Published in:
01-09-2017 | Hepatitis C (J Ahn and A Aronsohn, Section Editors)
Next-Generation Direct-Acting Antiviral Drug-Based Regimens for Hepatitis C
Published in: Current Hepatology Reports | Issue 3/2017
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Purpose of Review
This article reviews the most recent results of clinical trials supporting the approval and use of the so-called next-generation hepatitis C virus (HCV) direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drug regimens, including glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, uprifosbuvir/grazoprevir/ruzasvir, and AL-335/simeprevir/odalasvir.
Recent Findings
From 2014 and onwards, HCV DAA drugs belonging to four classes were approved in Europe and the USA. These combinations are generally safe and well tolerated and yield high rates of sustained virological response (>95%) in most patient populations. However, there is a need for treatment simplification and efficacy in difficult-to-cure patient populations. Phase II and III clinical trial data showed that glecaprevir/pibrentasvir and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir have pangenotypic activity and high efficacy across most patient populations. Uprifosbuvir/grazoprevir/ruzasvir and AL-335/simeprevir/odalasvir are at earlier stages of clinical development but look promising.
Summary
The so-called next-generation HCV DAA combination regimens will soon be available and promise to be easy-to-use, highly efficient, pangenotypic, once-daily, all-oral, interferon- and ribavirin-free.