Sofosbuvir Plus Velpatasvir Combination Therapy for Treatment-Experienced Patients With Genotype 1 or 3 Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Randomized Trial

Effectiveness of Direct Antiviral Agents in People with HCV-Monoinfection Compared to HCV/HIV Coinfection in a Real Life Setting

Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) are effective in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but there is little information about real-world effectiveness in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLH). The aim of this study was to determinate the effectiveness of DAA to achieve sustained virologic response at week 12 post-treatment (SVR12) in PLH with HCV coinfection and in people with HCV-monoinfection. We conducted a prospective cohort. The full analysis set (FAS) included all subjects enrolled in the study; the modified analysis set (MAS) excluded cases with missing data to evaluate SVR12. A total of 278 people were included, 130 (46.7%) with HCV/HIV-coinfection and 148 (53.2%) with HCV-monoinfection. In the HCV/HIV-coinfection group, 82 (63%) received GLE/PIB for 8 weeks, 45 (34.6%) received SOF/VEL for 12 weeks, and 3 (2.3%) were treated with SOF/VEL + RBV for 12 weeks. In the HCV-monoinfection group, 62 (41.8%) received GLE/PIB for 8 weeks, 28 (18.9%) received SOF/VEL for 12 weeks, and 58 (39.1%) participants were treated with SOF/VEL + RBV for 12 weeks. In the FAS analysis, SVR12 was 81.6% in the HCV/HIV-coinfection group and 86.4% in the HCV-monoinfection group (p = 0.128). In the MAS analysis, both groups achieved 100% of SVR12. In this cohort, the effectiveness of DAA to achieve SVR12 was similar between HCV/HIV-coinfection and HCV-monoinfection cases, regardless of advanced liver disease with no differences between treatment regimens.

Real-world Effectiveness and Tolerability of Interferon-free Direct-acting Antiviral for 15,849 Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Multinational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

As practice patterns and hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes (GT) vary geographically, a global real-world study from both East and West covering all GTs can help inform practice policy toward the 2030 HCV elimination goal. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of DAA treatment in routine clinical practice in a multinational cohort for patients infected with all HCV GTs, focusing on GT3 and GT6.

METHODS

We analyzed the sustained virological response (SVR12) of 15,849 chronic hepatitis C patients from 39 Real-World Evidence from the Asia Liver Consortium for HCV clinical sites in Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe between 07/01/2014-07/01/2021.

RESULTS

The mean age was 62±13 years, with 49.6% male. The demographic breakdown was 91.1% Asian (52.9% Japanese, 25.7% Chinese/Taiwanese, 5.4% Korean, 3.3% Malaysian, and 2.9% Vietnamese), 6.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 1% Black/African-American. Additionally, 34.8% had cirrhosis, 8.6% had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and 24.9% were treatment-experienced (20.7% with interferon, 4.3% with direct-acting antivirals). The largest group was GT1 (10,246 [64.6%]), followed by GT2 (3,686 [23.2%]), GT3 (1,151 [7.2%]), GT6 (457 [2.8%]), GT4 (47 [0.3%]), GT5 (1 [0.006%]), and untyped GTs (261 [1.6%]). The overall SVR12 was 96.9%, with rates over 95% for GT1/2/3/6 but 91.5% for GT4. SVR12 for GT3 was 95.1% overall, 98.2% for GT3a, and 94.0% for GT3b. SVR12 was 98.3% overall for GT6, lower for patients with cirrhosis and treatment-experienced (TE) (93.8%) but ≥97.5% for treatment-naive patients regardless of cirrhosis status. On multivariable analysis, advanced age, prior treatment failure, cirrhosis, active HCC, and GT3/4 were independent predictors of lower SVR12, while being Asian was a significant predictor of achieving SVR12.

CONCLUSIONS

In this diverse multinational real-world cohort of patients with various GTs, the overall cure rate was 96.9%, despite large numbers of patients with cirrhosis, HCC, TE, and GT3/6. SVR12 for GT3/6 with cirrhosis and TE was lower but still excellent (>91%).

Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir-based medication regimens with and without ribavirin in hepatitis C patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Sofosbuvir (SOF) is a new and highly effective medication that dramatically improved hepatitis C virus (HCV) management. However, ribavirin (RBV) is still added to SOF-based medication regimens in several clinical scenarios, despite its well-known toxicities. The aim of our study is to systematically review and analyse the impact of adding RBV to SOF-based medication regimens on clinical outcomes among HCV patients.

METHODS

Included studies were randomized trials comparing the same SOF-based medication regimens with and without RBV in HCV patients and measuring serious adverse events (SAEs) and/or sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR-12). Two investigators independently searched PubMed and Cochrane Library through September 2021. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess trials quality. Clinical outcomes were analysed as risk ratios (RR) using a random effects model using R version 4.1.2.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Our study included a total of 26 trials with 5058 HCV patients. Quality assessment showed moderate risk of bias for most trials. Upon adding RBV, there was no significant difference in SAEs (RR 1.07, 95% CI: 0.77-1.48, I2  = 10%), nor an impact on SVR-12 (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.98-1.01, I2  = 41%). There was no evidence of publication bias for either outcome. Subgroup analysis consistently showed lack of benefit among HCV subgroups. Additionally, NCT01826981 was identified as the main source of heterogeneity in the SVR-12 outcome.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest nonsignificant differences in safety and efficacy between SOF-based medication regimens with and without RBV which should be considered in clinical practice.

Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir with or without ribavirin in hepatitis C genotype 3 compensated cirrhosis: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma globally. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) is an effective pan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral combination for treatment of chronic HCV infection. While the addition of ribavirin (RBV) to SOF/VEL improved sustained virological response (SVR12) in genotype 3 (GT3) decompensated cirrhosis patients, the benefits of RBV in GT3 compensated cirrhosis patients receiving SOF/VEL remains unclear.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of SOF/VEL, with or without RBV in GT3 compensated cirrhosis patients.

METHODS

We searched four electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) from inception up to June 2021 using both free text and MeSH terms. There was no restriction on language, geography, publication dates and publication status (full text or abstracts). All GT3 compensated cirrhosis patients treated with 12 wk of SOF/VEL, with or without RBV, were included, regardless of age, gender or prior treatment experience. The primary outcome was sustained virological response 12-wk post-treatment (SVR12). The secondary outcome was treatment-related adverse events, as defined by symptomatic anemia requiring transfusion or a drop in hemoglobin beyond 2 g/dL. The pooled relative risk (RR), 95%CI and heterogeneity (I 2) were estimated using Review Manager version 5.3.

RESULTS

From 1752 citations, a total of seven studies (2 randomized controlled trials, 5 cohort studies) with 1088 subjects were identified. The SVR12 was similar in GT3 compensated cirrhosis patients, regardless of the use of RBV, for both the intention-to-treat RR 1.03, 95%CI: 0.99-1.07; I 2 = 0%) and the per-protocol analysis (RR: 1.03, 95%CI: 0.99-1.07; I 2 = 48%). The overall pooled rate of treatment-related adverse events was 7.2%. Addition of RBV increased the pooled risk of treatment-related adverse events in GT3 compensated cirrhosis patients receiving SOF/VEL (RR: 4.20, 95%CI: 1.29-13.68; I 2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis showed that RBV was associated with a higher SVR12 in GT3 compensated cirrhosis patients with baseline resistance-associated substitutions. However, addition of RBV did not significantly increase the SVR12 among treatment-experienced GT3 compensated cirrhosis patients.

CONCLUSION

Ribavirin was not associated with higher SVR12 in GT3 compensated cirrhosis patients receiving SOF/VEL. Our findings suggest a limited role for RBV as routine add-on therapy to SOF/VEL in GT3 compensated cirrhosis patients.

Effectiveness and Safety of Pangenotypic Regimens in the Most Difficult to Treat Population of Genotype 3 HCV Infected Cirrhotics

There is still limited data available from real-world experience studies on the pangenotypic regimens in patients with genotype (GT) 3 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and liver cirrhosis. The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pangenotypic regimens in this difficult-to-treat population. A total of 236 patients with mean age 52.3 ± 11.3 years and male predominance (72%) selected from EpiTer-2 database were included in the analysis; 72% of them were treatment-naïve. The majority of patients (55%) received the combination of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), 71 without and 58 with ribavirin (RBV), whereas the remaining 107 individuals were assigned to glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB). The effectiveness of the treatment following GLE/PIB and SOF/VEL regimens (96% and 93%) was higher compared to SOF/VEL + RBV option (79%). The univariate analysis demonstrated the significantly lower sustained virologic response in males, in patients with baseline HCV RNA ≥ 1,000,000 IU/mL, and among those who failed previous DAA-based therapy. The multivariate logistic regression analysis recognized only the male gender and presence of ascites at baseline as the independent factors of non-response to treatment. It should be emphasized that despite the availability of pangenotypic, strong therapeutic options, GT3 infected patients with cirrhosis still remain difficult-to-treat, especially those with hepatic impairment and DAA-experienced.

Application of different chemometric assisted models for spectrophotometric quantitative analysis of velpatasvir and sofosbuvir

Four chemometric assisted spectrophotometric models were developed for the quantitative analysis of velpatasvir and sofosbuvir, in their newly FDA approved pharmaceutical dosage form. Due to the existed overlap of the scanned absorption spectra between velpatasvir and sofosbuvir, this resulted in degree of difficulty of the possibility of the conventional spectrophotometric methods to quantify and analyze the cited drugs simultaneously. Classical least squares, principal component regression, partial least squares and genetic algorithm partial least squares were designed and compared for the quantitative analysis of velpatasvir and sofosbuvir in their binary mixture. Experimental design for different concentrations of the studied drugs was done based on the spectral sensitivity of velpatasvir and sofosbuvir and the confirmed ratio of the two drugs in the commercial pharmaceutical dosage form. Optimization of the described models was adopted with the aid of five-levels, two factors experimental design. Successfully quantitative assay of the drugs in Epclusa® tablets was done by the proposed models. Statistically comparative analysis for the obtained models results with another published capillary electrophoresis quantitative analytical method was performed. It is noteworthy mentioning that there was no significant difference between the proposed models and the published method with respect to the accepted statistical parameters.

High Efficacy and Safety of Flat-Dose Ribavirin Plus Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir in Genotype 3 Cirrhotic Patients

Background/Aims

Patients with genotype 3 hepatitis C virus (G3-HCV) cirrhosis are very difficult to treat compared to patients with other HCV genotypes. The optimal treatment duration and drug regimen associated with ribavirin (RBV) remain unclear. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of daclatasvir (DCV)/sofosbuvir (SOF) plus a flat dose of 800 mg RBV (flat dose) compared to DCV/SOF without RBV or DCV/SOF plus an RBV dose based on body weight (weight-based) in G3-HCV patients with compensated or decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods

We analyzed data for 233 G3 cirrhotic patients. Of these, 70 (30%), 87(37%) and 76 (33%) received SOF/DCV, SOF/DCV/RBV flat dose, and SOF/DCV/RBV weight-based dose, respectively. Treatment duration was 24 weeks. Sustained virological response (SVR) was evaluated at week 12 posttreatment (SVR12).

Results

Overall, SVR12 was achieved in 220 out of 233 patients (94.4%). The SVR12 rate was lower in the DCV/SOF group than in the DCV/SOF/RBV flat-dose group and the DCV/SOF/RBV weight-based group (87.1% vs 97.7% and 97.4%, respectively, p=0.007). A higher incidence of anemia occurred in the DCV/SOF/RBV weight-based group compared to those in the other two groups (p<0.007).

Conclusions

We found that the DCV/SOF/RBV flat-dose regimen is an effective treatment in terms of efficacy and safety in patients with G3-HCV compensated or decompensated cirrhosis. Therefore, antiviral regimens without RBV should be restricted only to naïve patients with G3-HCV compensated cirrhosis who have a clear contraindication for RBV.

Extrahepatic Malignancies After Treatment with Direct Antiviral Agents for Chronic HCV Infection

BACKGROUND

Direct antiviral agents (DAAs) have become the treatment of choice for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). A safety concern was raised about a possible relationship between DDAs and malignancies. We report unexpected development of extrahepatic malignancies after DAA treatment.

METHODS

Four hundred thirty-one patients were treated with DAAs in our unit between January 2015 and February 2018. The most common regimen used the combination of paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir with/without dasabuvir (PrOD) (141 patients, 32.7%). The most common genotype was G1b (317 patients, 73.5%).

RESULTS

Nine patients (2.08%) were diagnosed with malignancies after treatment: three patients developed lymphoma, one laryngeal carcinoma, one pancreatic adenocarcinoma, one cervix carcinoma, one lung carcinoma, one developed recurrent transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder, and one developed recurrent metastatic breast cancer. The incidence of these malignancies in the cohort was 696 to 100,000 for lymphoma and 232 to 100,000 for each one of the other malignancies described, while the incidence in the general population is 20, 8.8, 1.7, 44.7, 142, and 89.7 to 100,000, respectively. Five of these patients were treated with PrOD, two with sofosbuvir and daclatasvir, one with simeprevir and sofosbuvir, and one with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir. The occurrence of the malignancies was 3 months to 4 years after the end of the treatment. Besides, 10 patients (2.3%) developed HCC and one developed recurrent aggressive HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

This report raises a question about a possible relationship between treatment with DAAs and development of extrahepatic malignancies. Thus, data collection from larger cohorts is critical to determine the relationship possibility.

Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-based pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral agents for chronic hepatitis C patients without genotype determination: Real-world experience of a retrospective study

Several new, pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have been approved, may reduce the need for genotyping to guide therapy decisions for patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Sofosbuvir (SOF)-based pangenotypic DAAs therapy for CHC patients without genotype (GT determination in the real-world practice.This retrospective cohort study included treatment-naïve CHC patients without GT determination, who received SOF-based DAAs therapy, including 400 mg SOF plus 60 mg daclatasvir (DCV) daily or 400 mg SOF plus 100 mg velpatasvir (VEL) daily for 12 or 24 weeks. Clinical and laboratory data, including sustained virologic response (SVR), were obtained at baseline, end of treatment (EOT), 12 weeks after EOT, and 48 weeks after EOT.A total of 95 CHC patients, including 30 (31.58%) had liver cirrhosis were enrolled. SVR rates after 12 weeks of treatment (SVR12) was 96.84% (92/95), including 96.20% (76/79) of patients receiving SOF plus DCV and 100% (16/16) of patients receiving SOF plus VEL. For 92 patients achieving an SVR12, no virological relapse was observed at 48 weeks after EOT. Furthermore, serum evaluation of liver fibrosis aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and Fibrosis-4 score were decreased significantly at EOT and 12 weeks after EOT, compared to pre-treatment values (both P < .05). Treatment was well-tolerated by our patients.SOF-based pangenotypic DAAs including SOF plus DCV and SOF plus VEL, were effective and safe for CHC patients without GT determination in this study. This may provide a potential simple strategy for CHC treatment without GT determination.

2020 Taiwan consensus statement on the management of hepatitis C: part (I) general population

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major public health issue with high prevalence in Taiwan. Recently, the advent of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents, with higher efficacy, excellent safety profile, and truncated treatment duration, has revolutionized the paradigm of hepatitis C treatment and made HCV elimination possible. To provide timely guidance for optimal hepatitis C management, the Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver (TASL) established an expert panel to publish a 2-part consensus statement on the management of hepatitis C in the DAA era. After comprehensive literature review and a consensus meeting, patient-oriented, genotype-guided recommendations on hepatitis C treatment for the general and special populations have been provided based on the latest indications and scientific evidence. In the first part of this consensus, we present the epidemiology and treatment situation of hepatitis C in Taiwan, the development of DAA, pre-treatment evaluation, post sustained virologic response (SVR) monitoring, and most importantly the treatment recommendations for the general population with compensated liver disease. The second part will focus on the treatment recommendations for the special populations.

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir & dasabuvir ± ribavirin following protease inhibitors failure - a prospective multi-centre trial

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment with first generation protease inhibitors (PI) + peg-interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of 65-75% but was associated with multiple side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir and Dasabuvir (3D) ± RBV in HCV genotype 1 patients that failed previous treatment with first generation PIs.

METHODS

An investigator-initiated, open-label, multi-centre clinical trial. HCV Genotype 1 patients who were previously null/partial responders or relapsers to telaprevir, boceprevir or simepravir+pegIFN/RBV and met eligibility criteria were included. 3D ± RBV were administrated for 12 or 24 weeks according to label. The primary outcome was antiviral response (SVR12); Secondary outcomes were patient reported outcomes, adverse events and resistance associated variants.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients initiated treatment according to study protocol (59% men, age 54.0 ± 8.7 years, BMI 28.7 ± 4.5 kg/m²). Thirty-seven (94.9%) completed the study. Thirty-five patients had genotype 1b (9 cirrhotics) and 4 had genotype 1a (2 cirrhotics). Intention-to-treat SVR12 was 92.3% and per-protocol SVR12 was 97.3%. The rate of advanced fibrosis (FibroScan® score F3-4) declined from 46.2 to 25.7% (P = 0.045). Abnormal ALT levels declined from 84.6 to 8.6% (P < 0.001). Seven patients (17.9%) experienced serious adverse events (3 Psychiatric admissions, 1 pneumonia, 1 ankle fracture, 2 palpitations), and 12 patients (30.8%) experienced self-reported adverse events, mostly weakness.

CONCLUSION

3D ± RBV is safe and effective in achieving SVR among patients with HCV genotype 1 who failed previous first-generation PI treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02646111 (submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov, December 28, 2015).

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.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir: a highly effective option for retreatment of hepatitis C in difficult-to-treat patients

Treatment for hepatitis C has escalated rapidly since the advent of direct-acting antivirals. Although there are highly efficacious, pangenotypic regimens available as standard of care, 5-10% of patients do not achieve virological cure. The recently approved fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir, velpatasvir and voxilaprevir provides an option for retreatment in patients who have failed prior regimens and have characteristics which make them difficult to treat. This review provides a summary of the evidence for use of Vosevi^®, a fixed-dose combination pill for treatment of hepatitis C in treatment-experienced patients.

Screening for Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Adolescents and Adults: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force

IMPORTANCE

A 2013 review for the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening found interferon-based antiviral therapy associated with increased likelihood of sustained virologic response (SVR) and an association between achieving an SVR and improved clinical outcomes. New direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens are available.

OBJECTIVE

To update the 2013 review on HCV screening to inform the USPSTF.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews through February 2019, with surveillance through September 2019.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized treatment studies of HCV screening and DAA therapy; cohort studies on screening, antiviral therapy, and the association between an SVR after antiviral therapy and clinical outcomes.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

One investigator abstracted data; a second checked accuracy. Two investigators independently rated study quality.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Mortality, morbidity, quality of life, screening and treatment harms, and screening diagnostic yield.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs of DAA therapy vs placebo or an outdated antiviral regimen, 48 other treatment studies, and 33 cohort studies, with a total of 179 230 participants, were included. No study evaluated effects of HCV screening vs no screening. One new study since the 2013 review (n = 5917) found similar diagnostic yield of risk-based screening (sensitivity, 82%; number needed to screen to identify 1 HCV case, 15) and birth cohort screening (sensitivity, 76%; number needed to screen, 29), assuming perfect implementation. Ten open-label studies (n = 3292) reported small improvements in some quality-of-life and functional outcomes (eg, less than 3 points on the 0 to 100 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical and mental component summary scales) after DAA treatment compared with before treatment. Two cohort studies (n = 24 686) found inconsistent associations of antiviral therapy vs no therapy with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Forty-nine treatment studies (n = 10 181) found DAA regimens associated with pooled SVR rates greater than 95% across genotypes, and low short-term rates of serious adverse events (1.9%) and withdrawal due to adverse events (0.4%). An SVR after antiviral therapy was associated with decreased adjusted risk of all-cause mortality (13 studies, n = 36 986; pooled hazard ratio [HR], 0.40 [95% CI, 0.28-0.56) and hepatocellular carcinoma (20 studies, n = 84 491; pooled HR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.23 to 0.38]) vs no SVR.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Direct evidence on the effects of HCV screening on clinical outcomes remains unavailable, but DAA regimens were associated with SVR rates greater than 5% and few short-term harms relative to older antiviral therapies. An SVR after antiviral therapy was associated with improved clinical outcomes compared with no SVR.

Real-world Effectiveness of Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in British Columbia, Canada: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background

Clinical trials show high efficacy of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), but there are limited data from “real-world” settings. We aimed to evaluate SOF/VEL effectiveness for all hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes (GTs) in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

Methods

We used the BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort, which includes all HCV cases in the province (1990–2015) linked to administrative databases, including prescriptions to end of 2018. We measured sustained virologic response (SVR; negative RNA ≥10 weeks after treatment end) and identified characteristics associated with non-SVR. Conservatively, we excluded individuals with no assessment for SVR if their last RNA test after treatment initiation was negative (but included if positive).

Results

Of 2821 eligible participants, most were infected with GT1 (1076, 38.1%) or GT3 (1072, 38.0%), and a minority (278, 9.9%) were treated with RBV. SVR was 94.6% (2670/2821) overall and 94.5% (1017/1076) for GT1, 96.4% (512/531) for GT2, and 93.7% (1004/1072) for GT3. When disaggregated by GT, treatment regimen, and cirrhosis/treatment experience, SVR was lowest (30/40, 75.0%) among treatment-experienced GT3 individuals treated with RBV. Characteristics associated with non-SVR in multivariable analysis included younger age, RBV addition, and being a person with HIV (PWH) or who injects/injected drugs (PWID). When treatment regimen (±RBV) was removed from multivariable model, treatment experience was associated with non-SVR for GT3. Of 151 non-SVR individuals, 56.3% were nonvirological failures (treatment incomplete/no assessment for SVR) and 43.7% were virological failures (nonresponse/relapse). A disproportionately high percentage of non-SVR among PWID was due to nonvirological failure.

Conclusions

SOF/VEL was highly effective in this “real-world” population-based cohort. Additional support is required for PWID/PWH to reach SVR.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir in treatment-experienced HCV-infected patients - short report

Aim of the study

The aim of this overview was to evaluate the efficacy of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) combination in a real-life setting, with particular regard to treatment-experienced individuals.

Material and methods

Seventy-five consecutive patients who were treated with SOF/VEL, completed the 12-week follow-up and had sustained virologic response (SVR) evaluated were included in the analysis. Out of them, 60 (80%) patients were treatment-naïve and 15 (20%) were treatment-experienced.

Results

SVR rates reached 89.4% (66/75) in the whole study group and were comparable irrespective of the fibrosis stage or HCV genotype. However, a significant difference in treatment efficacy between treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced individuals was observed, with SVR rates of 98.3% (59/60) and 46.7% (7/15), respectively (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Further studies including large real-life cohorts of treatment-experienced patients treated with SOF/VEL are warranted to elucidate the real efficacy of this regimen as a retreatment option.

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.

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C

Advances in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment led to the development of highly effective all oral direct acting antiviral regimens. The combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), two agents acting synergistically at different stages in the viral life cycle, has been evaluated in a broad range of clinical trials supporting its efficacy in complex and diverse patient populations. Following regulatory approval in 2016, SOF/VEL has been widely used as a safe, effective pangenotypic regimen in clinical practice. In this review, we will discuss the current preclinical, clinical and real-world data on SOF/VEL.

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.

International Liver Transplantation Society Asian Consensus on the Management of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Resource Limited Setting-From Noncirrhotic to Decompensated Disease and After Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

The population of Asia exceeds 4.4 billion people. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Asia is characterized by specific distribution of genotypes, lack of access to specific therapeutic agents, relatively high cost of treatment, and lack of experienced healthcare providers. Clear consensus on the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of HCV infection specific to the Asian region is a major unmet need. The consensus guidelines documents that have been published to date by major medical societies presume access to an array of direct acting antiviral agents and diagnostic tests that are not broadly applicable to resource limited settings, including Asia.

METHODS

To address the lack of an Asia-specific set of HCV treatment guidelines, we assembled a panel of 15 HCV experts in the field of hepatology from India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Pakistan, Philippines, and Mongolia convened in April 2017 to review the updated literature and provide recommendations on the diagnosis and management of chronic HCV infection that reflects local conditions.

RESULTS

An evidence-based comprehensive compilation of the literature supported by the graded recommendations from the expert panel for the optimization of the diagnosis, pretreatment, on treatment, and posttreatment assessments, and management of chronic HCV infection has been presented in this article.

CONCLUSIONS

With the evolving treatment landscape and addition of several new direct-acting antiviral agents and combination regimens into the therapeutic armamentarium, the current article may serve as a guide to the clinicians in optimizing the diagnosis and treatment selection for the management of chronic HCV infection in resource-limited settings.

Resistance analysis of genotype 3 hepatitis C virus indicates subtypes inherently resistant to nonstructural protein 5A inhibitors

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (gt) 3 is highly prevalent globally, with non-gt3a subtypes common in Southeast Asia. Resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) have been shown to play a role in treatment failure. However, the role of RASs in gt3 is not well understood. We report the prevalence of RASs in a cohort of direct-acting antiviral treatment-naive, gt3-infected patients, including those with rarer subtypes, and evaluate the effect of these RASs on direct-acting antivirals in vitro. Baseline samples from 496 gt3 patients enrolled in the BOSON clinical trial were analyzed by next-generation sequencing after probe-based enrichment for HCV. Whole viral genomes were analyzed for the presence of RASs to approved direct-acting antivirals. The resistance phenotype of RASs in combination with daclatasvir, velpatasvir, pibrentasvir, elbasvir, and sofosbuvir was measured using the S52 ΔN gt3a replicon model. The nonstructural protein 5A A30K and Y93H substitutions were the most common at 8.9% (n = 44) and 12.3% (n = 61), respectively, and showed a 10-fold and 11-fold increase in 50% effect concentration for daclatasvir compared to the unmodified replicon. Paired RASs (A30K + L31M and A30K + Y93H) were identified in 18 patients (9 of each pair); these combinations were shown to be highly resistant to daclatasvir, velpatasvir, elbasvir, and pibrentasvir. The A30K + L31M combination was found in all gt3b and gt3g samples. Conclusion: Our study reveals high frequencies of RASs to nonstructural protein 5A inhibitors in gt3 HCV; the paired A30K + L31M substitutions occur in all patients with gt3b and gt3g virus, and in vitro analysis suggests that these subtypes may be inherently resistant to all approved nonstructural protein 5A inhibitors for gt3 HCV. (Hepatology 2018).

Geographic Distribution of HCV-GT3 Subtypes and Naturally Occurring Resistance Associated Substitutions

Background: Little is known about the frequency or geographic distributions of naturally occurring resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) in the nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) domain of hepatitis-C virus (HCV) genotype-3 (GT-3) different subtypes. We investigated naturally occurring GT-3 RASs that confer resistance to NS5A inhibitors. Methods: From a publicly accessible database, we retrieved 58 complete GT-3 genomes and an additional 731 worldwide NS5A sequences from patients infected with GT-3 that were naive to direct-acting antiviral treatment. Results: We performed a phylogenetic analysis of NS5A domains in complete HCV genomes to determine more precisely HCV-GT-3 subtypes, based on commonly used target regions (e.g., 5′untranslated region and NS5B partial domain). Among 789 NS5A sequences, GT-3nonA subtypes were more prevalent in Asia than in other geographic regions (p < 0.0001). The A30K RAS was detected more frequently in HCV GT-3nonA (84.6%) than in GT-3A subtypes (0.8%), and the amino acid change was polymorphic in isolates from Asia. Conclusions: These results provided information on the accuracy of HCV-3 subtyping with a phylogenetic analysis of the NS5A domain with data from the Los Alamos HCV genome database. This information and the worldwide geographic distribution of RASs according to HCV GT-3 subtypes are crucial steps in meeting the challenges of treating HCV GT-3.

A novel, potent, and orally bioavailable thiazole HCV NS5A inhibitor for the treatment of hepatitis C virus

A medicinal chemistry program based on the small-molecule HCV NS5A inhibitor daclatasvir has led to the discovery of dimeric phenylthiazole compound 8, a novel and potent HCV NS5A inhibitor. The subsequent SAR studies and optimization revealed that the cycloalkyl amide derivatives 27a-29a exhibited superior potency against GT1b with GT1b EC₅₀ values at picomolar concentration. Interestingly, high diastereospecificity for HCV inhibition was observed in this class with the (1R,2S,1'R,2'S) diastereomer displaying the highest GT1b inhibitory activity. The best inhibitor 27a was found to be 3-fold more potent (GT1b EC₅₀ = 0.003 nM) than daclatasvir (GT1b EC₅₀ = 0.009 nM) against GT1b, and no detectable in vitro cytotoxicity was observed (CC₅₀ > 50 μM). Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that compound 27a had an excellent pharmacokinetic profiles with a superior oral exposure and desired bioavailability after oral administration in both rats and dogs, and therefore it was selected as a developmental candidate for the treatment of HCV infection.

Overview of Direct-Acting Antiviral Drugs and Drug Resistance of Hepatitis C Virus

The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has brought about a sudden renaissance in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with SVR rates now routinely >90%. However, due to the error-prone nature of the HCV RNA polymerase, resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) to DAAs may be present at baseline and can result in a significant effect on treatment outcomes and hamper the achievement of sustained virologic response. By further understanding the patterns and nature of these RASs, it is anticipated that the incidence of treatment failure will continue to decrease in frequency with the development of drug regimens with increasing potency, barrier to resistance, and genotypic efficacy. This review summarizes our current knowledge of RASs associated with HCV infection as well as the clinical effect of RASs on treatment with currently available DAA regimens.

Use of Ribavirin for Hepatitis C Treatment in the Modern Direct-acting Antiviral Era

Ribavirin, once a staple of hepatitis C treatment, has significant drawbacks, including treatment-limiting side effects, the requirement for intensive laboratory monitoring, the need for frequent dose adjustments, and teratogenicity. These factors make it difficult to escalate ribavirin-based HCV treatment to most infected patients globally. Most studies have shown comparable response rates between ribavirin-inclusive and ribavirin-sparing regimens in uncomplicated patient populations. However, ribavirin is still used in the management of patients who have failed previous therapy as well as those with decompensated liver disease. In this review, we explore the evidence supporting the use of ribavirin in the current climate of hepatitis C treatment with oral combination direct-acting antiviral agents.

Current Status of Direct Acting Antiviral Agents against Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the burden of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the second highest in the world with the development of chronic hepatitis. Interferon-based combination therapy with ribavirin was the only available treatment until a few years back, with severe side-effects and high failure rates against different genotypes of HCV. Interferon-free all-oral direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) approved by the FDA have revolutionized the HCV therapeutic landscape due to their efficiency in targeting different genotypes in different categories of patients, including treatment naïve, treatment failure and relapsing patients, as well as patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. The availability and use of these DAAs is limited in the developing world. Sofosbuvir (SOF), a uridine nucleotide analogue and inhibitor of HCV encoded NS5B polymerase, is now a widely available and in-use DAA in Pakistan; whereas daclatasvir was recently added in the list. According to the documented results, there is hope that this disease can be effectively cured in Pakistan, although a few concerns still remain. The aim of this article is to review the effectiveness of DAAs and the current status of this treatment against HCV genotype 3 infection in Pakistan; various factors associated with SVR; its limitations as an effective treatment regime; and future implications.

Hepatitis C Guidance 2018 Update: AASLD-IDSA Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Recognizing the importance of timely guidance regarding the rapidly evolving field of hepatitis C management, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) developed a web-based process for the expeditious formulation and dissemination of evidence-based recommendations. Launched in 2014, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) guidance website undergoes periodic updates as necessitated by availability of new therapeutic agents and/or research data. A major update was released electronically in September 2017, prompted primarily by approval of new direct-acting antiviral agents and expansion of the guidance's scope. This update summarizes the latest release of the HCV guidance and focuses on new or amended recommendations since the previous September 2015 print publication. The recommendations herein were developed by volunteer hepatology and infectious disease experts representing AASLD and IDSA and have been peer reviewed and approved by each society's governing board.

Sofosbuvir based regimens in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection in African-American patients: a community-based retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs have been highly effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Limited data exist comparing the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of DAAs in African-American (AA) patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 (HCV GT-1) in the community practice setting. We aim to evaluate treatment response of DAAs in these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All the HCV GT-1 patients treated with DAAs between January 2014 and January 2018 in a community clinic setting were retrospectively analyzed. Pretreatment baseline patient characteristics, treatment efficacy with a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12), and adverse reactions were assessed.

RESULTS

Two-hundred seventy-eight patients of AA descent were included in the study. One-hundred sixty-two patients were treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (SOF)±ribavirin, 38 were treated with simeprevir/SOF±ribavirin, and 38 patients were treated with SOF/velpatasvir. Overall, SVR at 12 weeks was achieved in 94.6% in patients who received one of the three DAA regimens (93.8% in ledipasvir/SOF group, 92.1% in simeprevir/SOF group, and 97.4% in SOF/velpatasvir group). Previous treatment experience, HCV RNA levels and HIV status had no statistical significance on overall SVR achievement (P=0.905, 0.680, and 0.425, respectively). Compensated cirrhosis in each of the treatment groups did not influence overall SVR of 12. The most common adverse effect was fatigue (27%). None of the patients discontinued the treatment because of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

In the real-world setting, DAAs are safe, effective, and well tolerated in African-American patients with chronic HCV GT-1 infection with a high overall SVR rate of 94.6%. Treatment rates did not differ on the basis of previous treatment and compensated cirrhosis status.

Efficacy of Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir, With and Without Ribavirin, in Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 3 Infection and Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In phase 3 trials and real-world settings, smaller proportions of patients with genotype 3 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cirrhosis have a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) with the combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir than in patients without cirrhosis. It is unclear whether adding ribavirin to this treatment regimen increases SVRs in patients with genotype 3 HCV infection and cirrhosis.

METHODS

We performed a phase 2 trial of 204 patients with genotype 3 HCV infection and compensated cirrhosis (mean age 51 ± 7.4 years) at 29 sites in Spain from August 19, 2016 through April 18, 2017. Patients were assigned to groups given sofosbuvir and velpatasvir for 12 weeks (n = 101) or sofosbuvir and velpatasvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks (n = 103). The primary efficacy end point was SVR12.

RESULTS

The overall rates of SVR12 were 91% (92 of 101; 95% CI 84-96) for the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir group and 96% (99 of 103; 95% CI 90-99) for the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir plus ribavirin group. In the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir group, a smaller proportion of patients with baseline resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) in nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) achieved an SVR12 (84%) than did patients without (96%). In the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir plus ribavirin group, baseline RASs had less effect on the proportion of patients with an SVR12 (96% for patients with baseline RASs; 99% for patients without). The most common adverse events (which occurred in ≥10% of patients) were asthenia (12%) in the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir group and asthenia (27%), headache (24%), and insomnia (12%) in the sofosbuvir-velpatasvir plus ribavirin group.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with findings from previous studies, a high rate of patients (91% and 96%) with genotype 3 HCV infection and compensated cirrhosis achieved an SVR12 with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, with or without ribavirin. Of patients treated with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir without ribavirin, fewer patients with baseline NS5A RASs achieved an SVR12 compared with patients without baseline NS5A. ClinicalTrials.govNCT02781558.

Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of the Direct-acting Hepatitis C Antiviral Sofosbuvir in HealthyChineseSubjects

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile of sofosbuvir and its metabolites after a single dose of sofosbuvir 400mg and once daily dosing of sofosbuvir 400mg for 7days in healthy Chinese subjects.

METHODS

This Phase I, open-label, single- and multiple-dose study enrolled 14 Chinese subjects aged 18 to 45years with an approximately even distribution of healthy male (n = 9) and nonpregnant, nonlactating female subjects (n = 5). Subjects received a single oral dose of sofosbuvir 400mg (one tablet) (morning, fasted conditions; single-dose treatment). After a 3-day washout, subjects received oral sofosbuvir 400mg (one tablet) (morning, fasted) for 7days (multiple dose treatment).

FINDINGS

No significant accumulation of sofosbuvir, GS-566500, or GS-331007 was observed. Steady state of the major metabolite GS-331007 was achieved after 4days of consecutive dosing with sofosbuvir 400mg once daily. Sofosbuvir was generally well tolerated.

IMPLICATIONS

Overall, this study supports the further evaluation of sofosbuvir 400mg in the Chinese population. The pharmacokinetic properties of sofosbuvir, GS-556500, and GS-311007 were found to be broadly similar in healthy Chinese subjects compared with non-Chinese subjects in previous sofosbuvir studies. ChinaDrugTrials.org.cn identifier: CTR20150249.

Hepatitis C and renal transplantation in era of new antiviral agents

Data from World Health Organization estimates that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is 3% and approximately 71 million persons are infected worldwide. HCV infection is particularly frequent among patients affected by renal diseases and among those in dialysis treatment. In addition to produce a higher rate of any cause of death, HCV in renal patients and in renal transplanted patients produce a deterioration of liver disease and is a recognized cause of transplant glomerulopathy, new onset diabetes mellitus and lymphoproliferative disorders. Treatment of HCV infection with interferon alpha and/or ribavirin had a poor efficacy. The treatment was toxic, expensive and with limited efficacy. In the post-transplant period was also cause of severe humoral rejection. In this review we have highlighted the new direct antiviral agents that have revolutionized the treatment of HCV both in the general population and in the renal patients. Patients on dialysis or with low glomerular filtration rate were particularly resistant to the old therapies, while the direct antiviral agents allowed achieving a sustained viral response in 90%-100% of patients with a short period of treatment. This fact to date allows HCV patients to enter the waiting list for transplantation easier than before. These new agents may be also used in renal transplant patients HCV-positive without relevant clinical risks and achieving a sustained viral response in almost all patients. New drug appears in the pipeline with increased profile of efficacy and safety. These drugs are now the object of several phases II, III clinical trials.

The Mexican consensus on the treatment of hepatitis C

The aim of the Mexican Consensus on the Treatment of HepatitisC was to develop clinical practice guidelines applicable to Mexico. The expert opinion of specialists in the following areas was taken into account: gastroenterology, infectious diseases, and hepatology. A search of the medical literature was carried out on the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases through keywords related to hepatitisC treatment. The quality of evidence was subsequently evaluated using the GRADE system and the consensus statements were formulated. The statements were then voted upon, using the modified Delphi system, and reviewed and corrected by a panel of 34 voting participants. Finally, the level of agreement was classified for each statement. The present guidelines provide recommendations with an emphasis on the new direct-acting antivirals, to facilitate their use in clinical practice. Each case must be individualized according to the comorbidities involved and patient management must always be multidisciplinary.

Is There a Relationship Between Treatment With Direct Antiviral Agents for HCV Infection and the Development of Malignancies?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Direct antiviral agents (DAAs) have become the treatment of choice for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. As these drugs are new, it is important to learn the adverse events of these drugs in the short and long terms. We report on 7 patients who developed malignancies during treatment with DAAs or a short time after finishing treatment.

METHODS

We treated 133 patients with DAAs in our unit between January 2015 and June 2016, 100 (75%) of whom were treated with the combination of paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir with/without dasabuvir (PrOD). The distribution of HCV genotypes was as follow: G1b 114 (85.7%), G1a 3 (2.2%), G2 3 (2.2%), G3 10 (7.5%), G4 2 (1.5%). One hundred ten (82.7%) patients finished treatment. Adverse events were recorded during treatment and after finishing treatment. Efficacy was determined by assessment of serum HCV RNA.

RESULTS

We observed malignancies in 7 patients: 1 developed laryngeal carcinoma, 1 developed pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 1 developed oropharyngeal lymphoma, 1 developed recurrent aggressive transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder, 1 developed recurrent aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma, and 2 patients developed de novo hepatocellular carcinoma. All of these patients had advanced liver disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This report raises questions about DAAs and the possible development of malignancies. It will be important to look at large clinical trial data and real-world experience to determine if this relationship is real.

Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir with or without ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C virus infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Velpatasvir is a newly FDA-approved inhibitor of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A protein. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the safety and efficacy of velpatasvir plus sofosbuvir in the treatment of chronic HCV infection. A computerized literature search of PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, EBSCO, Web of science, and Cochrane CENTRAL was conducted using relevant keywords. Data from eligible studies were pooled in a fixed effect meta-analysis model, using OpenMeta[Analyst] software. Pooled data from six randomized trials (n=1427 patients) showed that velpatasvir plus sofosbuvir achieved sustained virological response (SVR12) rates of 98.2% in genotype-1, 99.4% in genotype-2, 94.7% in genotype-3, 99.6% in genotype-4, 97.1% in genotype-5, and 98.8% in genotype-6 patients. The addition of ribavirin did not significantly increase the SVR12 (RR=0.95, 95%CI [0.88, 1.02]) or decrease relapse rates (RR=2.52, 95% CI [0.49, 12.87]) in HCV genotype-1 patients. However, adding ribavirin significantly increased SVR12 (RR=89.5, 95% CI [80.4, 99.5]) in genotype-3 patients. In conclusion, the 12-week regimen of sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir was highly effective in HCV patients, including those with cirrhosis and former treatment experience. Except for genotype-3, adding ribavirin was not associated with significant improvements in SVR12 rates. Further studies should investigate the effect of adding ribavirin to this regimen, especially in HCV genotype-3 patients.

Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for hepatitis C virus genotype 3 patients with cirrhosis and/or prior treatment experience: A partially randomized phase 3 clinical trial

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of ribavirin-free coformulated glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 3 infection with prior treatment experience and/or compensated cirrhosis, a patient population with limited treatment options. SURVEYOR-II, Part 3 was a partially randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase 3 study. Treatment-experienced (prior interferon or pegylated interferon ± ribavirin or sofosbuvir plus ribavirin ± pegylated interferon therapy) patients without cirrhosis were randomized 1:1 to receive 12 or 16 weeks of G/P (300 mg/120 mg) once daily. Treatment-naive or treatment-experienced patients with compensated cirrhosis were treated with G/P for 12 or 16 weeks, respectively. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of patients with sustained virologic response at posttreatment week 12 (SVR12). Safety was evaluated throughout the study. There were 131 patients enrolled and treated. Among treatment-experienced patients without cirrhosis, SVR12 was achieved by 91% (20/22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 72-97) and 95% (21/22; 95% CI, 78-99) of patients treated with G/P for 12 or 16 weeks, respectively. Among those with cirrhosis, SVR12 was achieved by 98% (39/40; 95% CI, 87-99) of treatment-naive patients treated for 12 weeks and 96% (45/47; 95% CI, 86-99) of patients with prior treatment experience treated for 16 weeks. No adverse events led to discontinuation of study drug, and no serious adverse events were related to study drug. Conclusion: Patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 3 infection with prior treatment experience and/or compensated cirrhosis achieved high SVR12 rates following 12 or 16 weeks of treatment with G/P. The regimen was well tolerated. (Hepatology 2018;67:514-523).

Retreatment Options Following HCV Direct Acting Antiviral Failure

Despite the excellent efficacy of direct acting antivirals (DAA) for hepatitis C virus (HCV), treatment failures do occur. Until recently, retreatment decisions after DAA failure were influenced by the number of available agents, concerns about HCV drug resistance, and lack of data regarding retreatment. Recommended treatment approaches previously depended on limited clinical trials and expert opinion. In this article, we review the current state of the evidence for HCV retreatment after DAA failure. Based on recent clinical trial data, most patients who fail HCV treatment with DAA agents now have excellent retreatment options. While some patients may benefit from resistance testing after DAA therapy failure to select the optimal treatment and duration, newly approved salvage therapies are not significantly impacted by common mutations and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for HCV retreatment without regard for the presence of resistance associated substitutions. While prior retreatment efforts were limited to longer courses of therapy, the addition of ribavirin, or novel combinations of approved therapies based on expert guidance, current DAA options make HCV retreatment in the DAA era more streamlined and evidence-based.

Patient-reported outcomes in patients co-infected with hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus treated with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir: The ASTRAL-5 study

BACKGROUND & AIM

The fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) is a ribavirin-free pan-genotypic regimen with high efficacy. We assessed the impact of SOF/VEL on patient-reported outcomes (PRO) of HIV-HCV co-infected patients.

METHODS

HIV-HCV co-infected patients were treated with 12 weeks of SOF/VEL (400 mg/100 mg daily). All subjects completed four PRO questionnaires [CLDQ-HCV, SF-36, FACIT-F and WPAI:SHP] before, during and post-treatment.

RESULTS

ASTRAL-5 enrolled 106 HIV-HCV co-infected patients on stable antiretroviral therapy (age: 54.2±0.9 years, cirrhosis: 17.9%, HCV genotype 1: 73.6%). SVR-12 was achieved by 95.3% of subjects. By week 4 of treatment, PRO scores improved from the baselines levels in 12 out of 26 calculated PRO domains (on average, +1.9 to +7.4 points on a universal 0-100 PRO scale, all P<.05). By the end of treatment, improvements were seen in 20/26 PRO domains (+2.5% to +11.9%, P<.03). There were no significant decrements in any PRO domains during treatment. By follow-up week 12, patients who achieved SVR-12 experienced significant improvement in 19/26 of their PRO domains (+3.2% to +13.3%, P<.05). After controlling for baseline psychiatric co-morbidities, improvements in PRO scores during treatment with SOF/VEL were similar to those seen in matched HCV-mono-infected patients treated with the same regimen (ASTRAL-1 study). In multivariate analysis, pre-treatment anxiety and concomitant use of opioids were the most consistent significant (P<.05) predictors of PRO impairment in HIV-HCV patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HIV-HCV treated with SOF/VEL experience very high efficacy accompanied by early and sustained improvement of patient-reported outcomes covering all aspects of patients' experience.

Hepatitis C Genotype 3 Infection: Pathogenesis and Treatment Horizons

Genotype 3 hepatitis C infection is the second most common genotype worldwide and accounts for most infections in Southeast Asia. It is a particularly ominous genotype because it has been linked to increased mortality, specifically increased late-stage liver events, accelerated development of hepatic fibrosis, and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. As new treatment regimens for hepatitis C have been emerging, treatment of genotype 3 often requires longer treatment duration with decreased response rates as compared with other genotypes.

Interferon-free therapies for patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 infection: A systematic review

Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with genotype 3 remains a challenge. The HCV elimination rate with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is lower than the values reported for other HCV genotypes. In addition, genotype 3-infected patients have a higher risk of disease progression and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to review the relevant literature concerning the treatment of HCV genotype 3 patients with interferon-free regimens. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Embase and Web of Science electronic databases. Trials enrolling patients with chronic hepatitis C infection treated with DAAs with or without ribavirin were included. Two investigators independently evaluated the trials for inclusion criteria, risk of bias and data extraction. The primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR). In total, 323 references were identified, and 29 met the inclusion criteria: 18 general clinical trials, three general observational studies, three studies in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and four studies in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients. Overall, 4068 genotype 3 patients were included. As compared with sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 24 weeks, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for 12 weeks or sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks provided higher SVR rates, particularly in patients with cirrhosis. Treatment of patients with decompensated cirrhosis remains a great challenge. Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir+ribavirin for 12 weeks were associated with an SVR of 85% in these patients. In summary, treatment of HCV genotype 3 patients is improving rapidly, and this population may no longer be considered a difficult-to-treat subgroup in the near future.

Evaluation of sofosbuvir, velpatasvir plus voxilaprevir as fixed-dose co-formulation for treating hepatitis C

INTRODUCTION

The fixed-dose combination of three direct-acting antivirals (DAA), namely sofosbuvir, velpatasvir and voxilaprevir is the first pangenotypic, single tablet regimen developed for the treatment of HCV infection. Areas covered: The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy and safety of the co-formulation are reviewed. Information on drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of each of the three antivirals is evaluated. Finally, antiviral activity, safety and potential for drug interactions in phase II/III clinical trials in distinct patient populations are discussed. Expert opinion: The triple co-formulation of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir represents a major step towards HCV eradication. It depicts high efficacy even in patients infected with viruses harboring resistance-associated substitutions (RAS), including those selected after DAA failures. Likewise, very high success rates and good tolerance are seen in special patient populations, including decompensated cirrhotics, HIV coinfection, organ transplantation or renal insufficiency. A pill once daily for 8 weeks gives SVR rates above 95%. In prior DAA failures, extending treatment to 12 weeks maximizes SVR rates.

Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Genotype 1 Disease

The landscape of therapeutic options for HCV infection has dramatically changed with the approval of all-oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens. DAAs target important steps in the HCV viral life cycle, resulting in higher response rates and fewer adverse events than were afforded with interferon and ribavirin, the prior standard of care. The achievement of sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in excess of 90% with use of DAA regimens has not only translated into HCV eradication for the hundreds of thousands treated but is also anticipated to decrease the incidence of major complications associated with chronic HCV infection. Additionally, the favorable side effect profile of DAAs has made HCV therapy feasible in difficult-to-treat populations, including those with previous exposure to interferon and ribavirin, cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease, HIV and HCV co-infection, and severe renal dysfunction/end stage renal disease. Given this tremendous progress, all patients infected with HCV infection should be treated.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 with Sofosbuvir-based therpy: a real-life study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recently, Sofosbuvir was launched in India at affordable cost. We conducted a real-life study to determine the efficacy and safety of Sofosbuvir plus Ribavirin, with and without peginterferon-alfa 2a, in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) genotype 3, the commonest genotype in South Asia.

METHODS

This study included data of CHC patients from 11 sites in northern India between March 2015 and December 2015 (n = 1203). Patients with CHC genotype 3 (n = 931), who were treated with either Sofosbuvir 400 mg plus weight-based Ribavirin, daily ×24 weeks (n = 432) (dual therapy), or Peginterferon-α2a 180 mcg weekly, Sofosbuvir 400 mg plus weight-based Ribavirin, daily ×12 weeks (n = 499) (triple therapy) were included for analysis. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving sustained viral response at 12 weeks post-therapy.

RESULTS

The overall SVR rates were 91 and 92% in the dual and triple therapy arms, respectively. The SVR rates in treatment experienced were 67 and 74% versus 93 and 96% in naïve patients, on the dual and triple therapy arms, respectively. The SVR rates of cirrhotics were 73 and 75% on the dual and triple treatment arms, respectively. The SVR rates were low in the experienced cirrhotic patients: 44% (dual therapy) and 58% (triple therapy). Common adverse events were fatigue, headache, and myalgia.

CONCLUSION

Both dual and triple therapy regimes resulted in SVR rates of >95% in CHC genotype 3 who were naive non-cirrhotics. However, the SVR rates were low in treatment-experienced cirrhotics.

Preclinical Pharmacokinetics and First-in-Human Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Velpatasvir, a Pangenotypic Hepatitis C Virus NS5A Inhibitor, in Healthy Subjects

Preclinical characterization of velpatasvir (VEL; GS-5816), an inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A protein, demonstrated that it has favorable in vitro and in vivo properties, including potent antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus genotype 1 to 6 replicons, good metabolic stability, low systemic clearance, and adequate bioavailability and physicochemical properties, to warrant clinical evaluation. The phase 1 (first-in-human) study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of VEL in healthy human subjects following administration of single and multiple (n = 7) once-daily ascending doses and of VEL in the presence and absence of food. Following administration of single and multiple doses, VEL was safe and well tolerated when administered at up to 450 mg and when administered with food. The pharmacokinetic behavior of VEL observed in humans was generally in agreement with that seen during preclinical characterization. Following administration of multiple doses, VEL trough concentrations were significantly greater than the protein-adjusted half-maximal (50%) effective concentration of VEL against HCV genotype 1 to 6 replicons at all evaluated doses greater than 5 mg. The pharmacokinetics of VEL were not significantly affected by administration with food. Collectively, the results of this study support the further clinical investigation of VEL administered once daily as part of a regimen with other pangenotypic direct-acting antivirals for the treatment of HCV infection.

Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir: A Review in Chronic Hepatitis C

A once-daily, single-tablet, pangenotypic regimen comprising the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and the HCV NS5A inhibitor velpatasvir (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir; Epclusa^®) was recently approved for the treatment of adults with chronic HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 infection in the USA, EU and Canada. In the phase III ASTRAL trials, once-daily oral sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for 12 weeks provided very high rates of sustained virological response at 12 weeks post treatment (SVR12) in treatment-naive and -experienced patients with chronic HCV genotype 1-6 infection, including those with compensated cirrhosis or HIV-1 co-infection. High SVR12 rates were also observed with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks in patients with chronic HCV genotype 1-6 infection and decompensated cirrhosis. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir was generally well tolerated, with low rates of adverse events. Thus, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir represents a valuable treatment option in adults with chronic HCV genotype 1-6 infection, including those with compensated or decompensated cirrhosis, previous treatment experience or HIV-1 co-infection.