A new era of therapy for hepatitis C virus infection. Issue 5 (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nyalakonda, Harita; Utay, Netanya S.
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in infectious diseases. Volume 28:Issue 5(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: antiviral therapy -- direct-acting antivirals -- hepatitis C virus -- interferon-free; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Review Literature -- Periodicals; 616.905
• DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000190
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-7375

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: Previous treatments with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection resulted in significant adverse events and low cure rates, even with the addition of first-generation protease inhibitors. The standard of care for chronic HCV infection changed dramatically in 2013 with the approval of second-generation direct-acting antivirals, which led the way for IFN-free combination regimens. Recent findings: All-oral combinations of direct-acting antivirals, with or without ribavirin, have shown high efficacy and are well tolerated in patients with the predominant genotypes, advanced fibrosis stages, and HIV co-infection. New fixed-dose co-formulations of direct-acting antivirals have allowed simpler regimens with shorter treatment durations and low rates of discontinuation, but are associated with substantial costs. Summary: Since 2013, all-oral, IFN-free regimens with direct-acting antivirals have quickly become the mainstay of treatment for HCV infection as they provide high rates of sustained virologic response with a relatively short duration of treatment and low side-effect profile.