Bridging all oral DAA therapy from wait time to post‐liver transplant to improve HCV eradication?

Background & Aims: Recurrence of hepatitis C is a major cause of graft loss and shortened survival in patients receiving a liver transplant (LT) for end‐stage hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The only way to improve graft and patient outcomes is a successful eradication of HCV infection by antiviral therapy either before or after transplant. This was achievable in a small proportion of recipients by IFN‐based regimens, but could be obtained in the majority of them by using DAA IFN‐free regimens before/after transplant. Methods: We describe a patient with decompensated cirrhosis because of severe recurrent hepatitis C, who had a retransplant following treatment with a combination of sofosbuvir and riba virin that started during the waiting time and was carried over during both the transplant and post‐transplant phases for an overall period of 24 weeks. The patient gave a written consent to receive Sofosbuvir plus Rbv therapy pre and post‐transplant. Results: Post‐transplant serum HCV‐RNA remains undetectable 24 weeks after discontinuing sofosbuvir and ribavirin (SVR24). Conclusions: Waiting for direct antiviral agents combinations, our findings not only support the use of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin as the first‐line treatment in all patients on the LT waiting list, but also suggest to bridge treatment to the post‐transplant period in case HCV RNA undetectability for at least 30 days has not been achieved at the time of LT.     

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.     

Sofosbuvir‐Daclatasvir is suboptimal in patients with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C infection: real‐life experience from the HEPATHER ANRS CO22 cohort

Sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir with or without ribavirin has demonstrated a high efficacy and an acceptable safety profile in clinical trials of patients infected with genotype 2 hepatitis Cvirus (HCV); however, there are currently no real‐world data available for this regimen. To evaluate the real‐life safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir/daclatasvir with or without ribavirin in genotype 2 HCV patients in the French cohort ANRS CO22 HEPATHER(NCT01953458). In this ongoing, national, multicentre, prospective, observational study, we observed patients with HCV genotype 2 infection who initiated treatment with sofosbuvir (400 mg/d) plus daclatasvir with or without ribavirin (1‐1.2 g/d). Patients were divided into two treatment groups: sofosbuvir/daclatasvir with or without ribavirin (12 weeks/24 weeks). The primary end point was a sustained virological response at week 12 following the end of therapy. Overall, 88% and 91% of patients achieved a sustained virological response following 12 and 24 weeks of treatment with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir with or without ribavirin, respectively. The most common adverse events were asthenia (29%), headache (15%) and fatigue (20%), and ribavirin addition was associated with a higher rate of adverse events and treatment discontinuation. Sofosbuvir/daclatasvir with or without ribavirin was associated with lower rates of sustained virological response in the real‐life setting compared with the clinical setting and demonstrated suboptimal efficacy for the treatment of patients with genotype 2 chronic HCV.     

Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir‐based direct‐acting antiviral regimens for hepatitis C virus genotype 6 in Southwest China: Real‐world experience of a retrospective study

Optional treatments for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 6 infection have not been extensively studied. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir (SOF)‐based direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for HCV GT6. We performed a retrospective study at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University in Southwest China from January 2016 to May 2017. Our study screened 130 treatment‐naïve patients with chronic HCV GT6 and without liver cirrhosis. A total of 60 HCV GT6 patients were ultimately enrolled. All patients received SOF‐based DAAs therapy, including SOF 400 mg plus daclatasvir (DCV) 60 mg daily or SOF 400 mg plus velpatasvir (VEL) 100 mg daily for 12 weeks. The sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) was 100% (60/60) in treatment‐naïve patients with HCV GT6, including 100% (37/37) of patients receiving SOF plus DCV therapy and 100% (23/23) of patients receiving SOF plus VEL therapy. Measurements of liver stiffness were significantly decreased in patients at week 12 (P = 0.014) and week 24 (P < 0.001) of DAAs treatment compared to baseline values. The serum biomarker aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis‐4 score were also significantly reduced at week 12 and week 24 compared to before treatment (both P < 0.001). SOF‐based therapy was well‐tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, SOF plus DCV and SOF plus VEL were safe and achieved a high SVR12 rate for treatment‐naïve patients with HCV GT6 without liver cirrhosis.     

直接抗病毒药物治疗丙型肝炎肝硬化早期抗病毒疗效及安全性临床实践研究

目的评价直接抗病毒药物(direct-acting antiviral agents,DAAs)治疗丙型肝炎肝硬化的早期抗病毒疗效及安全性。方法给予基因1b型丙型肝炎肝硬化患者DAAs抗病毒治疗。方案1:sofosbuvir+ribavirin(RBV);方案2:sofosbuvir+ledipasvir+RBV;方案3:sofosbuvir+daclatasvir+RBV,疗程均为24周。观察不同治疗时间点的病毒学和生物化学指标变化以及患者的不良反应。本研究先期分析24例患者12周的数据。结果完成12周治疗的24例患者中,方案1组12例,方案2组和方案3组均为6例。24例应用DAAs治疗1、2、4和12周HCV转阴率分别是25.00%(6/24)、45.83%(11/24)、66.67%(16/24)和70.83%(17/24),随着治疗时间的延长,HCV转阴率逐渐上升。方案1组中,初治和经治患者治疗12周时HCV转阴例数分别为4例和1例;方案2和3组中,初治和经治患者治疗12周时HCV转阴例数均为3例。截至2016年1月,有3例随访至停药12周,1例在方案1组,该患者停药12周后复发,HCV RNA为1.8×106 IU/ml;2例在方案2组,达到治疗12周持续病毒学应答,HCV RNA未检测到。DAAs治疗2周后ALT降到正常值范围,12周时仍在正常值范围。治疗1周时CK和CK-MB稍有上升,但差异无统计学意义,2周后降到正常值范围,12周时仍在正常值范围。在DAAs治疗过程中,BUN和CRE无显著性升高,无须调整DAA剂量。DAAs常见的不良反应是恶心(58.83%)。结论基因1b型丙型肝炎肝硬化患者应用DAAs抗病毒治疗早期疗效好,安全性高。对于经治患者应用sofosbuvir联合ledipasvir或daclatasvir。     

索磷布韦联合利巴韦林治疗初治基因2型慢性HCV感染者的有效性及安全性分析

目的评价索磷布韦联合利巴韦林对初治基因2型慢性HCV感染者的有效性和安全性。方法在全国16家研究中心筛选初治基因2型慢性HCV感染者,所有受试者接受索磷布韦(400 mg/片,1片/d)联合利巴韦林(体质量<75 kg,1000 mg/d;体质量≥75 kg,1200 mg/d)治疗12周,停药随访12周。主要的疗效指标为治疗结束停药随访12周时获得持续病毒学应答情况。次要疗效指标包括:治疗2、4、8、12周及停药后4周时HCV RNA低于定量下限的比率;治疗4、8、12周时病毒学反跳率;停药随访4、12周的复发率。并观察治疗期不良事件发生情况,以评价药物的安全性。结果共入组136例受试者,非肝硬化121例,代偿期肝硬化15例。停药12周获得的持续病毒学应答率为92.6%(95%可信区间:88.3%~97.0%);治疗第8周,有1例病毒学反跳;停药4周时,有8例病毒学复发;停药12周时,有10例病毒学复发。入组的136例受试者中,共有128(94.1%)例报告了549例次治疗期不良事件,研究用药相关治疗期不良事件243例次(99例受试者,72.8%),未出现导致索磷布韦调药或暂停用药的不良事件,6(4.4%)例受试者发生了7例次严重不良事件,仅1例考虑与研究用药可能有关(肝低回声区性质待查),未出现导致试验中止或受试者死亡的不良事件。结论索磷布韦联合利巴韦林治疗初治的基因2型慢性HCV感染可获得较高的持续病毒学应答,不良反应大多为轻度,安全性可接受。     

A phase 3b study of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin in treatment‐naive and treatment‐experienced Korean patients chronically infected with genotype 2 hepatitis C virus

In Korea, patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are typically treated with pegylated interferon‐alpha plus ribavirin, but interferons are contraindicated in many patients and are often poorly tolerated, particularly by the elderly and those with advanced liver disease. No interferon‐free treatment regimens are approved in Korea. Sofosbuvir is an oral nucleotide analog inhibitor of the HCV nonstructural 5B RNA polymerase. It is approved in the USA, European Union and Japan for treating a number of HCV genotypes, including genotype 2. Genotype 2 has a seroprevalence of 38–46% in Korea. This single‐arm, phase 3b study (NCT02021643) examined the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin (12‐week duration) in chronic genotype 2 HCV‐infected treatment‐naive and treatment‐experienced Korean patients with and without cirrhosis. The proportion of patients with sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment discontinuation (SVR12) was 97% (125/129), with 96% (101/105) of treatment‐naive and 100% (24/24) of treatment‐experienced patients achieving SVR12. Two patients experienced virologic failure (n = 1, on‐treatment failure; n = 1, relapse). No patient discontinued study treatment due to an adverse event (AE). The most common treatment‐emergent AEs were headache (18%, 23/129) and pruritus (15%, 19/129). Few patients had grade 3 AEs (5%, 6/129) or grade 3 laboratory abnormalities (12%, 15/129). No grade 4 AE was reported. These data suggest that 12 weeks of treatment with the all‐oral, interferon‐free regimen of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin is effective and well tolerated in Korean patients with chronic genotype 2 HCV infection.     

A phase 1, randomized,dose‐ranging study of GS‐5816, a once‐daily NS5A inhibitor,in patients with genotype 1–4 hepatitis C virus

GS‐5816 is an inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A protein that has demonstrated pan‐genotypic activity and a high barrier to resistance in HCV replicon assays. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, antiviral activity and pharmacokinetics of once‐daily doses of GS‐5816 in patients with genotype 1–4 HCV infection. Patients with genotype 1–4 HCV infection were randomized to 3 days of GS‐5816 at doses ranging from 5 to 150 mg or placebo. Adverse events were recorded, and plasma samples obtained for analysis of pharmacokinetics, HCV RNA and NS5A sequencing studies. GS‐5816 5–150 mg for 3 days was well tolerated and resulted in rapid declines in HCV RNA that were sustained over the dosing period. In patients treated with the 150 mg dose of GS‐5816, the mean maximal HCV RNA declines were 4.0, 4.0, 4.4, 3.3 and 3.5 log₁₀ IU/mL in patients with genotype 1a, 1b, 2, 3 and 4 HCV infection, respectively. Pretreatment NS5A resistance‐associated polymorphisms were detected in 31% (22/70) of patients. Genotype 1 and 3 HCV‐infected patients without pretreatment NS5A resistance‐associated polymorphisms had greater declines in HCV RNA than patients with resistance‐associated polymorphisms. Plasma pharmacokinetics were supportive of once‐daily dosing. GS‐5816 demonstrated pangenotypic antiviral activity in patients with genotype 1‐4 HCV infection. It will be further evaluated in combination with other pangenotypic direct‐acting antivirals to achieve the goal of developing a well‐tolerated, highly effective treatment for all HCV genotypes.     

Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin in Japanese patients with chronic genotype 2 HCV infection: an open‐label,phase 3 trial

Genotype 2 hepatitis C virus (HCV) accounts for up to 30% of chronic HCV infections in Japan. The standard of care for patients with genotype 2 HCV – peginterferon and ribavirin for 24 weeks – is poorly tolerated, especially among older patients and those with advanced liver disease. We conducted a phase 3, open‐label study to assess the efficacy and safety of an all‐oral combination of the NS5B polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and ribavirin in patients with chronic genotype 2 HCV infection in Japan. We enrolled 90 treatment‐naïve and 63 previously treated patients at 20 sites in Japan. All patients received sofosbuvir 400 mg plus ribavirin (weight‐based dosing) for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12). Of the 153 patients enrolled and treated, 60% had HCV genotype 2a, 11% had cirrhosis, and 22% were over the aged 65 or older. Overall, 148 patients (97%) achieved SVR12. Of the 90 treatment‐naïve patients, 88 (98%) achieved SVR12, and of the 63 previously treated patients, 60 (95%) achieved SVR12. The rate of SVR12 was 94% in patients with cirrhosis and in those aged 65 and older. No patients discontinued study treatment due to adverse events. The most common adverse events were nasopharyngitis, anaemia and headache. Twelve weeks of sofosbuvir and ribavirin resulted in high rates of SVR12 in treatment‐naïve and previously treated patients with chronic genotype 2 HCV infection. The treatment was safe and well tolerated by patients, including the elderly and those with cirrhosis.     

GS‐9857 in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1–4 infection: a randomized,double‐blind,dose‐ranging phase 1 study

GS‐9857, an inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein (NS) 3/4A, demonstrates potent activity against HCV genotypes 1–6 and improved coverage against commonly encountered NS3 resistance‐associated variants (RAVs). In this study, the safety, tolerability, antiviral activity and pharmacokinetics (PK) of GS‐9857 were evaluated in patients with chronic HCV genotype 1–4 infection. Patients with genotype 1–4 infection received placebo or once‐daily GS‐9857 at doses ranging from 50 to 300 mg for 3 days under fasting conditions. GS‐9857 was well tolerated; all reported adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate in severity. Diarrhoea and headache were the most commonly reported AEs. Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities were observed in 17% of patients receiving GS‐9857; there were no Grade 3 or 4 abnormalities in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase levels. GS‐9857 demonstrated potent antiviral activity in patients with chronic HCV infection, achieving mean and median maximum reductions in HCV RNA of ≥3 log₁₀ IU/mL following administration of a 100‐mg dose in patients with HCV genotype 1a, 1b, 2, 3 or 4 infection. The antiviral activity of GS‐9857 was unaffected by the presence of pretreatment NS3 RAVs. In patients with genotype 1–4 infection, GS‐9857 exhibited linear PK and was associated with a median half‐life of 29–42 h, supporting once‐daily dosing. Thus, the tolerability, efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of GS‐9857 support its further evaluation for treatment of patients with chronic HCV infection.     

Deferred treatment with a fixed‐dose combination of sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir for chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1, 2, 4 and 6 infection

Sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir is approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In this single‐arm, open‐label, phase 3, deferred treatment study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir among patients randomized to the placebo group in the ASTRAL‐1 study. Patients received sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir (400/100 mg) once daily for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of therapy (SVR12). The primary safety endpoint was any adverse events (AEs) leading to the permanent discontinuation of study drug. Overall, 108/111 (97%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 92%‐99%) achieved SVR12, and only one patient had virological failure. SVR12 was achieved by 61/63 (97%, 95%CI, 89%‐100%) genotype 1 patients, 20/20 (100%; 95%CI, 83%‐100%) with genotype 2, 19/19 (100%; 95%CI, 82%‐100%) with genotype 4 and 8/9 (89%; 95% CI, 52%‐100%) with genotype 6. All (19/19; 95%CI, 82‐100) patients with cirrhosis and all (31/31, 95%CI, 89‐100) with prior treatment experience achieved SVR12. The safety profile during treatment was similar to that observed in patients receiving placebo treatment. The most common AEs were headache, fatigue and nausea. One patient (1%) discontinued treatment due to an AE of gallbladder carcinoma, which was not considered related to treatment. Of five reported serious AEs, none were considered related to study drug. Sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir for 12 weeks was effective and well tolerated among untreated and previously treated patients with HCV genotype 1, 2, 4 or 6 infection, including those with compensated cirrhosis (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02346721).     

Use of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA‐positive donor in a treated HCV RNA‐negative liver transplant recipient

The shortage of livers has led most transplant centers to use extended criteria donors. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA‐positive donor organs are typically not given to patients who have cleared HCV. A 64‐year‐old male with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1b was listed for LT with hepatocellular carcinoma. While on the waiting list, the patient was treated with sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and ribavirin and achieved an HCV RNA <15 IU/mL by week 10. At week 18 of a planned 24‐week treatment course, the patient underwent deceased‐donor LT and received an organ from an anti‐HCV‐positive donor. Treatment was stopped at LT. At week 3 post LT, HCV RNA was detectable and revealed a genotype 3 HCV infection, compatible with transplantation of an organ with established infection. With retreatment with sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, and ribavirin for 12 weeks, the patient achieved a sustained virologic response. This report highlights how antiviral therapies can be used to optimize the outcomes of HCV‐infected transplant patients.     

Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir/Voxilaprevir for patients with HCV who previously received a Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir‐containing regimen: Results from a retreatment study

This study evaluated 12‐week retreatment with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who did not achieve sustained virologic response after previous treatment with a sofosbuvir‐ and velpatasvir‐containing regimen. All 31 patients maintained a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the last sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir dose.     

Resistance characterization of ledipasvir and velpatasvir in hepatitis C virus genotype 4

HCV genotype 4 (GT4) has often been overlooked in drug development, even though it infects ~20 million people worldwide. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir were highly efficacious in GT4 HCV‐infected patients from GS‐US‐337‐1119 and GS‐US‐342‐1138. Here, we characterize the resistance profile of ledipasvir (LDV) and velpatasvir (VEL) in patients with GT4 HCV infection. NS5A deep‐sequencing was performed for 454 patients infected with HCV GT4 at baseline, including 44 patients enrolled in GS‐US‐337‐1119 and 116 patients enrolled in GS‐US‐342‐1138, and at relapse for patients with virologic failure. LDV and VEL susceptibilities of 56 patient isolates were determined. In GS‐US‐337‐1119, SVR12 rates were 100% for all subtypes except 4b and 4r. Phenotypic assessment of 56 HCV NS5A patient isolates from various GT4 subtypes indicated that LDV had high potency for the common subtypes 4a/d, and subtypes 4c/f/k/l/m/n/o/p/r/t despite the presence of resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs). For the rare GT4b, LDV median EC₅₀ was higher, but with a broad range of individual values. Importantly, all GT4b isolates tested had 2‐4 NS5A RASs, some including Y93H. Similarly, the 2 GT4r infected patients who had virologic relapse had rare triple RASs. Reversion of these substitutions to the consensus residue significantly increased LDV susceptibility. In GS‐US‐342‐1138, all patients achieved SVR12, regardless of their subtype or presence of RASs. In vitro data confirmed that VEL is potent against all GT4 isolates tested. LDV and VEL are potent antiviral drugs, estimated to be effective against >95% and >99%, respectively, of GT4 HCV isolates.     

Effect of Somatostatin on Bethanechol-Stimulated Gastric Acid Secretion and Gastric Antral Motility in Dogs with Gastric Fistula

Abstract

Objective. Sofosbuvir and simeprevir in combination with standard therapy are now available for the treatment of patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1. With boceprevir and telaprevir, four treatment options are, therefore, now available to clinicians. Phase 3 studies conducted with simeprevir and sofosbuvir compared sustained virological response (SVR) data with those obtained with standard combination therapy and did not include a control arm. It is important to quantify the contribution of these molecules compared to the first direct antiviral agents available. Material and methods. For HCV genotype 1 patients, we performed a literature review and compared all SVR data from phase 3 randomized placebo-controlled trials conducted with these four molecules according to virological characteristics (genotype, viral load) and patient characteristics (IL28B polymorphism, stage of fibrosis). Results. Simeprevir and sofosbuvir provide a net gain in terms of SVR compared to boceprevir and telaprevir except in the case of telaprevir for treatment-naïve HCV genotype 1b patients. Sofosbuvir achieves higher SVR rates than simeprevir except for treatment-naïve IL28B CC patients and naïve HCV genotype 1b patient. Further, simeprevir moderately improve SVR rates compared to telaprevir in treatment-naïve patients with F3–F4 fibrosis and with HCV genotype 1a infection. Conclusion. Sofosbuvir and simeprevir greatly improve the virological response rate compared to first-generation protease inhibitors. All of these data may help in guiding the physician’s treatment decisions, based on financial constraints and patient characteristics. These data can be easily updated with future treatment and demonstrate the contribution of new treatment regimens to achieve optimal SVR rates.     

Cost‐effectiveness of sofosbuvir in the treatment of patients with hepatitis C

In France, 190 306 patients were suffering from chronic hepatitis C in 2012. These patients have a decreased life expectancy and are susceptible to complications associated with chronic hepatitis. Current treatments are poorly tolerated and their effectiveness varies depending on the genotype of the virus. Sofosbuvir, a new class of treatment, has demonstrated in five phase III trials sustained viral response (SVR) rates of over 90% across genotypes, higher than current treatments and has a tolerance profile similar to placebo. The objective was to determine the cost‐effectiveness of using sofosbuvir in the treatment of chronic HCV infection. A Markov model was used to compare treatment strategies with and without sofosbuvir. The model simulated the natural history of HCV infection. SVR rates were based on data from clinical trials. Utilities associated with different stages of disease were based on data from the literature. French direct medical costs were used. Price for sofosbuvir was the price used in the early access program for severe fibrosis stages. The incremental cost–effectiveness ratio for sofosbuvir versus current reference treatments was € 16 278/QALY and varied from 40 000 €/QALY for F0 stages to 12 080 €/QALY for F4 stages. The sensitivity analyses carried out confirmed the robustness of this result. Sofosbuvir is a cost‐effective treatment option for patients with hepatitis C.     

Cost‐effectiveness of sofosbuvir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C‐infected patients

The efficacy of treatment for hepatitis C genotype 1 infection has significantly improved with the introduction of first‐generation protease inhibitors. However, there remains a need for effective treatments for patients infected with other genotypes, for nonresponders and patients unsuitable for interferon. Sofosbuvir is the first nucleotide polymerase inhibitor with pan‐genotypic activity. Sofosbuvir‐based regimens have resulted in >90% sustained virological response across treatment‐naïve genotype 1–6 patients in five phase III clinical trials of sofosbuvir administered with ribavirin or pegylated interferon and ribavirin. This analysis evaluates the cost‐effectiveness of sofosbuvir within the current licensed indication, for genotype 1–6 in the UK. A Markov model followed a cohort of 10 000 patients over lifetime, with approximately 20% initiating treatment for compensated cirrhosis. Sofosbuvir‐regimens were compared to telaprevir, boceprevir, pegylated interferon and ribavirin, or no treatment. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 3.5%. The cost perspective utilized costs applicable to the National Health Service in the UK. Sofosbuvir proved to be cost‐effective in most patient populations with incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) at £11 836/QALY and £7292/QALY against telaprevir and boceprevir, respectively. In genotype 3, sofosbuvir had a weighted ICER of £18 761/QALY. Sofosbuvir‐based regimens are a cost‐effective option for the majority of hepatitis C‐infected patients in the United Kingdom although the incremental cost‐effectiveness varies by genotype and regimen. Sofosbuvir and ribavirin is an alternative regimen for patients unsuitable for interferon.     

A different perspective on sofosbuvir‐ledipasvir treatment of patients with HCV genotype 1b cirrhosis: The ital‐c network study

The effectiveness of a 12‐week course of sofosbuvir‐ledipasvir in treatment‐experienced HCV genotype 1b‐infected patients with cirrhosis is still under debate. Our primary endpoint was to compare the sustained virological response at post‐treatment week 12 (SVR12) of sofosbuvir‐ledipasvir in combination with ribavirin for 12 weeks, and sofosbuvir‐ledipasvir alone for 24 weeks. This was a prospective observational study that enrolled 424 (195 naive, 229 experienced; 164 treated for 12 weeks with Ribavirin and 260 with sofosbuvir‐ledipasvir alone for 24 weeks) consecutive HCV genotype 1b‐infected patients with cirrhosis. The SVR12 rates were 93.9% and 99.2% in patients treated for 12 and 24 weeks, respectively (P = .002). The baseline characteristics of patients treated for 12 weeks were significantly different from those treated for 24 weeks as regards their younger age (P = .002), prevalence of Child‐Pugh class A (P = .002), lower MELD scores (P = .001) and smaller number of nonresponders (P = .04). The shorter treatment was significantly associated with a lower SVR12 in univariate and multivariate analyses (P = .007 and P = .008, respectively). The SVR rate was unaffected by age, gender, BMI, Child‐Pugh class, MELD score or previous antiviral treatment. Patients receiving ribavirin experienced more episodes of ascites and headache but less recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and were prescribed more diuretics and cardiopulmonary drugs. No patient discontinued treatment. The therapeutic regimen of sofosbuvir‐ledipasvir plus ribavirin administered for 12 weeks was less effective than sofosbuvir‐ledipasvir alone given for 24 weeks. At odds with European guidelines, the recommended 12‐week treatment with sofosbuvir‐ledipasvir alone might be suboptimal for this setting of patients.     

Prevention of allograft HCV recurrence with peri‐transplant human monoclonal antibody MBL‐HCV1 combined with a single oral direct‐acting antiviral: A proof‐of‐concept study

Patients with active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection at transplantation experience rapid allograft infection, increased risk of graft failure and accelerated fibrosis. MBL‐HCV1, a neutralizing human monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the HCV envelope, was combined with a licensed oral direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) to prevent HCV recurrence post‐transplant in an open‐label exploratory efficacy trial. Eight subjects received MBL‐HCV1 beginning on the day of transplant with telaprevir initiated between days 3 and 7 post‐transplantation. Following FDA approval of sofosbuvir, two subjects received MBL‐HCV1 starting on the day of transplant with sofosbuvir initiated on day 3. Combination treatment was administered for 8‐12 weeks or until the stopping rule for viral rebound was met. The primary endpoint was undetectable HCV RNA at day 56 with exploratory endpoints of sustained virologic response (SVR) at 12 and 24 weeks post‐treatment. Both subjects receiving mAb and sofosbuvir achieved SVR24. Four of eight subjects in the mAb and telaprevir group met the primary endpoint; one subject achieved SVR24 and three subjects relapsed 2‐12 weeks post‐treatment. The other four subjects experienced viral breakthrough. There were no serious adverse events related to study treatment. This proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates that peri‐transplant immunoprophylaxis combined with a single oral direct‐acting antiviral in the immediate post‐transplant period can prevent HCV recurrence.