Top HCV stories of 2015

Hepatitis C virus infection research continued to break barriers in 2015, with treatment regimens expanding to more difficult-to-treat populations, including those with decompensated cirrhosis or HIV/HCV co-infection. Using web analytics, social media and expert opinion, Healio.com/Hepatology compiled a list of the most read research and news on the infection presented during 2015.

Study shows caffeine decreases risk of hepatic fibrosis in male HCV patients

In a cross-sectional study, researchers found that coffee and caffeine were associated with a decreased risk of developing advanced hepatic fibrosis among a majority of male veterans with HCV infection. Read more

Harvoni cost-effective for most patients with HCV

Jagpreet Chhatwal, PhD, and colleagues found that Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, Gilead Sciences) is cost-effective for most patients with HCV infection, but additional resources and value-based patient prioritization are needed, according to study data. Read more

AASLD/IDSA release updated HCV treatment guidelines

“The guidelines committee felt it was important to get information out there so providers would understand the principles of cost effectiveness and be conversant on the topic,” Michael S. Saag, MD, Co-Chief Medical Editor, HCV Next, said in a perspective. Read more

Michael S. Saag

ION-4 study: Harvoni yields high SVR in HIV/HCV–co-infected patients

SEATTLE — A treatment regimen of Harvoni for 12 weeks was safe and effective in treating patients co-infected with HCV infection and HIV, according to data presented at CROI 2015. Read more

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FDA rescinds breakthrough therapy designation for daclatasvir

“The FDA informed Bristol-Myers Squibb that, due to the evolving HCV treatment landscape, the agency intends to rescind the breakthrough therapy designation for certain genotype 1 hepatitis C regimens related to daclatasvir,” a statement from Bristol-Myers Squibb said. Read more

SOLAR 2: Harvoni yields high SVR12 in decompensated patients

VIENNA — Twelve or 24 weeks of Harvoni with ribavirin demonstrated 12-week sustained virologic response rates of 85% to 88% in decompensated patients, according to findings presented at the 2015 International Liver Congress. Read more

FDA warns of cardiac reactions with Harvoni, Sovaldi drug combinations

The FDA has approved changes to the warnings and precautions labels for Harvoni and Sovaldi (sofosbuvir, Gilead Sciences), indicating that amiodarone should not be used while taking the combination regimen of Harvoni or while taking Sovaldi with another direct-acting antiviral for the treatment of HCV infection, according to a news release from the FDA. Read more

Olysio/Sovaldi combo yields high SVR in HCV with advanced cirrhosis

“The present study has demonstrated that treating patients with advanced cirrhosis with [Olysio (simeprevir, Janssen Therapeutics)] and [sofosbuvir] for 12 weeks is associated with an SVR of about 81 [to] 87%,” Mitchell L. Shiffman, MD, and colleagues wrote. Read more