Safety and efficacy of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir plus ribavirin in patients over 65 years with HCV genotype 1 cirrhosis

PURPOSE

To analyse safety and efficacy of treatment based on ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir plus ribavirin in the sub-group of GT1 patients older than 65 years.

METHODS

We collected data extracted from the ABACUS compassionate-use nationwide Italian programme, in patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) Genotype-1 (GT1) or 4 and at high risk of decompensation. GT1-HCV-infected patients received once-daily ombitasvir/paritaprevir, with the pharmacokinetic enhancer ritonavir (25/150/100 mg) and twice-daily dasabuvir (250 mg) plus Ribavirin (RBV) (OBV/PTV/r + DSV + RBV) for 12 (GT1b) or 24 (GT1a) weeks. Endpoints were to evaluate safety and efficacy, the latter defined as HCV RNA negative 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12).

RESULTS

Patients who suffered any adverse event (AE) were 74/240 (30.8%); 13/240 (5.4%) discontinued the treatment. A multivariate analysis found albumin < 3.5 g/dL (OR 2.04: 95% CI 1.0-4.2, p < 0.05) and hypertension (OR 4.6: 95% CI 2.3-9.2, p < 0.001) as variables independently associated with AE occurrence. The SVR12 was 95% (228/240). Multivariate analysis identified baseline bilirubin < 2 mg/dL (OR 4.9: 95% CI 1.17-20.71, p = 0.029) as the only variable independently associated with SVR12.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that OBV/PTV/r + DSV + RBV is safe and effective in real-life use in patients with compensated cirrhosis, HCV-GT1 infection, and age over 65.

Hepatic decompensation during paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir/dasabuvir treatment for genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis and compensated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hepatic decompensation is a severe on-treatment adverse event for chronic hepatitis C treated with paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir (PrOD). Till now, few papers regarding on-treatment hepatic decompensation have been reported. The study aims to analyze the general feature and predictive factors of on-treatment hepatic decompensation in hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b-infected patients with advanced fibrosis and compensated cirrhosis who receive treatment with PrOD.

METHODS

A real-word cohort enrolled 189 HCV genotype 1b patients with advanced fibrosis and compensated cirrhosis treated with 12-week PrOD. Clinical and laboratory data were analyzed between patients with and without on-treatment hepatic decompensation.

RESULTS

The sustained virologic response rate at 12 weeks after treatment was 97.3% in HCV subtype 1b patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. On-treatment hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin >2 mg/dL) occurred in 27 (14.3%) patients, and the incidence of the increase of total and direct form bilirubin was significantly different during treatment between patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh score 5 and score 6. Five (18.5%) hyperbilirubinemia patients progressed to hepatic decompensation. Older age (adjusted OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.4) and albumin ≤3.6 g/dL (adjusted OR: 10.4, 95% CI: 1.3-81.2) may be two predictors for on-treatment hepatic decompensation by multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

PrOD is an effective direct-acting antiviral agent for antiviral therapy in HCV genotype 1b patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Hyperbilirubinemia is possibly the early warning feature of on-treatment hepatic decompensation. This serious adverse event of on-treatment hepatic decompensation is not common. Older age and low baseline albumin level may be predictive factors.

Epidemic history of hepatitis C virus genotypes and subtypes in Portugal

Any successful strategy to prevent and control HCV infection requires an understanding of the epidemic behaviour among the different genotypes. Here, we performed the first characterization of the epidemic history and transmission dynamics of HCV subtypes in Portugal. Direct sequencing of NS5B was performed on 230 direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAA)-treatment naïve patients in Lisbon. Phylogenetic analysis was used for subtyping and transmission cluster identification. Bayesian methods were used to reconstruct the epidemic history of HCV subtypes. Sequences were analysed for resistance-associated substitutions (RAS). The majority of strains were HCV-GT1 (62.6%), GT3 (18.3%, all subtype 3a) and GT4 (16.1%). Among GT1, the most frequent were subtypes 1a (75.5%) and 1b (24.5%). Polyphyletic patterns were found in all but 12 lineages suggesting multiple introductions of the different subtypes in this population. Five distinct epidemics were identified. The first significant HCV epidemic in Portugal occurred between 1930s and 1960s, was caused almost exclusively by GT1b and was likely associated with blood transfusions. Rapid expansion of GT3a occurred in the 1960s and GT1a in the 1980s, associated with intravenous drug use. The most recent epidemics were caused by GT4a and GT4d and seem to be associated with the resurgence of opioid use. The C316N substitution was found in 31.4% of GT1b-patients. Close surveillance of patients bearing this mutation and undergoing dasabuvir-based regimens will be important to determine its impact on treatment outcome.

A Study on the Geographical Pathology of Laryngeal, Bladder and Children Cancer in the Province of Torino

A previous report has shown that in the non-metropolitan areas of the province of Torino the incidence of cancer of the larynx in men during the period 1965–1969, although lower than in the town of Torino and its suburbs, was 3–6 times higher than in Great Britain, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. In the present study the distribution of these cancers was investigated in the 12 ecological areas and/or subareas forming the non-metropolitan areas of the province. A similar study for bladder cancer in adult men and all cancers (including leukaemias) in children, is also reported. In subareas 36, 37 and 42 of ecological area 01 (i.e., located NW of the capital and its suburbs) as well as in area 02 (located North of the province, around the town of Ivrea) a significant excess of laryngeal cancers have been diagnosed in adult men during the period 1965–1969. Cancer of the bladder was found in excess in men residing in subareas 37 and 43 of area 01 (geographically related to the town of Ciriè, where an epidemic of bladder cancer was recognized among workers of a chemical factory where 2-naphthylamine and benzidine have been widely used in the past), as well as in men residing in area 02. In addition, laryngeal cancer was found in excess among residents in Balangero (where a large asbestos-chrysotile mine has been in operation for a long time) and adjacent towns (observed 12, expected 5.14, p < 0.01). Bladder cancer was particularly frequent among residents in Ciriè and adjacent towns (19 cases vs. 9.18 expected, p < 0.01) as well as in those residing in Ivrea and adjacent towns (24 vs. 14.61 expected, p < 0.02). On the contrary, the whole area situated East and South of Torino and its suburbs seems to be a low-incidence area for both laryngeal and bladder cancer. For both tumor types the highest incidence was found in the town of Torino. Men residing in the 23 suburbs of Torino showed a high incidence of laryngeal cancer and a low incidence of bladder cancer. Cancers in children were fairly uniformly distributed throughout the whole province, including the capital.

Real-world efficacy and safety of ombitasvir, paritaprevir/r+dasabuvir+ribavirin in genotype 1b patients with hepatitis C virus cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Direct antiviral agents (DAA) showed very good results in terms of efficacy and safety in clinical trials, but real-life data are still needed in order to confirm this profile.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In Romania, through a nationwide government-funded programme in 2015-2016, approx.5800 patients with virus C cirrhosis received fully reimbursed DAA therapy with OBV/PTV/r+DSV+RBV for 12 weeks. We analysed a national prospective cohort enrolling the first 2070 patients, all with genotype 1b. The only key inclusion criteria was advanced fibrosis (Metavir stage F4) confirmed by Fibromax testing (or liver biopsy/Fibroscan). Efficacy was assessed by the percentage of patients achieving SVR 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12).

RESULTS

Forty patients stopped the treatment because of hepatic decompensation (1.9%), 21 stopped because of other adverse events and one was lost to follow-up. This cohort was 51% females, mean age 60 years (25÷82), 67% pretreated, 70% associated NASH, 67% with severe necro-inflammation (severity score 3-Fibromax), 37% with comorbidities, 10.4% with Child Pugh A6, 0.5% B7. The median MELD score was 8.09 (6 ÷ 22). SVR by intention-to-treat was reported in 1999/2070(96.6%), 55/2070 failed to respond. Liver decompensation was statistically associated in multivariate analysis with platelets< 10⁵ /mm³ (P = .03), increased total bilirubin (P < .001), prolonged INR (P = .02), and albumin<3.5 g/dL (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

OBV/PTV/r+DSV+RBV proved to be highly efficient in our population of cirrhotics with a 96.6% SVR. Serious adverse events related to therapy were reported in 61/2070(2.9%), most of them liver decompensation (1.9%), related to hepatic dysfunction, and lower platelet count.

Long-term effects of the new direct antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy for HCV-related mixed cryoglobulinaemia without renal involvement: a multicentre open-label study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the long-term effects and safety of new direct anti-viral agents (DAAs) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related mixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC) without renal involvement.

METHODS

The study enrolled 22 consecutive patients, 19 received sofosbuvir-based regimen and three patients received other DAAs, individually tailored according to latest guidelines. As of December 2016, the median length of follow-up was 17 months (range 13-21).

RESULTS

Extra-hepatic manifestations at enrollment were: purpura and arthralgia (12 cases), peripheral neuropathy (10 cases) and marginal zone B- lymphomas (2 cases). After a four-week DAA therapy, all patients became HCV- negative. Moreover, after 48 weeks since the beginning of DAA treatment, sustained regression of purpura and arthralgias was observed respectively in eight and in nine cases; peripheral neuropathy improved in seven cases, and cryocrit median values decreased from three (1-20) at baseline to two (1-12) after 48 weeks. Two cases with indolent marginal zone lymphomas did not show any haematological response: size and number of the involved nodes remained unchanged. In addition, the monoclonal B-cell population found in the peripheral blood in four cases did not disappear after recovery from HCV- RNA. Mild side effects occurred in nine patients, but six patients developed ribavirin-related anaemia requiring reduction of ribavirin dose.

CONCLUSIONS

DAA therapy is safe and effective to eradicate HCV in MC, but seems associated with satisfactory clinical response in mild or moderate cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis and no response in B-NHL.

Trend of estimated glomerular filtration rate during ombistasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir plus dasabuvir ± ribavirin in HIV/HCV co-infected patients

The renal function is a key-issue in HIV/HCV co-infected patients, nevertheless, it has not established so far whether HCV treatment with new direct acting agents could impact on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) variations. In the present work, we examined the real-life data on renal function that have been prospectively collected in the SIMIT compassionate-use program of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir plus dasabuvir (OBV/PTV/r + DSV) in 144 HIV/HCV genotype 1 co-infected patients. The population was 74% male, 30.5% in CDC stage C, with median age of 52 years (48.0-56.5) and median liver stiffness of 7.8 kPa (6.7-9.2). Median baseline eGFR was 102.0 (90.8-108.1), changing to 99.8 (83.5-104.8) at the end of treatment (EoT), and 100.0 (87.3-105.6) 12 weeks after the EoT (FU12), p<0.0001. No patient had grade 3-4 increase of creatinine. At EoT 60/144 (41.7%) patients had ≥ 5% reduction in their eGFR, confirmed at FU12 in 39/60 (65.0%) cases. Longer duration of HCV infection (cut-off 12.9 years), lower HCV-RNA viral load (cut-off 1,970,160 IU/ml) and lower platelet count (cut-off 167,000 x106/L) were significantly associated with eGFR decline at logistic analysis (adjOR 2.9, 95%CI 1.0-8.8, p = 0.05; adjOR 3.5, 95%CI 1.2-10.4, p = 0.02; adjOR 2.8, 95%CI 1.1-6.8, p = 0.03, respectively). After repeating the analysis throughout a mixed model, a higher eGFR decline was highlighted in patients concomitantly treated with tenofovir (p = 0.0001), ribavirin (p = 0.0001), or integrase inhibitors (p <0.0001), with longer duration of HIV (p = 0.0002) and HCV infection (p = 0.035), lower baseline HCV RNA (p <0.0001), previous HCV treatment (p<0.0001), and older age (p<0.0001). In conclusion, our study confirms a good renal safety profile of OBV/PTV/r + DSV treatment in HIV/HCV patients, and the median decline of 2 ml/min in eGFR, albeit statistically significant, is of doubtful clinical significance. The role of aging, concomitant therapies and duration of HIV/HCV infection needs to be further investigated.

New hepatitis C virus genotype 1 subtype naturally harbouring resistance-associated mutations to NS5A inhibitors

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a highly divergent virus currently classified into seven major genotypes and 86 subtypes (ICTV, June 2017), which can have differing responses to therapy. Accurate genotyping/subtyping using high-resolution HCV subtyping enables confident subtype identification, identifies mixed infections and allows detection of new subtypes. During routine genotyping/subtyping, one sample from an Equatorial Guinea patient could not be classified into any of the subtypes. The complete genomic sequence was compared to reference sequences by phylogenetic and sliding window analysis. Resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) were assessed by deep sequencing. The unclassified HCV genome did not belong to any of the existing genotype 1 (G1) subtypes. Sliding window analysis along the complete genome ruled out recombination phenomena suggesting that it belongs to a new HCV G1 subtype. Two NS5A RASs (L31V+Y93H) were found to be naturally combined in the genome which could limit treatment possibilities in patients infected with this subtype.

Safety assessment in Child A cirrhotic patients treated with Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir and Dasabuvir with Ribavirin

BACKGROUND

In our country, the national program for hepatitis C virus treatment with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir was approved for patients with stage four of liver fibrosis and stage three associated with specific comorbidities. Our aim was to analyze the characteristics associated with the presence of adverse events in patients receiving this antiviral regimen, with ribavirin in cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

We prospectively studied a cohort of adults with hepatitis C virus infection with Child A cirrhosis, treated for 12 weeks with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir and ribavirin, which have been followed in an infectious diseases tertiary-care hospital.

RESULTS

We included 137 adult patients diagnosed with compensated cirrhosis, hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infected, 82 (60%) previously treated. We recorded 201 adverse events in 98 (71.5%) patients, with a median number of events per patient of one. The intensity of adverse events was classified as mild, moderate and severe in 50%, 36% and 14% of cases, respectively. Forty-five (22%) episodes required medical intervention. The most frequently reported adverse events were pruritus 34(35%), asthenia 22(22%) and insomnia 15(15%). The presence of severe adverse events was associated with the presence of comorbidities (p = 0.01, OR : 9.5, 95% CI : 1.2-74.3) and with the presence of associated medication (p = 0.02, OR : 3.9, 95% CI : 1.08-14.2). At the end of current treatment, 136 (99.2%) patients had undetectable viral load.

CONCLUSION

We found a high number of adverse events, but most of them were mild or moderate and only one quarter of them required medical intervention. Only severe adverse events were associated with comorbidities and associated medication.

Efficacy and safety of paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir with ribavirin for the treatment of HCV genotype 1b compensated cirrhosis in patients aged 70 years or older

Advanced age has been a major limitation of interferon-based treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection because of its poor response and tolerability. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drug regimens are safe and highly effective, allowing administration of treatment also in elderly. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir (PrOD) with ribavirin for the treatment of patients aged ≥70 years with HCV genotype 1b compensated cirrhosis.A total of 1008 patients with HCV genotype 1b compensated cirrhosis were prospectively treated with PrOD + ribavirin for 12 weeks, between December 2015 and July 2016. Sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12), adverse effects (AEs), comorbidities, discontinuation, and death rates were recorded. Efficacy and safety of therapy were assessed in patients aged ≥70 years and compared with data from patients <70 years.There were 117 patients aged ≥70 years, preponderantly females (58.9%), mean age 73.3 ± 2.8 years (range 70-82), and 37 (31.6%) were treatment-experienced. Comorbidities were reported in 60.6% of patients ≥70 years and in 39.8% of those <70 years (P < .001). SVR12 rates based on intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were 97.4% and 100%, respectively, in patients ≥70 years, compared to 97.8% and 99.6%, respectively, in patients <70 years (P = ns and P = ns). Severe AEs were reported in 4 (3.4%) patients ≥70 years, compared to 23 (2.6%) in those <70 years (P = ns). One death was recorded in a patient aged 79 years (0.9%) and 6 deaths (0.8%) in those <70 years (P = ns).Treatment with PrOD + ribavirin in patients 70 years of age or older with HCV genotype 1b compensated cirrhosis proved as effective, safe, and well tolerated, as it did in younger patients.

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Suggests Limited Drug-Drug Interaction Between Clopidogrel and Dasabuvir

Dasabuvir, a nonnucleoside NS5B polymerase inhibitor, is a sensitive substrate of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8 with a potential for drug-drug interaction (DDI) with clopidogrel. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed for dasabuvir to evaluate the DDI potential with clopidogrel, the acyl-β-D glucuronide metabolite of which has been reported as a strong mechanism-based inhibitor of CYP2C8 based on an interaction with repaglinide. In addition, the PBPK model for clopidogrel and its metabolite were updated with additional in vitro data. Sensitivity analyses using these PBPK models suggested that CYP2C8 inhibition by clopidogrel acyl-β-D glucuronide may not be as potent as previously suggested. The dasabuvir and updated clopidogrel PBPK models predict a moderate increase of 1.5-1.9-fold for Cmax and 1.9-2.8-fold for AUC of dasabuvir when coadministered with clopidogrel. While the PBPK results suggest there is a potential for DDI between dasabuvir and clopidogrel, the magnitude is not expected to be clinically relevant.

Successful twice interrupted therapy of HCV infection in patients with cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma before and after liver transplantation

We are presenting the case study of the patient diagnosed at the age of 37 with liver cirrhosis due to genotype 1b hepatitis C virus infection. At the age of 46, he was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma with subsequent resection of the tumour in May 2015. In December 2015, the treatment was started with ombitasvir, paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir (3D) with ribavirin (RBV) 1000 mg per day. After 24 days of this treatment, the patient received a deceased donor liver transplantation, followed by 18-day interruption of 3D therapy. Due to the anaemia, RBV dose was reduced to 600 mg per day for the rest of the treatment. At the 11th week of 3D+RBV treatment, there was another 8-day long discontinuation of therapy due to the postoperative wound infection. In total, the patient received 24 weeks of 3D+RBV treatment, achieving sustained virological response at week 24 post-treatment.

Real-Life Use of 3 Direct-Acting Antiviral Regimen in a Large Cohort of Patients with Genotype-1b HCV Compensated Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/ritonavir/Dasabuvir (OBV/PTV/r+DSV) is one of the elective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) recommended by international guidelines and the only one covered by the National Insurance System in Romania until November 2016. Our aim was to present the first prospective Romanian cohort evaluating the effectiveness and safety in clinical practice of this 3DAA combination in patients with HCV genotype-1b Child A liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

681 patients received OBV/PTV/r+DSV+RBV for 12 weeks and were assessed clinically and biologically at baseline, week 4, 8, 12 (end of treatment, EOT), and 12 weeks after therapy (sustained viral response, SVR).

RESULTS

Per protocol, EOT virological response was 99.8% and SVR12 rate was 99.4%. Adverse events were present in 36.4% of patients. Permanent discontinuation of 3DAA regimen due to side effects was reported in 11 patients (1.6%). In 47.6% (185/389) of patients, Transient Elastography values were >20kPa (defined as clinically significant portal hypertension, CSPH) at baseline. Independent variables associated with CSPH were: baseline cholesterol level (p=0.003), platelet count <120,000/mm³ (p=0.02), MELD score (p=0.01). Liver stiffness measurement has significantly improved between baseline (26.6+/-12.7kPa) and SVR12 (21.6+/-11.8kPa) (p<0.0001). The same was true for APRI score (2.66+/-0.15 at baseline vs 0.85+/-0.02 at SVR12, p<0.0001) and FIB4 score (5.53+/-0.28 vs 3.24+/-0.08, p<0.0001), but not for Lok score (0.57+/-0.01 vs 0.63+/-0.01, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We report a high efficacy of the 3DAA regimen in a homogeneous compensated HCV genotype-1b liver cirrhosis population, in a real-life setting. Noninvasive fibrosis scores significantly improved at SVR12.

Effectiveness of dasabuvir/ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir for hepatitis C virus in clinical practice: A population-based observational study

Background

Direct acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus have shown dramatic results in clinical trials. However, their effectiveness has yet to be demonstrated within observational cohorts which lack exclusion criteria found in randomized control trials.

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of dasabuvir/ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir in achieving sustained virological response.

Methods

Retrospective observational cohort study of all Clalit Health Services members with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 who were dispensed dasabuvir/ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir from January 1, 2015 to-November 31, 2015.

Results

There were 564 participants during the study period. The average age was 61.9 years, 52.0% were male, and 61.5% were born Eastern/Central Europe or Central Asia. The prevalence of diabetes was 31.7% and 70.3% were overweight/obese. Cirrhosis was present in 41.0% of participants, of whom 52.8% had stage 4 fibrosis. Of the cohort, 416 (74.8%) had follow-up viral load testing at 10 or more weeks after the end of treatment. We report a sustained virological response of 98.8% among those tested.

Conclusions

Treatment with dasabuvir/ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir demonstrated a near universal effectiveness in achieving a sustained virological response among HCV patients in a large cohort.

Ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, plus ribavirin for patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 or 4 infection with cirrhosis (ABACUS): a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

We ran a compassionate use nationwide programme (ABACUS) to provide access to ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, with dasabuvir, plus ribavirin for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection and ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, plus ribavirin for HCV genotype 4 infection in patients with cirrhosis at high risk of decompensation while approval of these regimens was pending in Italy.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, we collected data from a compassionate use nationwide programme from March 17, 2014, to May 28, 2015. Patients with HCV genotype 1 infection and cirrhosis at high risk of decompensation were given coformulated ombitasvir (25 mg), paritaprevir (150 mg), and ritonavir (100 mg) once daily and dasabuvir (250 mg) twice daily for 12 weeks (patients with HCV genotype 1b infection) or 24 weeks (patients with HCV genotype 1a infection). Patients with HCV genotype 4 infection were given coformulated ombitasvir (25 mg), paritaprevir (150 mg), and ritonavir (100 mg) once per day for 24 weeks. All patients were given weight-based ribavirin. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virological response at week 12 after the end of treatment (SVR12), analysed by intention-to-treat. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify baseline characteristics associated with SVR12. Adverse events were recorded throughout the study.

FINDINGS

728 (96%) of 762 patients with cirrhosis who were given ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, plus ribavirin therapy for 12 or 24 weeks achieved SVR12. Logistic regression analyses identified that bilirubin concentrations of less than 2 mg/dL were associated with SVR12 (odds ratio [OR] 4·76 [95% CI 1·83-12·3]; p=0·001). 166 (23%) of 734 patients included in safety analyses had an adverse event. 25 (3%) patients discontinued treatment because of adverse events. Asthenia was the most commonly reported adverse event, occurring in 36 (5%) patients.

INTERPRETATION

Our findings suggest that the safety and effectiveness of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, plus ribavirin in patients with HCV genotype 1 or 4 infection and cirrhosis at high risk of decompensation in a real-life setting are similar to those reported in clinical trials. The concordance with clinical trials provides reassurance that the reported efficacy of this treatment in clinical trials will translate to its use in routine clinical practice.

FUNDING

Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica dell'Universita di Palermo.

Ombitasvir and paritaprevir boosted with ritonavir and combined with dasabuvir for chronic hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma responsible for almost 700,000 deaths worldwide annually. Until 2014, management of HCV infections was based on interferon alfa containing regimens, with efficacy of 40-70% and a high adverse event rate. Interferon-free therapeutic options improved sustained viral response (SVR) rate to >90% and safety profile to placebo-like levels. Areas covered: This article describes all-oral regimen consisting of three direct acting antivirals (DAA) - ombitasvir (OBV), paritaprevir (PTV) and dasabuvir (DSV), which in clinical practice is boosted with ritonavir (r) and sometimes with ribavirin (RBV). This combination is registered for treatment of patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and 4. We focused on the regimen characteristics, pharmacokinetics, risk of resistance as well as efficacy and safety in clinical trials and real world studies. Expert commentary: Combination of OBV/PTV/r±DSV±RBV provides SVR rate of about 95% and good safety profile even in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis and failure with previous therapy. Currently it should be of particular value in areas with a predominance of genotype 1b infections. Due to the complexity and risk of drug to drug interactions, it will probably be replaced in coming few years with pangenotypic combinations of next generation DAAs.

Population pharmacokinetics of paritaprevir, ombitasvir, dasabuvir, ritonavir and ribavirin in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection: analysis of six phase III trials

AIM

The aim of the current study was to characterize the population pharmacokinetics of a triple direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimen (3D) (ombitasvir, paritaprevir-ritonavir and dasabuvir) and adjunctive ribavirin, and estimate covariate effects in a broad spectrum of subjects with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection.

METHODS

Pharmacokinetic data from six phase III studies and one phase II study in subjects receiving the currently approved doses of the 3D ± ribavirin regimen for treating HCV genotype 1 infection for 12 weeks or 24 weeks were characterized using separate population pharmacokinetic models, built using each component of the regimen from nonlinear mixed-effects methodology in NONMEM 7.3. In the models, demographic and clinical covariates were tested. Models were assessed via goodness-of-fit plots, visual predictive checks and bootstrap evaluations.

RESULTS

The population pharmacokinetic models for each component of the 3D ± ribavirin regimen (DAAs and ritonavir, n = 2348) and ribavirin (n = 1841) adequately described their respective plasma concentration-time data. Model parameter estimates were precise and robust, and all models showed good predictive ability. Significant covariate effects associated with apparent clearance and volume of distribution included age, body weight, gender, cirrhosis, HCV subtype, opioid or antidiabetic agent use, and creatinine clearance.

CONCLUSION

The population pharmacokinetics of the 3D ± ribavirin regimen components in HCV-infected patients were characterized using phase II and III HCV clinical trial data. Although several statistically significant covariates were identified, their effects were modest and not clinically meaningful to necessitate dose adjustments for any component of the 3D regimen.

Universal Sustained Viral Response to the Combination of Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir and Dasabuvir with/without Ribavirin in Patients on Hemodialysis Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes 1 and 4

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly prevalent among patients on hemodialysis (HD) and is associated with poor prognosis. Treatment with interferon and ribavirin is poorly tolerated, and few data are available on the impact of new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). This study was intended to analyze the efficacy and safety of treatment with a combination of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir with/without ribavirin in HCV-infected patients on HD from 3 hospitals.

METHODS

This is a multicentric study. We analyze the clinical course of all patients on HD with HCV infection who had been treated with the combination of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir in 3 hospitals in Madrid, Spain. All patients under treatment had undergone Transient elastography (FibroScan®) and HCV RNA (PCR) and HCV genotype were determined simultaneously.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients aged 53.3 ± 8.9 years (68.6% males) and with genotypes 1 and 4 were treated with the DAA regimen, and 17 were also given ribavirin. The most common etiology was glomerular disease. Sustained viral response was achieved in 100% of patients. Adverse effects were negligible, and no patient had to discontinue treatment. The most significant side effect was anemia, which led to a significant increase in the dose of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Anemia was more marked in patients receiving ribavirin. No patients required transfusions.

CONCLUSION

A combination of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir with/without ribavirin for the treatment of HCV in patients on HD is highly effective and causes minimal side effects. This regimen represents a major advance in disease management. A considerable improvement in prognosis seems likely.

First Case in Kazakhstan of Successful Therapy With 2 Consecutive Direct-Acting Antiviral Regimens in a Patient with Hepatitis C Virus-Induced Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis on a Liver Transplant Wait List

A 40-year-old man, diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis because of hepatitis C virus, was on the wait list for a liver transplant when he began treatment with the direct-acting antivirals simeprevir 150 mg and sofosbuvir 400 mg. The patient demonstrated end of treatment virologic response at week 12, normal bilirubin, and alanine aminotransferase levels, resolution of ascites, with downgrading to subcompensated liver cirrhosis, and was removed from the liver transplant wait list. However, the patient did not comply with the recommended duration of the antiviral treatment of at least 16 weeks, which resulted in hepatitis C virus relapse at posttreatment week 12. Later, the patient started an alternative regimen that included a combination of ombitasvir 12.5 mg, paritaprevir 75 mg, ritonavir 50 mg, and dasabuvir 250 mg for 24 weeks and achieved a sustained virologic response. However, despite undetectable hepatitis C virus, the patient began to deteriorate again and was again put on the liver transplant wait list. This first described clinical case in Kazakhstan of successful antiviral therapy with 2 consecutive directacting agents demonstrates the importance of virus eradication of pretransplant survival extension and delaying the need for liver transplant.

Four weeks of paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir plus dasabuvir encountering dengue fever resulted in sustained virological response in an HCV patient: A case report

BACKGROUND

Direct antiviral agent (DAA) has been the standard of care for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Twelve weeks of paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir plus dasabuvir (PROD) with or without ribavirin has shown to have a sustained virological response at post-treatment 12 weeks (SVR12) rate of >90% in HCV genotype 1 (HCV-1) patients.

METHODS

We report a HCV-1b patient who received only 25 days of PROD treatment.

RESULTS

The patient early terminated treatment due to dengue fever but eventually achieved SVR12. It may attribute to low baseline viral loads and extraordinarily rapid suppression of HCV after treatment day1.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding may shed light for possible response-guided-therapy for so-called ultra-super-responders in the DAA era. Whether the dengue virus, the Flaviviridae family as with HCV, enhanced the HCV clearance remains unclear and needs further exploration.

Economic evaluation of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir for the treatment of chronic genotype 1 hepatitis c virus infection

OBJECTIVES

To estimate clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir ± ribavirin (OMB/PTV/r + DSV ± RBV) compared with treatment regimens including pegylated interferon (PegIFN) for patients with chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS

An Excel spreadsheet Markov model tracking progression through stages of liver disease was developed. Costs and patient utilities for liver disease stages were taken from published studies. Rates of disease progression were based on studies of untreated HCV infection and long-term follow-up of those achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) after drug treatment. Impact of OMB/PTV/r + DSV ± RBV and other drug regimens on progression was estimated through SVR rates from clinical trials. Analyses were performed for treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients. Impact of alternative scenarios and input parameter uncertainty on the results were tested.

RESULTS

For genotype 1 treatment-naive HCV patients, for OMB/PTV/r + DSV ± RBV, PegIFN + ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV), sofosbuvir + PegIFN/RBV, telaprevir + PegIFN/RBV, boceprevir + PegIFN/RBV, lifetime risk of decompensated liver disease was 5.6%, 18.9%, 7.4%, 11.7%, and 14.9%; hepatocellular carcinoma was 5.4%, 9.2%, 5.7%, 7.0%, and 7.4%; and death from liver disease was 8.7%, 22.2%, 10.4%, 14.8%, and 17.6%, respectively. Estimates of the cost-effectiveness of OMB/PTV/r + DSV ± RBV for treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients indicated that it dominated all other regimens except PegIFN/RBV. Compared with PegIFN/RBV, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were £13,864 and £10,258 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) for treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients, respectively. The results were similar for alternative scenarios and uncertainty analyses.

LIMITATIONS

A mixed-treatment comparison for SVR rates for the different treatment regimens was not feasible, because many regimens did not have comparator arms; instead SVR rates were based on those from recent trials.

CONCLUSIONS

OMB/PTV/r + DSV ± RBV is a cost-effective oral treatment regimen for chronic genotype 1 HCV infection compared with standard treatment regimens and is estimated to reduce the lifetime risks of advanced liver disease.