An update on direct antiviral agents for the treatment of hepatitis C. (2nd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stanciu, Carol; Muzica, Cristina Maria; Girleanu, Irina; Cojocariu, Camelia; Sfarti, Catalin; Singeap, Ana-Maria; Huiban, Laura; Chiriac, Stefan; Cuciureanu, Tudor; Trifan, Anca
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. Volume 22:Number 13(2021)
• Page Start: 1729
• Page End: 1741
• Publication Date: 2021-09-02
• Subjects: Direct-acting antiviral agents -- hepatitis C virus -- recent developments -- remaining challenges; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.5805
• DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1921737
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-6566

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : The development of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has completely transformed the management of this disease. The advantages of using DAA therapies include high efficacy (sustained virological response (SVR) rate >95%) with minimal side effects, good tolerability, easy drug administration (once daily oral dosing), and short duration of treatment (8–12 weeks). This transformative nature of DAA therapy underpins the goal of the World Health Organization to eliminate HCV infection as a public health threat by 2030. Areas covered : This review seeks to address the current status of DAA therapies, including recent developments, current limitations, and future challenges. Expert opinion : The current DAA regimens, with their high effectiveness and safety profiles, have changed patient perception of HCV infection from a disease that requires complex evaluation and long-term monitoring to a disease that can be cured after one visit to the general practitioner. Despite the remarkably high success rate of DAAs, few patients (4–5%) fail to obtain SVR even after treatment. Five years ahead, the landscape of HCV treatment will undoubtedly continue to evolve, and more pan-genotypic treatment options will be available to all patients.