights the importance of continued research into effective anti-hepatitis C therapies, for example aimed at viral entry. Recent developments include identification of the potential of low-cost anti-histamines for repurposing as inhibitors of hepatitis C viral entry. In this review we focus on molecular biology of hepatitis C virus, and the new developments in hepatitis C treatment.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) care in Canadian correctional facilities: Where are we and where do we need to be?

Approximately 25% of people in Canadian correctional facilities have been previously exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Despite being a high-prevalence setting, most Canadian prisons have thus far failed to engage the majority of those with chronic HCV infection in care. Several factors, including the lack of systematic screening programs, lack of on-site and trained health care personnel to improve access to care and treatment during incarceration, and the absence of standardized procedures needed to facilitate linkage to care following release likely contribute to poor engagement along the HCV care cascade for people in prison. HCV screening and engagement in care for people in prison can be improved through the implementation of universal opt-out screening upon admission and consideration of multidisciplinary care models for the provision of care. As well, the dissemination of prison-based needle and syringe programs to avert new HCV infections and re-infections should be considered. To meet the World Health Organization (WHO) 2030 HCV elimination goals, engaging researchers, clinicians and other health care providers, policy makers, correctional officials, and members of community in dialogue will be an essential first step going forward.

Efficacy and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for chronic hepatitis C virus genotypes 1-6 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the efficacy and safety of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (G/P) for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched to identify relevant studies through August 2018. Data from eligible studies were pooled and sustained virological response rates at 12 weeks' post-treatment (SVR12) were calculated. Thirteen studies with 3082 patients were included and the overall SVR12 rate was 97.8%. The SVR12 rates of subgroups were: G/P 300 mg/120 mg and 200 mg/120 mg: 97.9% and 98.3%; HCV genotype (GT)1, GT2, GT3 and GT4-6: 99.8%, 99.2%, 96.1% and 100%; G/P and G/P plus ribavirin (RBV): 97.9% and 98.2%; G/P (300 mg/120 mg) for 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks: 98.8%, 98.5% and 95.6%; treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients: 96.7% and 98.3%; patients without and with compensated cirrhosis: 99.4% and 98.8%; patients without and with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection: 97.8% and 99.4%; and patients without and with severe renal impairment (SRI): 97.8% and 99.4%. Virological failure and relapse and serious drug-related adverse events were rare. These results indicate that 8- or 12-week G/P treatment achieved high SVR12 rates in HCV GTs 1-6 patients without or with compensated cirrhosis, with good safety profiles, irrespective of dose, RBV use, treatment-experience, HIV co-infection and renal impairment. Due to the limited number of evaluated patients with GT3 infection, further studies are needed to define optimal treatment duration for GT3 cirrhosis patients and patients with prior treatment experience of direct-acting antivirals.

[Treatment of chronic viral hepatitis C with direct acting antiviral agent: review]

HCV infection treatment regimens are viewed from positions of HCV life cycle and replication, effects of NS3/4A protease inhibitors and NS5A/NS5B inhibitors on HCV strain replication. Evolution of HCV treatment regimens from its discovery to modern DAA agents had led to substantial progress although drug resistance poses a new issue to be addressed.

Understanding of the drug resistance mechanism of hepatitis C virus NS3/4A to paritaprevir due to D168N/Y mutations: A molecular dynamics simulation perspective

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease is an attractive target for the development of antiviral therapy. However, the evolution of antiviral drug resistance is a major problem for treatment of HCV infected patients. Understanding of drug-resistance mechanisms at molecular level is therefore very important for the guidance of further design of antiviral drugs with high efficiency and specificity. Paritaprevir is a potent inhibitor against HCV NS3/4A protease genotype 1a. Unfortunately, this compound is highly susceptible to the substitution at D168 in the protease. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations of paritaprevir complexed with wild-type (WT) and two mutated strains (D168 N and D168Y) were carried out. Due to such mutations, the inhibitor-protein hydrogen bonding between them was weakened and the salt-bridge network among residues R123, R155 and D168 responsible for inhibitor binding was disrupted. Moreover, the per-residue free energy decomposition suggested that the main contributions from key residues such as Q80, V132, K136, G137 and R155 were lost in the D168 N/Y mutations. These lead to a lower binding affinity of paritaprevir for D168 N/Y variants of the HCV NS3/4A protease, consistent with the experimental data. This detailed information could be useful for further design of high potency anti-HCV NS3/4A inhibitors.

Evaluation of 8-week glecaprevir/pibrentasvir treatment in direct-acting antiviral-naïve noncirrhotic HCV genotype 1 and 2infected patients in a real-world setting in Japan

Based on high efficacy and safety demonstrated in clinical trials, treatment with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) for 8 weeks is recommended for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients who are direct-acting antiviral (DAA) naïve, genotype 1 or 2, and noncirrhotic. The aim of this study was to validate real-world experience with 8-week G/P treatment in Japan. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study in 554 patients who underwent 8-week treatment from among 1,022 patients who initiated G/P therapy. The majority (54.5%) were male, with a median age of 66 years, and HCV genotype distribution was genotype 1, 43.8%; genotype 2, 55.3%; and mixed subtype, 0.9%. Overall, the sustained virologic response rate at 12 weeks (SVR12) was 92.8% (530/571) in the intention-to-treat population and 99.3% (526/530) in the per-protocol population. The SVR12 rates by subgroups were as follows: subtype 1a, 100% (6/6); 1b, 100% (189/189); 2a, 99.3% (150/151); 2b, 99.0% (103/104); and mixed subtype, 50% (2/4). Among four patients with virologic failure following 8-week treatment with G/P, none had baseline polymorphisms or treatment-emergent amino acid substitutions in NS3. However, 2 of 4 patients with virologic failure had treatment-emergent amino acid substitutions in NS5A. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 21.5% of patients and 1.2% of patients discontinued due to drug-related AEs. In conclusion, G/P treatment for 8 weeks was safe and effective for DAA-naïve noncirrhotic genotype 1 or 2 patients in a real-world clinical setting in Japan.

Resistance Mutations A30K and Y93N Associated with Treatment Failure with Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir for Hepatitis C Virus Infection Non-Responder Patients: Case Reports

In Brazil, hepatitis C treatment has been evolving significantly with the licensing of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). However, viral determinants (amino acid substitutions in hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome and infective genotype) associated with host factors (hepatic condition and prior HCV therapy) might limit the achievement of sustained virologic response (SVR). Here, we described two case reports in which the occurrence of HCV NS5A mutations A30K (subtype 3a) and Y93N (subtype 1a) might have influenced daclatasvir (DCV)/sofosbuvir (SOF) combined therapy non-response. Despite high response rates for DAA combined therapies in Brazil, these case reports stated the importance of an investigation about how to manage a DAA treatment failure since a combination of factors, especially the occurrence of resistance substitutions, could impact a rescue therapy with new available antivirals in clinical routine.

Universal Screening of Pregnant Women for Hepatitis C: The Time Is Now

The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has changed significantly over the last decade. Once most prevalent among older adults, the current burden has disproportionately affected young adults including women of childbearing age (WOCA). The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recently issued guidelines that made no change in the recommendation to screen pregnant women based on risk factors. The current burden in young adults including WOCA supports a change in strategy away from risk-based screening to universal HCV screening in pregnancy. Universal screening offers several advantages that position us for a future where HCV treatment in pregnancy can happen and offers us progress toward the elimination of HCV.

Developments in the treatment of HCV genotype 3 infection

Introduction: Unlike other hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes (GTs), patients infected with GT3 are associated with an increased risk of accelerated liver disease progression. Although early immuno-modulator therapies yielded moderate sustained virologic response (SVR) rates, treatment of GT3 patients has proven more challenging in the era of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Areas covered: The review provides an overview of the evolution of therapies against GT3 since the approval of the first immunomodulatory agent nearly 30 years ago. Expert opinion: A greater choice of treatment options is now available for HCV GT3-infected patients. In treatment-naïve patients with or without compensated cirrhosis, SVR rates are comparably high approaching 100% irrespective of treatment option. For treatment-experienced patients, choosing the right therapy is important, especially for those with advanced liver disease. For the few patients who fail with multiple persistent highly resistant DAA substitutions, retreatment options are limited. Additional real-world treatment comparisons are required to confirm differences in SVR in these more difficult-to-treat patients. This also includes patients infected with GT3 subtypes such as GT3b where multiple DAA-resistant substitutions occur naturally. In the absence of new drugs with non-overlapping drug-resistant profiles, an interferon-based therapy may still be beneficial in select patient populations with high-level multiple DAA-resistant substitutions.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a global health problem, and an estimated 71·1 million individuals are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The global incidence of HCV was 23·7 cases per 100 000 population (95% uncertainty interval 21·3-28·7) in 2015, with an estimated 1·75 million new HCV infections diagnosed in 2015. Globally, the most common infections are with HCV genotypes 1 (44% of cases), 3 (25% of cases), and 4 (15% of cases). HCV transmission is most commonly associated with direct percutaneous exposure to blood, via blood transfusions, health-care-related injections, and injecting drug use. Key high-risk populations include people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, and prisoners. Approximately 10-20% of individuals who are chronically infected with HCV develop complications, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma over a period of 20-30 years. Direct-acting antiviral therapy is now curative, but it is estimated that only 20% of individuals with hepatitis C know their diagnosis, and only 15% of those with known hepatitis C have been treated. Increased diagnosis and linkage to care through universal access to affordable point-of-care diagnostics and pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral therapy is essential to achieve the WHO 2030 elimination targets.

Prevalence of baseline HCV NS5A resistance associated substitutions in genotype 1a, 1b and 3 infection in Australia

BACKGROUND

Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have revolutionised hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, and most regimens include an NS5A inhibitor. Certain amino-acid substitutions confer resistance to NS5A inhibitors, termed resistance-associated substitutions (RAS). If present at baseline, they can reduce virological response rates. Population-based sequencing (PBS) is generally used for baseline sequencing, however next generation sequencing (NGS) reduces the threshold for detection of sequences encoding RAS from 20% to 5%. We determined the prevalence of NS5A RAS at baseline amongst Australian chronically infected with genotype (GT)1a, GT1b and GT3 HCV, using both PBS and NGS.

METHODS

Samples from DAA-naïve individuals were received at the Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory between June 2016 and December 2018. All samples were analysed for NS5A RAS using PBS. A subset of GT1 HCV samples were processed using NGS technology (Vela Diagnostics, Singapore) to determine the improvement in sensitivity.

RESULTS

In total, 672 samples were analysed using PBS. The baseline prevalence of NS5A RAS was 7.6% for GT1a (n = 25/329), 15.7% for GT1b (n = 8/51) and 15.1% for GT3 (n = 44/292). NGS only marginally increased sensitivity for NS5A RAS at baseline in GT1a (16% vs 17%) and GT1b (29% vs 36%).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of NS5A RAS in GT1a HCV in Australia was low compared with international data, and was similar to other reported international prevalence for GT1b and GT3 infection. NGS at baseline only marginally increased sensitivity for the detection of NS5A RAS in patients with GT1 HCV and cannot be recommended for routine use at baseline in clinical practice.

Viral Hepatitis C Therapy: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Considerations: A 2019 Update

It has been estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that over 71 million people were infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 2015. Since then, a number of highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens have been licensed for the treatment of chronic HCV infection: sofosbuvir/daclatasvir, sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, elbasvir/grazoprevir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir. With these treatment regimens, almost all chronic HCV-infected patients, even including prior DAA failures, can be treated effectively and safely. It is therefore likely that further development of DAAs will be limited. In this descriptive review we provide an overview of the clinical pharmacokinetic characteristics of currently available DAAs by describing their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Potential drug-drug interactions with the DAAs are briefly discussed. Furthermore, we summarize what is known about the pharmacodynamics of the DAAs in terms of efficacy and safety. We briefly discuss the relationship between the pharmacokinetics of the DAAs and efficacy or toxicity in special populations, such as hard to cure patients and patients with liver cirrhosis, liver transplantation, renal impairment, hepatitis B virus or HIV co-infection, bleeding disorders, and children. The aim of this overview is to educate/update prescribers and pharmacists so that they are able to safely and effectively treat HCV-infected patients even in the presence of underlying co-infections or co-morbidities.

Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir: The First 8-Week, Pangenotypic HCV Treatment Regimen for Patients 12 Years of Age and Older

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, dosing, and cost information of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Data Sources: A literature search was conducted between September 2018 and July 2019 using PubMed and Google Scholar with the search terms glecaprevir, pibrentasvir, Mavyret, Maviret, and hepatitis C. Clinicaltrials.gov was searched using the same terms. References of published articles were assessed for additional information. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language preclinical and clinical studies on the chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir were evaluated. Data Synthesis: Food and Drug Administration-approved glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is considered both safe and efficacious for the treatment of HCV genotypes 1 to 6 and in several patient populations, such as those with treatment-naïve or treatment-experienced HCV; with or without compensated cirrhosis, HIV-1 coinfection, or renal impairment; post-liver or post-kidney transplant; and ≥12 years of age. Sustained virological response rates ranged from 83% to 100% in clinical trials, and safety outcomes appear similar to other guideline-recommended HCV treatment options. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review discusses the pharmacological, efficacy, and safety data found in glecaprevir/pibrentasvir clinical trials and relates this to guideline recommendations and the practical use of this medication for treatment of HCV. Conclusions: With HCV infection rates remaining elevated, it is important to have safe and efficacious treatment options. Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is a safe and efficacious guideline-recommended, 8-week treatment for HCV in several patient populations, with these populations likely growing in the near future given ongoing and future studies.

Treatment optimisation for hepatitis C in the era of combination direct-acting antiviral therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Prior to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, personalised medicine played an important role in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Whilst simplified treatment strategies are central to treatment scale-up, some patients will benefit from treatment optimisation. This systematic review and meta-analysis explores treatment optimisation strategies in the DAA era. Methods: We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science for studies that adopted a stratified or personalised strategy using a licensed combination DAA regimen, alone or with additional agents. We performed a thematic analysis to classify optimisation strategies and a meta-analysis of sustained virologic response rates (SVR), exploring heterogeneity with subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Results: We included 64 studies (9450 participants). Thematic analysis found evidence of three approaches: duration, combination, and/or dose optimisation. We separated strategies into those aiming to maintain SVR in the absence of predictors of failure, and those aiming to improve SVR in the presence of predictors of failure. Shortened duration regimens achieve pooled SVR rates of 94.2% (92.3-95.9%) for 8 weeks, 81.1% (75.1-86.6%) for 6 weeks, and 63.1% (39.9-83.7%) for ≤4 weeks. Personalised strategies (100% vs 87.6%; p<0.001) and therapy shortened according to ≥3 host/viral factors (92.9% vs 81.4% or 87.2% for 1 or 2 host/viral factors, respectively; p=0.008) offer higher SVR rates when shortening therapy. Hard-to-treat HCV genotype 3 patients suffer lower SVR rates despite treatment optimisation (92.6% vs 98.2%; p=0.001). Conclusions: Treatment optimisation for individuals with multiple predictors of treatment failure can offer high SVR rates. More evidence is needed to identify with confidence those individuals in whom SVR can be achieved with shortened duration treatment.

Sustained virologic response to direct-acting antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The effect of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on the response to interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection remains unclear. Using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach, we aimed to investigate the effect of DAA therapy on sustained virologic response (SVR) among patients with CHC and either active, inactive or no HCC.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from 1/1/2013 to 9/24/2018. The pooled SVR rates were computed using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models.

RESULTS

We included 49 studies from 15 countries, comprised of 3,341 patients with HCC and 35,701 without HCC. Overall, the pooled SVR was lower in patients with HCC than in those without HCC (89.6%, 95% CI 86.8-92.1%, I2 = 79.1% vs. 93.3%, 95% CI 91.9-94.7%, I2 = 95.0%, p = 0.0012), translating to a 4.8% (95% CI 0.2-7.4%) SVR reduction by meta-regression analysis. The largest SVR reduction (18.8%) occurred in patients with active/residual HCC vs. inactive/ablated HCC (SVR 73.1% vs. 92.6%, p = 0.002). Meanwhile, patients with HCC who received a prior liver transplant had higher SVR rates than those who did not (p <0.001). Regarding specific DAA regimens, patients with HCC treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir had lower SVR rates than patients without HCC (92.6%, n = 884 vs. 97.8%, n = 13,141, p = 0.026), but heterogeneity was high (I2 = 84.7%, p <0.001). The SVR rate was similar in patients with/without HCC who were treated with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir ± dasabuvir (n = 101) (97.2% vs. 94.8%, p = 0.79), or daclatasvir/asunaprevir (91.7% vs. 89.8%, p = 0.66).

CONCLUSION

Overall, SVR rates were lower in patients with HCC, especially with active HCC, compared to those without HCC, though heterogeneity was high. Continued efforts are needed to aggressively screen, diagnose, and treat HCC to ensure higher CHC cure rates.

LAY SUMMARY

There are now medications (direct-acting antivirals or "DAAs") that can "cure" hepatitis C virus, but patients with hepatitis C and liver cancer may be less likely to achieve cure than those without liver cancer. However, patients with liver cancer are also more likely to have advanced liver disease and risk factors that can decrease cure rates, so better controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.

[Efficacy and safety of narlaprevir/ritonavir and daclatasvir non interferon combination in population of Russian patients with chronic hepatitis C]

AIM

Evaluate efficacy and safety of a combination of direct - acting antivirals narlaprevir/ritonavir with daclatasvir in patients with viral hepatitis C.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study enrolled adult patients with HCV genotype 1b infection without demonstrated NS5A resistance - associated substitutions Y93C/H/N/S and/or L31F/M/V/I. Patients were treated with narlaprevir 200 mg QD, ritonavir 100 mg QD and daclatasvir 60 mg QD. Treatment duration was 12 weeks. Proportion of patients achieving sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) was the primary efficacy endpoint.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In total, 105 (75.0%) patients were treatment with the study combination. Patients' age varied from 21 to 69 years, the mean age being 43.2±10.9 years. There were slightly more women (55.2%), and 69 patients (65.7%) had comorbidities. SVR 12 was 89.5% (95% CI 82.0-94.7%). In 10 of 11 patients with treatment failures NS5A resistance - associated substitutions in residues 31 and/or 93 were found, as well as less clinically relevant substitutions L28M, P58S, R30Q, Q62K. Adverse events (AEs) were found in less than one half of patients (45 patients, or 42.9% in the safety population). Almost all recorded AEs were mild to moderate.

CONCLUSION

Efficacy of treatment with a combination of narlaprevir/ritonavir and daclatasvir in treatment - naïve patients with HCV genotype 1b was close to 90%. This combination was found to be safe and well - tolerated.

Efficacy of direct-acting antivirals: UK real-world data from a well-characterised predominantly cirrhotic HCV cohort

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionised the management of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We describe UK real-world DAA experience. Individuals commencing HCV treatment containing a DAA regimen (Mar 2014-Nov 2016), participating in the National HCV Research UK (HCVRUK) Cohort Study were recruited from 33 UK HCV centers. The data were prospectively entered at sites onto a centralised database. The data were reported as median (Q1-Q3). Of the 1448 treated patients, 1054 (73%) were males, the median age being 54 years (47-60), 900 (62%) being genotype 1 and 455 (31%) genotype 3. The majority, 887 (61%) had cirrhosis, and 590 (41%) were treatment-experienced. DAA regimens utilised: genotype1 sofosbuvir (SOF)/Ledipasvir/±Ribavirin (625/900, 69%) and Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Dasabuvir/±RBV (220/900, 24%), and in genotype 3 SOF/Daclatasvir + RBV (256/455, 56%) and SOF/pegylated interferon/RBV (157/455, 35%). Overall, 1321 (91%) achieved sustained virological response (SVR12), genotype 1 vs 3, 93% vs 87%, P < .001. Prior treatment, presence of cirrhosis and treatment regimen did not impact SVR12. Predictors of treatment failure were genotype 3 infection, OR, 2.015 (95% CI: 1.279-3.176, P = .003), and male sex, OR, 1.878 (95% CI: 1.071-3.291, P = .028). Of those with hepatic decompensation at baseline (n = 39), 51% (n = 20) recompensated post-treatment, lower baseline serum creatinine being associated with recompensation (P = .029). There were two liver-related deaths, both having decompensated disease. This real-world UK data, comprising of a predominantly cirrhotic HCV genotype 1/3 cohort, confirms DAA efficacy with an overall 91% SVR12, with 51% recompensating post-treatment. Genotype 3 infection was a predictor of treatment failure.

Efficacy and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with chronic HCV infection and psychiatric disorders: An integrated analysis

Although direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are highly efficacious and safe, treatment initiation is often limited in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders due to concerns over reduced treatment adherence and drug-drug interactions. Here, we report adherence, efficacy, safety and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from an integrated analysis of registrational studies using the pangenotypic DAA regimen of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (G/P). Patients with chronic HCV genotypes 1-6 infection with compensated liver disease (with or without cirrhosis) receiving G/P for 8, 12 or 16 weeks were included in this analysis. Patients were classified as having a psychiatric disorder based on medical history and/or co-medications. Primary analyses assessed treatment adherence, efficacy (sustained virologic response at post-treatment week 12; SVR12), safety and PROs. Among 2522 patients receiving G/P, 789 (31%) had a psychiatric disorder with the most common diagnoses being depression (64%; 506/789) and anxiety disorders (27%; 216/789). Treatment adherence was comparably high (>95%) in patients with and without psychiatric disorders. SVR12 rates were 97.3% (768/789; 95% CI = 96.2-98.5) and 97.5% (1689/1733; 95% CI = 96.7-98.2) in patients with and without psychiatric disorders, respectively. Among patients with psychiatric disorders, SVR12 rates remained >96% by individual psychiatric diagnoses and co-medication classes. Overall, most adverse events (AEs) were mild-to-moderate in severity with serious AEs and AEs leading to G/P discontinuation occurring at similarly low rates in both patient populations. In conclusion, G/P treatment was highly efficacious, well-tolerated and demonstrated high adherence rates in patients with chronic HCV infection and psychiatric disorders.

In vitro resistance profile of hepatitis C virus NS5A inhibitor velpatasvir in genotypes 1 to 6

Velpatasvir is a pan-genotypic hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A inhibitor, which is used with sofosbuvir for treatment of infection with HCV genotypes 1-6. In vitro resistance studies were performed to characterize NS5A changes that might confer reduced velpatasvir susceptibility in vivo. Resistance selection studies using HCV replicon cells for subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a identified NS5A resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) at nine positions, most often 28M/S/T, 31F/I/M/P/V and 93D/H/N/S. In subtype 1a, RASs were selected at positions 31 and/or 93, while in subtype 1b, replicons with two or more RASs at positions 31, 54 or 93 were selected. Y93H was selected in subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a and 4a. In subtype 5a or 6a, L31P or P32L/Q was selected, respectively. Velpatasvir susceptibility of 358 replicons from genotypes 1 to 6 containing one or more NS5A RASs was also evaluated. The majority (63%) of subtypes 1a and 1b single RAS-containing replicons retained susceptibility to velpatasvir (<2.5-fold change in EC₅₀ ). High levels of resistance to velpatasvir were observed for six single mutants in subtype 1a, including M28G, A92K, Y93H/N/R/W and for one mutant, A92K, in subtype 1b. Most single mutants in subtypes 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a and 5a displayed low levels of reduced velpatasvir susceptibility. High-level resistance was observed for C92T and Y93H/N in subtype 2b, Y93H/S in 3a, and L31V and P32A/L/Q/R in 6a, and several double mutants in these subtypes. Overall, velpatasvir maintained activity against most common RASs that are known to confer resistance to first-generation NS5A inhibitors.

Integrated analysis of 8-week glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in Japanese and overseas patients without cirrhosis and with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 or 2 infection

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with genotypes (GT) 1 and 2 accounts for over 50% of HCV infections globally, including over 97% of all HCV infections in Japan. Here, we report an integrated analysis of efficacy and safety of 8-week treatment with the all-oral, fixed-dose combination of the direct acting antivirals (DAA), glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (G/P), in DAA-naïve Japanese and overseas patients without cirrhosis and with HCV GT1 or GT2 infection.

METHODS

Data from 899 DAA-naïve patients without cirrhosis and with HCV GT1 or GT2 infection treated with G/P (300/120 mg) for 8 weeks in the six Phase 2 or 3 overseas or Japan-only clinical trials were included. All patients who received ≥ 1 dose of G/P were included in an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis. The objectives were to evaluate rate of sustained virologic response 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) and safety of the 8-week regimen in the ITT population.

RESULTS

Overall, SVR12 was achieved by 98.9% (889/899) of DAA-naïve patients without cirrhosis, including 99.2% (597/602) of GT1-infected and 98.3% (292/297) of GT2-infected patients. Less than 1% (2/899) of patients overall and no Japanese patients experienced virologic failure. SVR12 rate was > 97% for patients regardless of baseline characteristics, and common comorbidities or co-medications. Overall, < 1% (2/899) discontinued G/P due to an adverse event (AE) and 1.6% (14/899) of patients experienced a serious AE.

CONCLUSIONS

8-week G/P treatment is safe and efficacious in DAA-naive patients without cirrhosis and with HCV GT1 or GT2 infection, demonstrating high SVR12 rates regardless of baseline patient and disease characteristics. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV IDENTIFIERS

The trials discussed in this paper were registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as follows: NCT02707952 (CERTAIN-1), NCT02723084 (CERTAIN-2), NCT02243280 (SURVEYOR-I), NCT02243293 (SURVEYOR-II), NCT02604017 (ENDURANCE-1), NCT02738138 (EXPEDITION-2).

Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: design, development, and place in therapy

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has changed the landscape of hepatitis C virus (HCV) management and has changed the focus to the possibility of HCV elimination in the near future. Glecaprevir, an NS3/4A protease inhibitor, and pibrentasvir, an HCV NS5A inhibitor, have addressed many of the existing shortcomings in the DAA therapy spectrum. This combination has proven to be a highly efficacious pan-genotypic DAA with a high barrier to resistance as a once-daily, all-oral medication. This review explores the design and development of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, its place in current HCV management in the midst of a myriad of DAA therapy options, and also remaining challenges.

Virus Genotype-Dependent Transcriptional Alterations in Lipid Metabolism and Inflammation Pathways in the Hepatitis C Virus-infected Liver

Despite advances in antiviral therapy, molecular drivers of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-related liver disease remain poorly characterised. Chronic infection with HCV genotypes (1 and 3) differ in presentation of liver steatosis and virological response to therapies, both to interferon and direct acting antivirals. To understand what drives these clinically important differences, liver expression profiles of patients with HCV Genotype 1 or 3 infection (n = 26 and 33), alcoholic liver disease (n = 8), and no liver disease (n = 10) were analysed using transcriptome-wide microarrays. In progressive liver disease, HCV genotype was the major contributor to altered liver gene expression with 2151 genes differentially expressed >1.5-fold between HCV Genotype 1 and 3. In contrast, only 6 genes were altered between the HCV genotypes in advanced liver disease. Induction of lipogenic, lipolytic, and interferon stimulated gene pathways were enriched in Genotype 1 injury whilst a broad range of immune-associated pathways were associated with Genotype 3 injury. The results are consistent with greater lipid turnover in HCV Genotype 1 patients. Moreover, the lower activity in inflammatory pathways associated with HCV genotype 1 is consistent with relative resistance to interferon-based therapy. This data provides a molecular framework to explain the clinical manifestations of HCV-associated liver disease.

Signature of natural resistance in NS3 protease revealed by deep sequencing of HCV strains circulating in Iran

A tremendous upscale of screening and treatment strategies is required to achieve elimination of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Iran by 2030. Among treated patients, at least 5-10% is expected to experience treatment failure. To efficiently retreat cases with prior exposure to NS5A and NS5B drugs, knowledge on the natural prevalence of NS3 resistance is key. The NS3 region of 32 samples from sixteen Iranian HCV patients, among which 6 injecting drug users, was amplified and subjected to deep sequencing. Amplification and sequencing were successful in 29 samples. The reads were assembled to consensus sequences and showed that 6 patients were infected with HCV1a (37.5%), 7 with HCV1b (43.8%) and 3 with HCV3a (18.7%). Nucleotide identities were shared for >97% between intra-host sequences. Two patients were infected with natural resistant viruses, of which one solely comprising low frequency variants. Inferred phylogenies showed that Iranian sequences clustered together for HCV1a and HCV1b, while for HCV3a a potential recombination event was detected. We firstly report the use of deep sequencing for HCV in Iran, demonstrate the use of NS3 inhibitors as salvage therapy in case of retreatment and stress the importance for Iran to prioritize drug users for screening and treatment.

The remarkable history of the hepatitis C virus

The infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an example of the translational research success. The reciprocal interactions between clinicians and scientists have allowed in 30 years the initiation of empirical treatments by interferon, the discovery of the virus, the development of serological and virological tools for diagnosis but also for prognosis (the non-invasive biochemical or morphological fibrosis tests, the predictors of the specific immune response including genetic IL28B polymorphisms). Finally, well-tolerated and effective treatments with oral antivirals inhibiting HCV non-structural viral proteins involved in viral replication have been marketed this last decade, allowing the cure of all infected subjects. HCV chronic infection, which is a public health issue, is a hepatic disease which may lead to a cirrhosis and an hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but also a systemic disease with extra-hepatic manifestations either associated with a cryoglobulinemic vasculitis or chronic inflammation. The HCV infection is the only chronic viral infection which may be cured: the so-called sustained virologic response, defined by undetectable HCV RNA 12 weeks after the end of the treatment, significantly reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with hepatic and extra-hepatic manifestations which are mainly reversible. The history of HCV ends with the pangenotypic efficacy of the multiple combinations, easy to use for 8-12 weeks with one to three pills per day and little problems of tolerance. This explains the short 30 years from the virus discovery to the viral hepatitis elimination policy proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016.

Viral dynamics among HCV infected patients with different genotypes treated with genotypic specific or pan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral agent combinations

BACKGROUND

New hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapies have improved efficacy, allowed pangenotypic applications, increased barriers to drug resistance and shortened therapy duration.

METHODS

Patients infected with different HCV genotypes were divided into two groups: group 1 included 169 patients receiving genotypic specific regimens (GSR), while group 2 included 186 patients receiving pan-genotypic regimens (PGR). Patient's HCV RNA was quantified and sequenced.

RESULTS

Comparable sustained viral response (SVR) rates were observed in both GSR and PGR treated patients. Nevertheless, even if not significant, a greater proportion of non-detectable levels (NDL) of HCV RNA was observed in patients treated with PGR as compared with GSR. Overall, among patients in the GSR and PGR groups with residual viremia, 124/169 (73.4%) and 125/186 (67.2%) at four weeks, and 66/169 (39.1%) and 58/186 (31.2%) at eight weeks, achieved SVR. No difference was observed in the clinical outcome comparing patients in the GSR and PGR groups according to genotype. While, comparing patients between the two groups, the proportion of patients with NDL HCV RNA at four and eight weeks was higher in patients infected with genotype 1b treated with PGR (p=0.0015). A significantly higher number of patients infected with 1b had RASs at baseline (p=0.0001). In addition, the proportion of patients with treatment failure was higher in patients with RASs at baseline compared with those without (p=0.012). Overall, 2.5% patients failed to achieve SVR after DAA treatment.

CONCLUSION

A sharp HCV RNA decrease was observed in patients treated with both GSR and PGR. However, even if comparable, a slightly greater number of patients treated with PGR achieved NDL HCV RNA as compared with GSR. A significant difference was observed in patients with baseline RASs, both in relation to treatment failure and genotype. In conclusion, the use of new DAA combinations helps patients achieve a more rapid virologic response.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) is a pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral agent for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Real-world data of GLE/PIB in Asian patients other than Japanese are limited. We thus investigated the effectiveness and safety profile of GLE/PIB in Taiwanese patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

METHODS

CHC patients who received 8, 12, or 16 weeks of GLE/PIB between August and October of 2018 were consecutively enrolled. The treatment duration was determined according to drug label. The hepatic fibrosis was staged according to liver histology, transient elastography, fibrosis index based on 4 factors (FIB-4), or findings of ultrasonography/endoscopy. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at week 12 off therapy (SVR12). The safety profiles were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 110 CHC patients with 51% of males were enrolled. The median age was 70 years. A majority (82%) of patients were infected with HCV genotype 2. Forty-six (42%) and 64 (58%) patients had advanced hepatic fibrosis and compensated cirrhosis, respectively. Forty-five (41%) non-cirrhotic patients were treated for 8 weeks. The overall SVR12 rates were 100%, regardless of baseline clinical characteristics. The common adverse events (AEs) were pruritus (12%), anorexia (6%), and fatigue (5%). Nine (8%) serious AEs unrelated to GLE/PIB occurred. Three (2%) patients had Grade 3 elevation of total bilirubin level. None had premature treatment termination, hepatic decompensation, or death.

CONCLUSION

Interferon-free GLE/PIB regimen is highly effective and safe for Asian chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis or compensated cirrhosis.

Safety and efficacy of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir in Japanese hemodialysis patients with genotype 2 hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND

Until recently, interferon-free anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy for genotype 2 (GT2) HCV-infected hemodialysis patients was an unfulfilled medical need. Recent clinical trials of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (G/P) for hemodialysis patients showed high efficacy and safety; however, the number of GT2 HCV-infected patients, especially Asian patients, was limited and most of them were treated with a 12-week regimen. In this prospective multicenter study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of G/P in Japanese hemodialysis patients with GT2 HCV infection.

METHODS

Twenty-seven Japanese hemodialysis patients with GT2 HCV infection who were started on with 8- or 12-week G/P regimen between November 2017 and June 2018 were included and followed up for around 12 weeks after treatment completion.

RESULTS

Among the 27 included patients, 13 non-liver cirrhosis (LC) and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)-naïve patients were treated with 8 weeks of G/P and 14 patients with LC (n = 13) or history of failure of DAAs (n = 1) were treated with a 12-week regimen. The overall sustained virological response at 12 weeks after treatment completion (SVR 12) was 96.3% (26/27). All patients with 8 weeks of treatment achieved SVR12. Two patients discontinued the therapy at 2 and 11 weeks after treatment initiation. The patient who discontinued at 2 weeks due to pruritus alone failed to respond to G/P. No patients experienced lethal adverse events during the therapy, and the most common adverse event was pruritus.

CONCLUSIONS

An 8- or 12-week G/P regimen is highly effective and safe in GT2 HCV-infected hemodialysis patients.

Cross-genotype AR3-specific neutralizing antibodies confer long-term protection in injecting drug users after HCV clearance

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In order to design an effective vaccine against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, it is necessary to understand immune protection. A number of broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies have been isolated from B cells of HCV-infected patients. However, it remains unclear whether B cells producing such antibodies contribute to HCV clearance and long-term immune protection against HCV.

METHODS

We analysed the B cell repertoire of 13 injecting drug users from the Amsterdam Cohort Study, who were followed up for a median of 17.5 years after primary infection. Individuals were classified into 2 groups based on the outcome of HCV infection: 5 who became chronically infected either after primary infection or after reinfection, and 8 who were HCV RNA negative following spontaneous clearance of ≥1 HCV infection(s). From each individual, 10,000 CD27+IgG+B cells, collected 0.75 year after HCV infection, were cultured to characterize the antibody repertoire.

RESULTS

Using a multiplex flow cytometry-based assay to study the antibody binding to E1E2 from genotype 1 to 6, we found that a high frequency of cross-genotype antibodies was associated with spontaneous clearance of 1 or multiple infections (p = 0.03). Epitope specificity of these cross-genotype antibodies was determined by alanine mutant scanning in 4 individuals who were HCV RNA negative following spontaneous clearance of 1 or multiple infections. Interestingly, the cross-genotype antibodies were mainly antigenic region 3 (AR3)-specific and showed cross-neutralizing activity against HCV. In addition to AR3 antibodies, 3 individuals developed antibodies recognizing antigenic region 4, of which 1 monoclonal antibody showed cross-neutralizing capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these data suggest that a strong B cell response producing cross-genotype and neutralizing antibodies, especially targeting AR3, contributes to HCV clearance and long-term immune protection against HCV.

LAY SUMMARY

Although effective treatments against hepatitis C virus (HCV) are available, 500,000 people die from liver disease caused by HCV each year and approximately 1.75 million people are newly infected. This could be prevented by a vaccine. To design a vaccine against HCV, more insight into the role of antibodies in the protection against HCV infection is needed. In a cohort of injecting drug users, we found that antibodies interfering with virus cell entry, and recognizing multiple HCV genotypes, conferred long-term protection against chronic HCV infection.

Efficacy of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir treatment for genotype 1b hepatitis C virus drug resistance-associated variants in humanized mice

Combination therapy with glecaprevir (GLE) and pibrentasvir (PIB) has high efficacy for pan-genotypic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. However, the efficacy for patients who acquired potent NS5A inhibitor resistance-associated variants (RAVs) as a result of failure to respond to previous direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies is unclear. We investigated the efficacy of GLE/PIB treatment for genotype 1b HCV strains containing RAVs using subgenomic replicon systems and human hepatocyte transplanted mice. Mice were injected with serum samples obtained from a DAA-naïve patient or daclatasvir plus asunaprevir (DCV/ASV) treatment failures including NS5A-L31M/Y93H, -P58S/A92K or -P32 deletion (P32del) RAVs, then treated with GLE/PIB. HCV was eliminated by GLE/PIB treatment in mice with wild-type and NS5A-L31M/Y93H but relapsed in mice with NS5A-P58S/A92K, followed by emergence of additional NS5A mutations after cessation of the treatment. In NS5A-P32del-infected mice, serum HCV RNA remained positive during the GLE/PIB treatment. NS5A-P58S/A92K showed 1.5-fold resistance to PIB relative to wild-type based on analysis using HCV subgenomic replicon systems. When mice were administered various proportions of HCV wild-type and P32del strains and treated with GLE/PIB, serum HCV RNA remained positive in mice with high frequencies of P32del. In these mice, the P32del was undetectable by deep sequencing before GLE/PIB treatment, but P32del strains relapsed after cessation of the GLE/PIB treatment. GLE/PIB is effective for wild-type and NS5A-L31M/Y93H HCV strains, but the effect seems to be low for P58S/A92K and NS5A-P32del RAVs. Although NS5A-P32del was not detected, the mutation may be present at low frequency in DCV/ASV treatment failures.

JNJ-4178 (AL-335, Odalasvir, and Simeprevir) for 6 or 8 Weeks in Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients Without Cirrhosis: OMEGA-1

The combination of three direct-acting antiviral agents (AL-335, odalasvir, and simeprevir: JNJ-4178 regimen) for 6 or 8 weeks demonstrated good efficacy and safety in a phase IIa study in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT)-1-infected patients without cirrhosis and has now been evaluated in a larger phase IIb study, OMEGA-1. This multicenter, randomized, open-label study (NCT02765490) enrolled treatment-naïve and interferon (±ribavirin) treatment-experienced patients with HCV GT1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 infection. Patients with HCV GT3 infection and/or liver cirrhosis were excluded. Patients received AL-335 800 mg, odalasvir 25 mg, and simeprevir 75 mg once daily for 6 or 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). In total, 365 patients (GT1a, 29.3%; GT1b, 42.5%; GT2, 12.3%; GT4, 14.2%; GT5, 1.4%; GT6, 0%) were randomized to receive 6 weeks (n = 183) or 8 weeks (n = 182) of treatment. SVR12 rates after 6 weeks (98.9%) or 8 weeks (97.8%) of treatment were noninferior to a historical control (98%). Viral relapse occurred in 5 patients (1.4%; 4 with HCV GT2c; 1 with GT1a). With the exception of 4 patients in the 8-week group, including 3 patients with missing data at the SVR24 timepoint, all patients who achieved SVR12 also achieved SVR24. One GT1a-infected patient experienced late viral relapse after achieving SVR18. Most adverse events (AEs) were mild with no treatment-related serious AEs. All randomized patients completed treatment. Conclusion: In HCV-infected patients, 6 and 8 weeks of treatment with JNJ-4178 resulted in SVR12 rates of 98.9% and 97.8%, respectively, and was well tolerated.