Adjuvant ribavirin and longer direct‐acting antiviral treatment duration improve sustained virological response among hepatitis C patients at risk of treatment failure

The role of ribavirin (RBV) in the era of direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) is not clear, and DAA studies have been largely genotype‐ and regimen‐specific. Using data from the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study, we evaluated the role of RBV and increased DAA treatment duration among patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) in routine clinical care. We performed multivariable analysis of data from 4133 patients receiving any of the following: sofosbuvir (SOF); daclatasvir + SOF; grazoprevir + elbasvir; paritaprevir/ritonavir + ombitasvir; simeprevir + SOF; and SOF + ledipasvir; SOF + velpatasvir ± voxilaprevir; and glecaprevir + pibrentasvir—all with/ without RBV. Inverse probability treatment weighting was used to adjust for treatment selection bias. Sustained virological response (SVR) was defined by undetectable HCV RNA 12 weeks after end of therapy. The overall SVR rate was 95%. Mean treatment duration was 12 ± 4.5 weeks. The final model included treatment duration and diabetes, as well as the interaction of RBV with previous treatment status (treatment naïve, interferon treatment failure [TF] or previous DAA TF), cirrhosis status, and HCV genotype (GT). Each one‐month increment of treatment duration increased odds of SVR by 99% (aOR = 1.99). Diabetes, previous DAA TF, and decompensated cirrhosis significantly reduced odds of SVR. RBV significantly increased the likelihood of SVR among patients with decompensated cirrhosis (aOR = 5.05), previous DAA treatment failure (aOR = 5.43), and GT3 (aOR = 13.28). Among RBV‐free regimens, patients with GT3 were less likely to achieve SVR than those with GT1 or 2 (aOR 0.07). Diabetes, decompensated cirrhosis, and prior DAA TF independently reduced the likelihood of SVR. Longer treatment duration increased likelihood of SVR. Conclusion: RBV increased likelihood of SVR among patients with GT3, previous DAA TF, or decompensated cirrhosis.     

Resistance Analyses of Japanese Hepatitis C‐Infected Patients Receiving Sofosbuvir or Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir Containing Regimens in Phase 3 Studies

High rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) has been achieved in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT)1 and GT2 infection treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) ±ribavirin (RBV) and SOF+RBV, respectively. We evaluated the effect of baseline HCV NS5A and NS5B resistance‐associated variants (RAVs) on treatment outcome and characterized variants at virologic failure. Baseline deep sequencing for NS5A and NS5B genes was performed for all GT1 patients. Deep sequencing of NS5A (GT1 only) and NS5B (GT1 and GT2) was performed for patients who failed treatment or discontinued early with detectable HCV RNA (i.e., >25 IU/mL). In patients with HCV GT1 infection, 22.3% (GT1a: 2/11; GT1b: 74/330) had ≥1 baseline NS5A RAV. The most frequent NS5A RAVs in GT1b were Y93H (17.9%, 59/330) and L31M (2.4%, 8/330). Despite the presence of NS5A RAVs at baseline, 100% and 97% of patients achieved SVR12, compared with 100% and 99% for those with no NS5A RAVs with LDV/SOF and LDV/SOF+RBV, respectively. All patients with NS5B RAVs at baseline achieved SVR12. Of the 153 patients with GT2 infection (GT2a 60.1%, GT2b 39.9%), 3.3% (5/153) experienced viral relapse. No S282T or other NS5B RAVs were detected at baseline or relapse; no change in susceptibility to SOF or RBV was observed at relapse. In conclusion, LDV/SOF and SOF+RBV demonstrate a high barrier to resistance in Japanese patients with HCV GT1 and GT2 infection. The presence of baseline NS5A RAVs did not impact treatment outcome in GT1 Japanese patients treated with LDV/SOF for 12 weeks.     

Multicenter Experience using Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir ± RBV to Treat HCV GT 1 Relapsers after Simeprevir and Sofosbuvir Treatment

Introduction and aim. Approximately 10%-15% of patients with hepatitis C genotype 1 (HCV GT1) experience virological relapse after all-oral antiviral regimen using simeprevir (SMV) and sofosbuvir (SOF). The efficacy and safety of treating such relapsers using ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) with/without ribavirin (RBV) has been limited.Objective. Report the virological response and safety of LDV/SOF with/without RBV for 12-24 weeks in treating HCV GT1 relapsers after SMV + SOF.Material and methods. Patients treated with standardized clinical protocol utilizing LDV/SOF with/without RBV at three transplant centers were retrospectively reviewed.Results. Forty-five patients (29% post-LT, 82% male, 13% non-white, 73% subtype 1a, 86% IL28B CT/ TT, 78% F3-4) started LDV/SOF with/without RBV at a median of 22 weeks (range 7-55 weeks) after the last dose of SMV+SOF treatment. Thirty-seven patients received LDV/SOF for 24 weeks (24/37 patients with RBV) and eight patients received LDV/SOF for 12 weeks (5/8 patients with RBV). RBV dose was adjusted for renal function. Sixteen patients who were RBV-ineligible received LDV/SOF without RBV for 12 or 24 weeks. SVR 12 was achieved in 96% (43/45) of patients. Baseline viral load, RBV use, or GT1 subtype did not impact SVR 12. Minimal adverse events were reported in those without RBV; 45% of patients who received RBV developed significant anemia requiring RBV dose reduction and/or discontinuation. In LT recipients, minimal immunosuppression dose adjustments were required and no biopsy-proven acute rejection occurred.Conclusions. Treatment with LDV/SOF with/without RBV for 12-24 weeks was very well tolerated and resulted in high SVR 12 rates (96%) in HCV GT1 relapsers to SMV + SOF treatment.     

Effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir‐based regimens plus an NS5A inhibitor for patients with HCV genotype 3 infection and cirrhosis. Results of a multicenter real‐life cohort

Patients with HCV genotype 3 (GT3) infection and cirrhosis are currently the most difficult to cure. We report our experience with sofosbuvir+daclatasvir (SOF+DCV) or sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV), with or without ribavirin (RBV) in clinical practice in this population. This was a multicenter observational study including cirrhotic patients infected by HCV GT3, treated with sofosbuvir plus an NS5A inhibitor (May 2014‐October 2015). In total, 208 patients were included: 98 (47%) treatment‐experienced, 42 (20%) decompensated and 55 (27%) MELD score >10. In 131 (63%), treatment was SOF+DCV and in 77 (37%), SOF/LDV. Overall, 86% received RBV. RBV addition and extension to 24 weeks was higher in the SOF/LDV group (95% vs 80%, P=.002 and 83% vs 72%, P=.044, respectively). A higher percentage of decompensated patients were treated with DCV than LDV (25% vs 12%, P=.013). Overall, SVR12 was 93.8% (195/208): 94% with SOF+DCV and 93.5% with SOF/LDV. SVR12 was achieved in 90.5% of decompensated patients. Eleven treatment failures: 10 relapses and one breakthrough. RBV addition did not improve SVR (RR: 1.08; P=.919). The single factor associated with failure to achieve SVR was platelet count <75×10E9/mL (RR: 3.50, P=.019). In patients with MELD <10, type of NS5A inhibitor did not impact on SVR12 (94% vs 97%; adjusted RR: 0.49). Thirteen patients (6.3%) had serious adverse events, including three deaths (1.4%) and one therapy discontinuation (0.5%), higher in decompensated patients (16.7% vs 3.6%, P<.006). In patients with GT3 infection and cirrhosis, SVR12 rates were high with both SOF+DCV and SOF/LDV, with few serious adverse events.     

Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir‐based direct‐acting antiviral regimens for hepatitis C virus genotypes 1‐4 and 6 in Myanmar: Real‐world experience

This open‐label, clinical experience investigated the safety and efficacy of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy in Myanmar; 344 patients completed treatment between June 2015 and May 2016. Patients with HCV genotypes 1‐4 and 6 received one of four treatments: (i) Peg‐interferon (PEG‐IFN)+sofosbuvir (SOF)+ribavirin (RBV) for 12 weeks, (ii) SOF+RBV for 24 weeks, (iii) ledipasvir (LDV)+SOF for 12 weeks or (iv) daclatasvir (DCV)+SOF+RBV for 12 or 24 weeks. Genotype 3 was most common (n=133, 38.7%), followed by genotype 6 (n=122, 35.5%) and genotype 1 (n=86, 25%). Overall, 91% of patients achieved sustained virologic response (SVR); 99% in group 1, (n=148/149), 90% in group 2 (n=95/106), 78% in group 3 (n=65/83) and 100% in group 4 (n=6/6). In group 3, SVR rates were 96.8% in genotype 1 (n=30/31) and 64.1% in genotype 6 (n=25/39). Multivariable regression analysis identified advanced fibrosis (F3‐4) (OR=.16 CI: 0.05‐0.57, P=.005), genotype 6 (OR=.35, CI: 0.16‐0.79, P=.012) and diabetes (OR=.29, CI: 0.12‐0.71, P=.007) as negative independent predictors of response. Adverse events were mild with all‐oral therapy. Conclusion: DAA therapy ±PEG‐IFN achieved high SVR rates. Genotype 6 patients had a low SVR to 12 weeks of LDV and SOF raising the need for other regimens, RBV or longer treatment duration in this population.     

Sofosbuvir and ledipasvir improve patient‐reported outcomes in patients co‐infected with hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus

A fixed‐dose combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) has been approved for treatment of HCV patients. We assessed the effect of LDV/SOF on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in HIV–HCV‐co‐infected patients. Patient‐reported outcomes data from HIV–HCV‐co‐infected patients who were treated with LDV/SOF for 12 weeks were collected as a part of a clinical trial (ION‐4). Historical controls were HIV–HCV‐co‐infected patients treated with SOF and ribavirin (RBV) in PHOTON‐1. We included 335 HIV–HCV‐co‐infected patients (SVR‐12 in HCV genotype 1 was 96%) who received LDV/SOF, while 223 patients (SVR‐12 in HCV genotype 1 was 76.3%) received SOF/RBV. During treatment, patients receiving LDV/SOF showed improvement in all of their PRO scores (+6.0% in activity/energy of CLDQ‐HCV, +5.0% in fatigue score of FACIT‐F, +6.8% in physical component of SF‐36; all P < 0.0001) while those receiving SOF+RBV showed moderate decline in some of their PRO scores (?4.8% in physical functioning of SF‐36, ?4.4% in fatigue score of FACIT‐F, both P < 0.001). Patients who achieved sustained virologic response with LDV/SOF also showed improvement of PROs (average +5.1%) while those treated with SOF/RBV showed less or no improvement (average +1.4%). In a multivariate analysis, in addition to depression and fatigue, receiving SOF+RBV (vs LDV/SOF) was independently associated with more PRO impairment during treatment (beta ?6.1 to ?12.1%, P < 0.001). Hence, HIV–HCV patients treated with LDV/SOF show significant improvement of their health‐related quality of life and other patient‐reported outcomes during treatment and after treatment cessation.     

Real-World Data from Turkey: Is Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir With or Without Ribavirin Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C Really Effective?

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-based therapies in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in real-world clinical practice.Methods: Data from patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with SOF/LDV ± RBV or SOF/RBV in 31 centers across Turkey between April 1, 2017, and August 31, 2018, were recorded in a nationwide database among infectious disease specialists. Demographics, clinical, and virological outcomes were analyzed.Results: A total of 552 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 51.28 ± 14.2, and 293 (55.8%) were female. The majority had HCV genotype 1b infection (65%), 75.04% of the patients underwent treatment, and non-cirrhosis was present at baseline in 381 patients (72.6%). SOF/LDV ± RBV treatment was given to 477 patients and 48 patients received SOF/RBV according to HCV genotype. The total SVR12 rate was 99% in all patients. Five patients experienced disease relapse during the study and all of them were genotype 2. In patients infected with HCV GT2, SVR12 was 77.3%. SVR was 100% in all patients infected with other HCV genotypes. All treatments were well tolerated by patients without causing severe adverse events. Side effects and side effects-associated treatment discontinuation rates were 28.2% and 0.4%, respectively. Weakness (13.7%) was the common side effect.Conclusion: The present real-world data of 525 patients with HCV genotypes 1, 1a, 1b, 3, 4, and 5 who underwent SOF/LDV ± RBV treatment in Turkey demonstrated a high efficacy and safety profile. HCV GT2 patients should be treated with more efficacious treatment.     

Impact of hepatitis C virus recombinant form RF1_2k/1b on treatment outcomes within the Georgian national hepatitis C elimination program

Aim

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) recombinant form RF1_2k/1b is common in ethnic Georgians. This chimera virus contains genomic fragments of genotype 2 and genotype 1 and is misclassified as genotype 2 by standard genotyping. We aimed to identify RF1_2k/1b strains among genotype 2 patients and assess its impact on treatment outcomes.

Methods

The study included 148 patients with HCV genotype 2 as determined by 5‐untranslated region/core genotyping assay. RF1_2k/1b was identified by sequencing the non‐structural protein 5B region. Patients were treated within the national hepatitis C elimination program with sofosbuvir/ribavirin (SOF/RBV), interferon (IFN)/SOF/RBV, or ledipasvir (LDV)/SOF/RBV.

Results

Of 148 patients, 103 (69.5%) had RF1_ 2k/1b. Sustained virologic response (SVR) data was available for 136 patients (RF1_ 2k/1b, n = 103; genotype 2, n = 33). Sustained virologic response was achieved in more genotype 2 patient than in RF1_2k/1b patients (97.0% vs. 76.7%, P = 0.009). Twelve weeks of LDV/SOF/RBV treatment was highly effective (100% SVR) in both genotypes. Among RF1_2k/1b patients, LDV/SOF/RBV for 12 weeks was superior (100% SVR) to SOF/RBV for 12 weeks (56.4%, P < 0.0001) or 20 weeks (79.2%, P = 0.05). Twelve weeks of IFN/SOF/RBV also showed better response than SOF/RBV for 12 weeks (88.9% vs. 56.4%, P = 0.02) in these patients.

Conclusions

High prevalence of the RF1_2k/1b strain can significantly affect treatment outcomes. Treatment with IFN/SOF/RBV and especially LDV/SOF/RBV ensured significantly higher SVR in patients infected with RF1_2k/1b strain compared to standard HCV genotype 2 treatment with SOF/RBV. There is a need to reassess existing methods for the management of HCV genotype 2 infections, especially in areas with high prevalence of the RF1_2k/1b strain.     

Combination of Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir for Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1 Infection: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and aim. The combination of Sofosbuvir (SOF) and Ledipasvir (LDV) has been lead to considerable enhancement of treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection. A meta-analysis of the currently available studies was undertaken with the aim to evaluate the antiviral efficacy of SOF/LDV therapy for 12 or 24 weeks with or without Ribavirin (RBV) in patients with HCV genotype 1 infection.Material and methods. In this meta-analysis, we searched databases including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science using appropriate keywords. All papers which evaluated the efficacy of combination therapy of SOF/LDV with or without RBV for 12 or 24 weeks among patients with HCV genotype 1 infection were included.Results. The 20 published articles were assessed for eligibility and finally 10 articles pooling 2248 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled SVR12 for four SOF/LDV regimens were 95% (95%CI = 93%-97%) for 12 weeks of treatment with SOF/LDV, 97% (95%CI = 95%-98%) for 24 weeks of treatment with SOF/LDV, 96% (95%CI = 94%-97%) for 12 weeks of treatment with SOF/ LDV/RBV and 98% (95%CI = 97%-99%) for 24 weeks of treatment with SOF/LDV/RBV. Only in treatment regimen of SOF/LDV for 12 weeks, cirrhosis had a significant effect on the SVR12 (OR = 0.21, 95%CI = 0.07-0.66). Furthermore, NS5A resistance-associated substitutions at baseline were associated with decrease in the rate of SVR (OR = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.2-0.5).Conclusions. The Interferon-free regimen of SOF/LDV for 12 or 24 weeks with or without RBV is highly effective for treatment of patients with HCV genotype 1 infection.     

Real‐world effectiveness of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for mixed genotype hepatitis C infection: A multicenter pooled analysis in Taiwan

Data on direct‐acting antiviral agent (DAA) treatment for mixed genotype hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are scant. This study examined the effectiveness of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) for mixed HCV genotype infection in a real‐world setting in Taiwan. We analysed the data from all patients with mixed HCV genotype infections treated with GLE/PIB or LDV/SOF from 2017 to 2019 in three Chang Gung Memorial Hospitals in Taiwan. The primary treatment outcome was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment cessation (SVR12). Adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated. A total of 5190 HCV patients received DAA treatment during this time period. Among them, 116 patients (2.2%) had mixed infections of any 2 or 3 genotypes of 1a, 1b, 2, 3 and 6. Fifty‐four patients received GLE/PIB and 62 received LDV/SOF. SVR12 rates for LDV/SOF vs GLE/PIB therapy were 96.6% (56/58) vs 100% (51/51) by the per‐protocol analysis and 90.3% (56/62) vs 94.4% (51/54) by the evaluable population analysis. Two patients with 1b + 6 and 1b + 2 genotype infections in the LDV/SOF group had relapse. Evaluating the GLE/PIB vs LDV/SOF groups for the most common AEs revealed pruritus (16.7% vs 4.8%), abdominal discomfort (5.6% vs 8%) and fatigue (5.6% vs 4.8%). One patient with AE‐related treatment discontinuation presented with liver decompensation after 4‐week GLE/PIB therapy. DAA‐related significant laboratory abnormalities occurred in two patients with >3× elevated bilirubin level in the GLE/PIB group. GLE/PIB and LDV/SOF are well tolerated and achieve high SVR12 rates for patients with mixed HCV genotype infection.     

Chronic hepatitis C treatment in HIV co‐infection in Portugal: Results from a cohort OF 2133 patients presented by GEPCOI (Portuguese Coinfection Study Group)

Direct‐acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) have recently changed the paradigm of hepatitis C therapy, significantly improving treatment response rates, patient life expectancy and quality of life. In Portugal, sofosbuvir (SOF) and SOF/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) were fully reimbursed by the National Health System since early 2015 and generalized use of interferon‐free DAA based regimens became current practice. During 2016, the remaining DAAs were sequentially added and covered by the same health access policy. The Portuguese Study Group of Hepatitis and HIV Co‐infection (GEPCOI) collected data from 15 clinical centres in Portugal, pertaining to the HCV treatment experience with DAA regimens. A cohort of 2133 patients was analysed, representing one of the largest DAA treated HCV/HIV co‐infected individuals. The global sustained virologic response (SVR) achieved was 95% in this real‐life cohort setting. Linear regression analysis showed significant differences in treatment response rates when using SOF plus ribavirin (RBV) combination in genotype 2 or 3 infected individuals (P < .002) and in those with liver cirrhosis (P < .002). These findings corroborate that early treatment is mandatory in HIV/HCV co‐infected patients, as response rates may be negatively influenced by higher fibrosis stages and suboptimal DAA regimens. The current national Portuguese health policy should continue to promote wider treatment access and individualized therapy strategies, aiming at the elimination of HCV infection in this high‐risk co‐infected population.     

Retrospective analysis of hepatitis C infected patients treated through an integrated care model

AIMTo determine if our health system’s integrated model reflects sustained virologic response (SVR) outcomes similar to those in clinical trial data, maximizes adherence, and averts drug interactions.METHODSSubjects with chronic hepatitis C had their medical records reviewed from November 1^st, 2014 through March 1^st, 2016. Patients eligible for treatment were entered into an integrated care model therapy algorithm. The primary outcome was SVR12 based on intention to treat (ITT) analysis. Inclusion criteria consisted of both treatment naïve and experienced patients over the age of 18 who were at least twelve weeks post-therapy completion with any genotype (GT) or METAVIR score. Secondary outcomes included adherence, adverse events, and number of drug interaction interventions.RESULTSAt the time of analysis, 133 patients had reached twelve weeks post therapy with ITT. In the ITT analysis 70 patients were GT 1a, 26 GT 1b, 23 could not be differentiated between GT 1a or 1b, 8 GT 2, 4 GT 3, and 2 patients with multiple genotypes. The ITT treatment regimens consisted of 97 sofosbuvir (SOF)/ledipasvir (LDV), 8 SOF/LDV and ribavirin (RBV), 7 SOF and Simeprevir (SMV), 6 3D and RBV, 1 3D, 11 SOF and RBV, and 1 SOF, peg interferon alpha, and RBV. The overall SVR12 rate was 93% in the ITT analysis with a total of 6 patients relapsing. In patients with cirrhosis, 89% obtained SVR12. All 33 patients who were previous treatment failures achieved SVR12. Drug-drug interactions were identified in 56.4% of our patient population, 69 of which required interventions made by the pharmacist. The most common side effects were fatigue (41.4%), headache (28.6%), nausea (18.1%), and diarrhea (8.3%). No serious adverse effects were reported.CONCLUSIONDean Health System’s integrated care model successfully managed patients being treated for hepatitis C virus (HCV). The integrated care model demonstrates high SVR rates amongst patients with different levels of fibrosis, genotypes, and HCV treatment history.     

Direct-acting antiviral regimens in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: A real-world single-center experience

Background and study aims:Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has always been identified as a major health threat and a potential cause of liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and other associated problems. The introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has represented a paradigm shift in HCV management. In this study, we aim to observe the rate of sustained virologic response (SVR12) in a large scale of patients at a single center as well as record the post-treatment changes in the hematologic, hepatic, and renal biochemical profiles.Patients and methodsIn total, 1933 chronic HCV genotype 4 mono-infected non-HCC patients who completed the treatment with six different DAA regimens in the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University Research Institute (MASRI), were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The rate of sustained virologic response after 12 weeks off-therapy (SVR12) was assessed. The baseline characteristics to predict the SVR12 were then analyzed. The post-treatment changes in many profiles were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThe overall SVR12 rate was 96.2% (after excluding 84 cases who were lost to follow-up). It was achieved in 346/375 patients (92.3%), 466/477 patients (97.7%), 60/62 patients (96.8%), 11/11 patients (100%), 532/545 patients (97.6%), and 445/463 patients (96.1%) who received sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (SOF/DCV), sofosbuvir/daclatasvir/ribavirin (SOF/DCV/RBV), sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV), sofosbuvir/ledipasvir/ribavirin (SOF/LDV/RBV), sofosbuvir/simeprevir (SOF/SMV), and ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/ribavirin (OBV/PTV/r + RBV), respectively. In total, 73 patients (3.8%) failed to achieve SVR12. The baseline aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cirrhotic status, and treatment regimen were determined to have a significant impact on SVR12. In the overall treated population, the levels of serum AST, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, creatinine, bilirubin, and hemoglobin and platelet count improved significantly after treatment. Furthermore, sustained virologic response was strongly related to cirrhosis and its degree.ConclusionThe interferon-free DAA regimens offered high SVR12 rates in Egyptian patients with chronic HCV infection. They were associated with a significant improvement in the hematologic, hepatic, and renal biochemical profiles. The baseline AST, liver cirrhosis, and treatment regimen might have an impact on achieving SVR.     

Changes in serum lipid profiles caused by three regimens of interferon‐free direct‐acting antivirals for patients infected with hepatitis C virus

Aim

Serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) increases during treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with interferon‐free direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). We sought to compare the changes of serum lipid profiles caused by three regimens.

Methods

A total of 216 CHC patients were enrolled. Among 170 patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b, 85 received daclatasvir plus asunaprevir (DCV/ASV) and 85 received sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir (SOF/LDV). Forty‐six infected with HCV genotype 2 received sofosbuvir plus ribavirin (SOF/RBV). Serum total cholesterol (TC), LDL‐C, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride were measured at baseline and 4, 8, 12 (for all regimens), and 24 weeks (for DCV/ASV) during treatment (4w, 8w, 12w, and 24w, respectively) and 12 and 24 weeks after treatment (p12w and p24w, respectively).

Results

In 69 (81.2%) patients who received DCV/ASV and achieved a sustained virologic response at 24 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR24), TC and LDL‐C increased significantly from baseline to p24w. In 84 (98.8%) treated with SOF/LDV who achieved SVR24, TC and LDL‐C increased significantly from baseline to 8w, and TC decreased significantly from 8w to p12w. The 45 (97.8%) who received SOF/RBV and achieved SVR24 showed no significant changes. At 12w, TC and LDL‐C increased to a greater degree in patients receiving SOF/LDV than in those receiving DCV/ASV or SOF/RBV.

Conclusion

During treatment with DAAs, the serum lipid profile may reflect not only recovery from the disruption of lipid metabolism induced by HCV, but also the pharmacological effects of DAAs. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the effect of DAAs on serum lipid profiles.     

IFN‐free therapy is associated with restoration of type I IFN response in HIV‐1 patients with acute HCV infection who achieve SVR

Interferon (IFN)‐free direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have revolutionized chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment; early studies suggest excellent efficacy in acute HCV. However, changes in innate immune responses during DAA therapy for acute HCV are unknown. We studied interferon‐stimulated gene (ISG) expression and related cytokines/chemokines in HIV‐infected patients with acute HCV receiving sofosbuvir plus ribavirin (SOF+RBV) as part of the A5327 clinical trial. ISG expression was determined from PBMCs, and circulating cytokines/chemokines were quantified from serum from study participants. The overall sustained virologic response (SVR) was 57%; all treatment failures were due to virologic relapse. Apart from NOS2a, baseline ISG/chemokine/cytokine levels were similar irrespective of treatment outcome. Downregulation of ISGs was observed at treatment week four and end of treatment (EOT), implicating HCV in establishing elevated ISGs early during HCV infection. Levels of many of these ISGs increased at post‐treatment week 12 (PTW12) in relapsers only, coinciding with recurrent HCV RNA. Eleven ISGs were differentially expressed in responders vs relapsers. On‐treatment viral suppression was also associated with a reduction in IP‐10, CXCL11 and MIP‐1β levels. In contrast, circulating IFN‐α levels were significantly higher at EOT and PTW12 in responders vs relapsers. Upregulation of peripheral ISG expression is established early in the course of HCV infection during acute HCV infection, but did not predict subsequent treatment outcome with SOF+RBV. ISGs were downregulated during therapy and increased post‐therapy in relapsers. IFN‐α levels were higher in responders at EOT/PTW12, suggesting that impaired type I IFN production/secretion may contribute to relapse.     

Management of hepatitis C patients with decompensated liver disease

Little is known about the tolerance and effectiveness of novel oral direct acting antivirals (DAA) in hepatitis C patients with decompensated cirrhosis. To examine the studies relevant to the treatment of hepatitis C virus(HCV)-related decompensated liver disease, we performed computer–based searches for English articles between 1947 and August 2015. Fourteen articles including HCV patients with decompensated cirrhosis were reviewed. The combinations of ledipasvir(LDV)/sofosbuvir(SOF)/ribavirin(RBV) for 12 weeks, or daclatasvir/SOF/RBV for 12 weeks are safe and effective for HCV genotype 1 or 4 infection, and daclatasvir/SOF/RBV for 12 weeks or SOF/RBV for 24 weeks might be effective and safe for HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection. In conclusion, current evidence supports the use of all oral DAA regimens in HCV patients with decompensated cirrhosis.     

Real‐world safety and effectiveness of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 in Japan

As patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) tend to be older and/or have advanced liver disease in Japan, real‐world data are needed to evaluate safe and effective treatment options. The study aim was to assess safety and effectiveness of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) in a real‐world cohort of Japanese patients with HCV genotype (GT) 1 infection overall and by patient subgroups: elderly, compensated cirrhotic, advanced fibrotic and those with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A large prospective observational study was conducted, enrolling adult patients treated for HCV GT1 infection with LDV/SOF at clinical sites across Japan. Patients were observed for safety outcomes during and 4 weeks after treatment, and for sustained virologic response at 12‐weeks post‐treatment (SVR12). Incidence rates (IRs) of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and serious ADRs (SADRs) and SVR12 rates were assessed overall and by subgroups. ADR and SADR IRs were low (2.26 and 0.17 per 100 person‐months, respectively) and did not significantly differ in elderly patients or those with presence of compensated cirrhosis, worsening fibrosis or HCC. SVR12 rates were high overall (98.5%) and across subgroups investigated (≥94%), including patients who were elderly (98.2%), treatment‐experienced (97.6%), advanced fibrotic (≥95.8%), had existing NS5A resistance‐associated substitutions reported pre‐treatment (95.0%), compensated cirrhosis (95.7%), HCC (94.0%) and other chronic liver diseases (96.1%). In this large, real‐world observational study of Japanese patients with HCV GT1 infection, LDV/SOF treatment resulted in low incidence of adverse events, with high real‐world effectiveness, even among patients with potentially higher risks of adverse safety outcomes and treatment failure.     

Impact of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir on the work productivity of genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C patients in Asia

Chronic, untreated hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a poor clinical prognosis and a detrimental impact on patients' lives, including on work productivity. To estimate the value of productivity losses due to genotype 1 (GT1) HCV infection in Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan and to estimate the potential productivity gains associated with treating patients with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) therapy, an economic model was developed with a time horizon of 1 year. Hepatitis C virus patients entered the model at 12 weeks post‐treatment, having achieved or not achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Absenteeism and presenteeism rates were taken from a pooled analysis of data from the ION 1‐3 studies. These rates were converted into hours of lost productivity, multiplied by the average wage and applied to the total employed, adult GT1 population in each country. Results were compared assuming no treatment, and assuming all patients were treated with LDV/SOF. Total productivity losses due to untreated HCV were: $11.3 million, $17.1 m, $146.0 m and $349.1 m in Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. LDV/SOF treatment resulted in economic gains of $4.5 m, $6.8 m, $58.7 m and $138 m, respectively. These gains were due to reduced presenteeism. The results were sensitive to changes in the prevalence of HCV and the average wage. In conclusion, productivity losses due to untreated HCV infection represent a substantial economic burden. By instituting universal HCV treatment with LDV/SOF (or other therapies with high SVR rates), productivity gains can be achieved.