An interferon-free antiviral regimen for HCV after liver transplantation

Virologic Cure of Hepatitis C: Impact on Hepatic Fibrosis and Patient Outcomes

Treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents has revolutionized the approach to hepatitis C. We are now able to obtain high sustained virological response (SVR) rates, even in the historically difficult-to-treat patient populations. SVR translates into improved clinical outcomes, particularly overall and liver-related mortality, and benefits are more striking in patients with cirrhosis. A 2.5- to 5-fold risk reduction in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and improvement in complications derived from portal hypertension have been reported as well. It is hypothesized that the benefits from SVR occur largely due to regression of fibrosis, which arises from the halt on the fibrogenic stimuli and activation of extracellular matrix reabsorption signals. Non-invasive markers of fibrosis are being utilized to assess regression, but it is still unclear how accurate they are in this clinical scenario. Interventions aiming to improve liver wellness and screening for cirrhosis-related complications should continue to be the norm after SVR.

Efficacy and safety of simeprevir and sofosbuvir with and without ribavirin in subjects with recurrent genotype 1 hepatitis C postorthotopic liver transplant: the randomized GALAXY study

This prospective, randomized, phase 2 study in subjects with recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 postorthotopic liver transplant evaluated once-daily simeprevir 150 mg + sofosbuvir 400 mg, with and without ribavirin 1000 mg. Primary endpoint was proportion of subjects with week 12 sustained virologic response (SVR12). Thirty-three subjects without cirrhosis were randomized 1:1:1 into three arms (stratified by genotype/subtype and Q80K): Arm 1, simeprevir + sofosbuvir + ribavirin, 12 weeks; Arm 2, simeprevir + sofosbuvir, 12 weeks; Arm 3, simeprevir + sofosbuvir, 24 weeks; 13 additional subjects (two with cirrhosis, 11 without cirrhosis) entered Arm 3. All 46 subjects received at least one dose of study drug; median age, 60 years; 73.9% male; 80.4% White; 71.7% genotype/subtype 1a [12 (36.4%) of these had Q80K]; median 4.5 years post-transplant. Among randomized subjects, SVR12 was achieved by 81.8% in Arm 1, 100% in Arm 2, and 93.9% in Arm 3; two subjects did not achieve SVR12: one viral relapse (follow-up week 4; Arm 1) and one missing follow-up week 12 data. In total, five subjects had a serious adverse event, considered unrelated to treatment per investigator. Simeprevir exposure was increased relative to the nontransplant setting, but not considered clinically relevant. Simeprevir + sofosbuvir treatment, with or without ribavirin, was efficacious and well tolerated (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02165189).

Treatment of hepatitis C virus recurrence after transplantation with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir: The role of ribavirin

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) used to be a serious problem in the era of interferon-based treatment. Since the introduction of modern directly acting antivirals, treatment has become easier and shorter. According to published data, in the natural course of hepatitis C infection the duration of antiviral treatment with sofosbuvir (SOF) and ledipasvir (LDV) may be shortened to 12 instead of 24 weeks, using ribavirin (RBV) in addition. Furthermore, the question of whether or not RBV is really necessary, in a 12-week SOF/LDV treatment in the post-transplant setting, is still unanswered.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

At our institution, 100 liver transplant patients with HCV recurrence underwent interferon-free SOF-based treatment. A total of 51 patients received SOF/LDV with or without RBV. Twenty-nine HCV genotype 1 or 4 patients with histologically proven stage 0-2 fibrosis were treated with SOF/LDV for 12 weeks; another 22 patients with advanced fibrosis (stage 3-4) either received SOF/LDV plus weight-adjusted RBV or prolonged treatment for 24 weeks.

RESULTS

End of treatment response and sustained virological response (SVR) were achieved in 100% of the 51 patients, irrespective of the treatment group. Patients with prolonged treatment duration or with RBV developed significantly more adverse events (AEs) compared to the SOF/LDV group: 19 (86.4%) vs 8 (27.6%), P<.001. One of the predominant and most relevant AEs was the development of anemia in 43.1% of 10 patients receiving RBV, which was a significant result (P<.001). RBV co-medication had to be reduced in 11 (55%) patients and then stopped in 8 (40%) patients because of AEs. No significant difference was observed among the groups regarding kidney function.

CONCLUSION

The SOF/LDV combination is a reliable therapy of recurrent HCV infection after LT. It is easy to administer and to achieve SVR in immunocompromised patients without interactions with immunosuppressive medications. Considering the high rate of AEs, frequent discontinuation of RBV treatment, and the 100% SVR, the use of RBV as co-medication in a 12-week SOF/LDV regimen does not seem to be justified after LT.

Small-molecule inhibitors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) non-structural protein 5A (NS5A): a patent review (2010-2015)

INTRODUCTION

Non-structural 5A (NS5A) protein has achieved a considerable attention as an attractive target for the treatment of hepatitis C (HCV). A number of novel NS5A inhibitors have been reported to date. Several drugs having favorable ADME properties and mild side effects were launched into the pharmaceutical market. For instance, daclatasvir was launched in 2014, elbasvir is currently undergoing registration, ledipasvir was launched in 2014 as a fixed-dose combination with sofosbuvir (NS5B inhibitor). Areas covered: Thomson integrity database and SciFinder database were used as a valuable source to collect the patents on small-molecule NS5A inhibitors. All the structures were ranked by the date of priority. Patent holder and antiviral activity for each scaffold claimed were summarized and presented in a convenient manner. A particular focus was placed on the best-in-class bis-pyrrolidine-containing NS5A inhibitors. Expert opinion: Several first generation NS5A inhibitors have recently progressed into advanced clinical trials and showed superior efficacy in reducing viral load in infected subjects. Therapy schemes of using these agents in combination with other established antiviral drugs with complementary mechanisms of action can address the emergence of resistance and poor therapeutic outcome frequently attributed to antiviral drugs.

Treatment Options in Hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Among patients with chronic hepatitis C, 20-30% develop hepatic cirrhosis and its complications within 30 years. The antiviral treatment of hepatitis C, previously interferon-based, has recently become inter - feron-free, with resulting improvements in sustained virological response rates, safety, and tolerability and a shorter duration of treatment.

METHODS

This review is based on relevant publications retrieved by a selective literature search, and particularly on studies and reviews concerning the course and treatment of hepatitis C.

RESULTS

The available drugs for interferon-free antiviral treatment of hepatitis C include inhibitors of the RNAdependent RNA polymerase, NS3/4A protease, and NS5A protein of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and ribavirin. Typically, two specific inhibitors are given in combination; the usual duration of treatment is 12 weeks.The antiviral drugs differ in their genotypic antiviral effectiveness and resistance barriers. The appropriate drug(s) should be chosen in consideration of the patient's hepatic and renal function and potential drug interactions. These drugs are safe and well-tolerated and result in sustained virological response rates between 90% and 100%.

CONCLUSION

All patients with hepatitis C, whatever their disease stage, can derive a sustained eradication of HCV from a combination of drugs with direct antiviral activity. Viral eradication is associated with a better quality of life and with lower morbidity and mortality.

Developing therapies to treat hepatitis C infection in post-liver transplant recipients

INTRODUCTION

Currently, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains the most common indication for liver transplant in the United States (US) with almost universal HCV recurrence in the post-liver transplant setting. Previous interferon (IFN)-related efficacy and tolerability concerns about worsening liver function have limited treatment options for many patients with HCV-associated decompensated liver disease and post-liver transplant recipients. However, the last decade has seen a seen a radical shift in the management of HCV with multiple direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments that provide more effective, all-oral, IFN-free alternatives. Areas covered: This review will serve to highlight the various pharmacotherapies available to clinicians for patients with HCV recurrence post-liver transplant. A brief history of prior regimens is provided with evidence for newer treatments presented. Also detailed are updated guidelines from societal organizations. Finally, timing of HCV treatment is discussed as the decision to treat patients in a pre or post-liver transplant setting remains challenging. Expert opinion: While there are many potential available therapies for HCV recurrence in the post-liver transplant setting, daclatasvir/sofosbuvir and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir have been the most extensively studied. Newer, pangenotypic generation drugs require more evidence before routine utilization in post-liver transplant recipients.

Ribavirin revisited in the era of direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus infection

Over the past two decades, ribavirin has been an integral component of treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, where it has been shown to improve the efficacy of (pegylated) interferon. However, because of treatment-limiting side effects and its additive toxicity with interferon, the search for interferon- and ribavirin-free regimens has been underway. The recent approvals of all-oral direct acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized the HCV therapeutic landscape, and initially it was expected that the role of ribavirin with DAA regimens would be eliminated. On the contrary, what we have witnessed is that ribavirin retains an important role in the optimal treatment of some subgroups of patients, particularly those that historically have been considered the most difficult to cure. Fortunately, it has also been recognized that the safety profile of ribavirin is improved when co-administered with all-oral DAA combinations in the absence of interferon. Despite the antiviral mechanism of action of ribavirin being poorly understood, we now have a range of novel insights into the potential role of ribavirin in all-oral DAA HCV treatment and greater insight into the antiviral mechanism by which it continues to provide clinical benefit for defined patient groups.

Report of the 22nd Annual Congress of the International Liver Transplantation Society

The 2016 Annual Congress of the International Liver Transplantation Society was held in Seoul, South Korea in May. The 22nd Congress marked the largest multidisciplinary liver transplantation meeting in Asia since 2010. The principal themes were living donation, allocation, immunosuppression, machine preservation, novel treatment of hepatitis C, and expansion of the deceased-donor allograft pool. This report presents select abstracts from the scientific sessions within the context of the published literature to serve as a quick reference.

Simeprevir or telaprevir with peginterferon and ribavirin for recurrent hepatitis C after living-donor liver transplantation: A Japanese multicenter experience

AIM

This study aimed to clarify the efficacy and safety of simeprevir, a second-generation NS3/4A inhibitor, with peginterferon and ribavirin for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of living-donor liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C with the hepatitis C virus genotype 1 treated with either simeprevir- or telaprevir-based triple therapy was carried out at eight Japanese liver transplant centers.

RESULTS

Simeprevir- and telaprevir-based triple therapies were given to 79 and 36 patients, respectively. Of the 79 patients treated with simeprevir-based triple therapy, 44 (56%) achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks (SVR12) after treatment ended, and there was no significant difference in the SVR12 between the simeprevir- and telaprevir-based triple therapy groups (69%). The rates of adverse events were not significantly different between the simeprevir- and telaprevir-based triple therapy groups, although the rate of patients who received blood cell transfusion and erythropoietin due to anemia and had renal insufficiency were significantly higher in the telaprevir group than in the simeprevir group. Three baseline factors, the presence of prior dual therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin (P = 0.001), a non-responder to the prior dual therapy (P < 0.001), and male sex (P = 0.040), were identified as significant predictive factors for non-SVR with simeprevir-based triple therapy.

CONCLUSION

Simeprevir-based triple therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after living-donor liver transplantation resulted in a high SVR rate and good tolerability, especially in treatment-naïve patients.

Safety and Effectiveness of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents for Treatment of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, leading to a high rates of sustained virologic response. This study assessed the real-world safety and effectiveness of DAA-based antiviral therapy for the treatment of cirrhotic patients with chronic HCV infection.

METHODS

This international, multicenter cohort study included all consecutive patients with chronic HCV infection and cirrhosis who underwent antiviral therapy with second-generation DAAs. Data on all patients were analyzed to assess treatment response. Predictors of hepatic decompensation during antiviral therapy were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

RESULTS

Until June 2015, 433 cirrhotic patients with chronic HCV infection started DAA-based treatment. Their mean age was 57.8 (±8.7) years, 277 (64.0%) patients were male, and 114 (26.3%) had a Child-Pugh (CP) score of B/C cirrhosis. The sustained virologic response rate at 12 weeks was similar among patients with a CP score of A (261 of 304 [85.9%]) and a CP score of B/C (83 of 101 [82.2%]; P = .37). A baseline albumin level less than 35 g/L (hazard ratio [HR], 3.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-7.84; P = .005), baseline MELD score of 14 or higher (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.03-2.61; P = .037), and HCV genotype 3 (HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.09-3.88; P = .033) were associated independently with hepatic decompensation during antiviral treatment among patients with a CP score of B/C.

CONCLUSIONS

This large cohort study showed that therapy is safe and effective in patients with compensated (CP score of A) cirrhosis. For patients with decompensated (CP score of B/C) cirrhosis, albumin level less than 35 g/L, MELD score of 14 or greater, and HCV genotype 3 are important risk factors for hepatic decompensation during DAA-based treatment. Therefore, these patients require close monitoring during antiviral therapy or treatment should be deferred until after transplantation.

Twice-Daily Telaprevir for Posttransplant Genotype 1 Hepatitis C Virus: A Prospective Safety, Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetics Study

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to determine the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of telaprevir plus pegylated interferon alfa 2a and ribavirin for chronic, posttransplant genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, single-arm, multicenter, open-label, phase 2b study was conducted at 22 North American sites to assess the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of pegylated interferon alfa 2a, ribavirin, and twice daily telaprevir in liver transplant recipients with recurrent, chronic hepatitis C without cirrhosis. Baseline liver biopsies were read by a central pathologist. There were planned safety reviews after a sentinel cohort reached treatment weeks 4 and 16. Serial pharmacokinetic sampling was performed for calcineurin inhibitors, telaprevir, and ribavirin.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients were enrolled and received ≥ 1 dose of study medication; 37 (61%) achieved sustained virologic response. Thirteen of 18 treatment-naive patients (72%), 10 of 11 patients with no or minimal fibrosis (91%), 13 of 15 patients (87%) with interleukin 28B genotype CC, and 36 of 45 patients (80%) with either undetectable or unquantifiable hepatitis C virus RNA at treatment week 4 achieved sustained virologic response. Nine patients (15%) had ≥ 1 drug-related serious adverse event and 7 (11%) discontinued all study drugs due to an adverse event. There were no deaths or acute cellular rejection episodes. During telaprevir treatment, median doses of tacrolimus and cyclosporine were 0.5 mg weekly and 25 mg daily. Target exposures were achieved for telaprevir with twice daily dosing and for ribavirin with reduced initial dosing.

CONCLUSIONS

Telaprevir combination therapy for posttransplant hepatitis C virus infection yielded superior efficacy than historical controls. Adverse events were similar to, but exceeded, those in immunocompetent patients. Calcineurin inhibitor dosing levels were substantially reduced with telaprevir.

Concise review: Interferon-free treatment of hepatitis C virus-associated cirrhosis and liver graft infection

Chronic hepatitis C is a major reason for development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and a leading cause for liver transplantation. The development of direct-acting antiviral agents lead to (pegylated) interferon-alfa free antiviral therapy regimens with a remarkable increase in sustained virologic response (SVR) rates and opened therapeutic options for patients with advanced cirrhosis and liver graft recipients. This concise review gives an overview about most current prospective trials and cohort analyses for treatment of patients with liver cirrhosis and liver graft recipients. In patients with compensated cirrhosis Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CTP) class A, all approved agents are safe and SVR rates do not significantly differ from patients without cirrhosis in general. In patients with decompensated cirrhosis CTP class B or C, daclastasvir, ledipasvir, velpatasvir, and sofosbuvir are approved, and SVR rates higher than 90% can be achieved. Especially for patients with a model of end stage liver disease score higher than 15 and therefore eligible for liver transplantation, data is scarce. Reported SVR rates in patients with cirrhosis CTP class C are lower compared to patients with a less severe liver disease. In liver transplant recipients with a maximum of CTP class A, SVR rates are comparable to patients without LT. Patients with decompensated graft cirrhosis should be treated on an individual basis.

Sofosbuvir plus ledispasvir for recurrent hepatitis C in liver transplant recipients

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) is associated with worse outcomes. The combination of ledipasvir (LDV) and sofosbuvir (SOF) has been approved for HCV treatment after LT, but there are limited data on the effectiveness and safety of LDV/SOF in the "real-world" setting. This multicenter study is the largest report to date on the effectiveness and safety of LDV/SOF in the post-LT setting. A total of 204 patients (72% male, 68% Caucasian, 66% genotype [GT] 1a, 21% METAVIR F3-F4, 49% treatment-experienced) were treated with LDV/SOF. The mean duration from LT to treatment initiation was 4.8 years. The overall sustained virological response rate 12 weeks after completion of therapy (SVR12) was 96%. Patients treated with 8 or 12 weeks of LDV/SOF without RBV experienced an SVR12 rate of 100% and 96%, respectively. Calcineurin inhibitors were used in 89% of patients, and 32% of patients underwent adjustment in immunosuppression during treatment. One episode of mild rejection, responsive to an increase in immunosuppression dosage, was observed. There was no graft loss attributed to HCV treatment. Four deaths occurred unrelated to HCV treatment, and no significant serious adverse events were documented. In conclusion, SOF and LDV with or without RBV for 8, 12, or 24 weeks in post-LT patients was effective and safe with a high SVR12 rate across a spectrum of GTs and stages of fibrosis. Liver Transplantation 22 1536-1543 2016 AASLD.

Hepatitis C in Liver Allograft Recipients: Utility of One-Year Post-Transplantation Biopsy as an Indicator of Antiviral Therapy

Background

All-oral interferon-free regimens for hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection are highly efficacious; however, high cost is a barrier to applicability. Liver allograft recipients are particularly likely to benefit from therapy as HCV often leads to graft dysfunction and loss. In this study, we aimed to establish the utility of allograft biopsy at 1 year post-transplant as an indicator of treatment.

Methods and Results

Among 252 liver recipients enrolled, 136 (54%) developed severe disease (fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) or fibrosis stage ≥ 2 at 1 year post-transplant). Multivariable analysis revealed younger recipient age and female gender, older donor age and T cell depletive therapy to be independent predictors of severe disease. Recipients with severe disease had higher rate of further graft loss compared to those with mild disease. Patients with mild disease and sustained virologic response (SVR) had the best survival rate, whereas those with severe disease and viremia had the worst survival (96% versus 63% at 5 years).

Conclusion

In conclusion, allograft biopsy at 1 year helps identify recipients at high risk of further graft dysfunction and loss. In view of high cost of therapy, treatment should be preferably directed to high-risk patients including those with FCH or fibrosis stage ≥ 2 by 1 year post-transplant.

Multicentre experience using daclatasvir and sofosbuvir to treat hepatitis C recurrence - The ANRS CUPILT study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

HCV recurrence remains a major issue in the liver transplant field, as it has a negative impact on both graft and patient survival. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of treating HCV recurrence with sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DCV) combination therapy.

METHODS

From October 2013 to March 2015, 559 liver recipients were enrolled in the prospective multicentre France REcherche Nord&Sud Sida-hiv Hépatites (ANRS) Compassionate use of Protease Inhibitors in viral C Liver Transplantation cohort. We selected 137 patients with an HCV recurrence receiving SOF and DCV, whatever the genotype or fibrosis stage. The use of ribavirin and the duration of therapy were at the investigator's discretion. The primary efficacy end point was a sustained virological response (SVR) 12weeks after the end of treatment.

RESULTS

The SVR rate 12weeks after completing treatment was 96% under the intention-to treat analysis and 99% when excluding non-virological failures. Only two patients experienced a virological failure. The serious adverse event (SAE) rate reached 17.5%. Four patients (3%) stopped their treatment prematurely because of SAEs. Anaemia was the most common AE, with significantly more cases in the ribavirin group (56% vs. 18%; p<0.0001). A slight but significant reduction in creatinine clearance was reported. No clinically relevant drug-drug interactions were noted, but 52% of patients required a change to the dosage of immunosuppressive drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with SOF plus DCV was associated with a high SVR12 and low rates of serious adverse events among liver recipients with HCV recurrence.

LAY SUMMARY

The recurrence of hepatitis C used to be the first cause of graft failure in infected liver transplanted recipients. Our study demonstrates the great efficacy of one combination of new all-oral direct-acting antiviral, sofosbuvir and daclatasvir, to treat the recurrence of hepatitis C on the graft. Ninety-six per cent of recipients were cured. The safety profile of this combination seemed to be good, especially no relevant drug-drug interaction with immunosuppressive drugs.

Sofosbuvir-based treatment of hepatitis C with severe fibrosis (METAVIR F3/F4) after liver transplantation

Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT) can rapidly lead to liver graft cirrhosis and, therefore, graft failure and retransplantation or death. The aim of the present study was to assess efficacy and tolerance of sofosbuvir (SOF)-based regimens for the treatment of HCV recurrence in patients with severe fibrosis after LT. The Compassionate Use of Protease Inhibitors in Viral C Liver Transplantation (CULPIT) study is a prospective multicenter cohort including patients with HCV recurrence following LT treated with second generation direct antivirals. The present study focused on patients included between October 2013 and November 2014 and diagnosed with HCV recurrence and liver graft extensive fibrosis (METAVIR F3/F4). A SOF-based regimen was administered to 125 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria. The median delay from LT was 95.9 ± 69.6 months. The characteristics of patients were as follows: mean age, 59.4 ± 9.0 years; 78.4% male; infected by HCV genotype 1: 78.2%, mean HCV RNA: 6.1 ± 1.0 log10 IU/mL. Eighty patients had failed previous post-LT antiviral therapy (64.0%) including triple therapy with first generation protease inhibitors in 19 (15.2%) patients. The main combination regimen was SOF/daclatasvir (73.6%). Ribavirin was used in 60 patients. Sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment was 92.8% (on an intention-to-treat basis); 7 patients with virological failure were observed. Serious adverse events occurred in 25.6% of the patients during antiviral treatment. During antiviral treatment and follow-up, 3 patients were retransplanted and 4 patients died. In conclusion, SOF-based antiviral treatment shows very promising results in patients with HCV recurrence and severe fibrosis after LT. Liver Transplantation 22 1367-1378 2016 AASLD.

Risk stratification of allograft failure secondary to hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation

AIM

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation decreases survival rates. Improved understanding of the multiple factors influencing HCV recurrence could aid decision-making for donor-recipient pairing and maximize transplant outcomes. The aim of this study was to create a model based on pretransplant variables to stratify patients at risk of HCV-related allograft failure.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 154 liver transplant recipients with HCV at Cleveland Clinic.

RESULTS

Among the study population, 54 recipients (35.1%) experienced HCV recurrence, histologically defined as moderate to severe hepatitis and/or bridging fibrosis to cirrhosis. The multivariate analysis found donor age (≥60 years, P < 0.002), donor body mass index (≥30 kg/m² , P < 0.05), African American recipient (P < 0.01) and genotype 1 (P < 0.02) as risk factors for HCV-related allograft failure. When these four factors were scored as a combined index (no factor [n = 15], one factor [n = 76], two factors [n = 43] and three or more factors [n = 20]), the HCV recurrence-free survival showed good stratification according to the scores: 93.3% with no factor, 79.3% with one factor, 52.0% with two factors and 24.4% with three or more factors at 3 years after transplant (P < 0.0001). Moreover, this risk index also identified the patient group at high risk of HCV recurrence after acute rejection.

CONCLUSION

While the introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents has been changing the paradigm of HCV treatment, the natural history of recipients with HCV as shown in this study would help estimate the risk of HCV-related allograft failure in those who do not tolerate such new treatment.

Effectiveness and tolerability of simeprevir and sofosbuvir in nontransplant and post-liver transplant patients with hepatitis C genotype 1

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus genotype 1a (HCV-1a), prior treatment, cirrhosis and post-transplant status are historically associated with poor treatment responses. The new oral direct-acting agents appear to be effective and safe in these patients.

AIMS

To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of simeprevir and sofosbuvir in a diverse real-life cohort of patients, including difficult-to-treat patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 198 consecutive patients with hepatitis C genotype 1 (148 nontransplant, 50 post transplant), who were treated with simeprevir and sofosbuvir for 12 weeks between December 2013 and December 2014. Primary outcome was sustained virological response with undetectable HCV RNA 12 weeks after completion of therapy (SVR12). Risk factors evaluated for lack of SVR12 included HCV 1a (vs. 1b), prior treatment (vs. none), and cirrhosis (vs. no cirrhosis).

RESULTS

SVR12 rates were similar in non- and post-transplant settings, 82% and 88%, respectively. There were no significant differences in adverse events in patients regardless of cirrhosis or transplant status. On multivariate analysis also inclusive of gender and liver transplant status, negative predictors of SVR12 were having at least 2 or 3 risk factors (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10-0.87, P = 0.027 or 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.85, P = 0.025, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Simeprevir and sofosbuvir combination is a safe and effective regimen for the treatment of non- and post-transplant patients with traditional risk factors for poor treatment response, unless more than 2 difficult-to-treat risk factors are present.

Treatment of Hepatitis C in Patients Undergoing Immunosuppressive Drug Therapy

With 185 million people chronically infected globally, hepatitis C is a leading bloodborne infection. All-oral regimens of direct acting agents have superior efficacy compared to the historical interferon-based regimens and are significantly more tolerable. However, trials of both types of regimens have often excluded patients on immunosuppressive medications for reasons other than organ transplantation. Yet, these patients-most often suffering from malignancy or autoimmune diseases-could stand to benefit from these treatments. In this study, we systematically review the literature on the treatment of hepatitis C in these neglected populations. Research on patients with organ transplants is more robust and this literature is reviewed here non-systematically. Our systematic review produced 2273 unique works, of which 56 met our inclusion criteria and were used in our review. The quality of data was low; only 3 of the 56 studies were randomized controlled trials. Sustained virologic response was reported sporadically. Interferon-containing regimens achieved this end-point at rates comparable to that in immunocompetent individuals. Severe adverse effects and death were rare. Data on all-oral regimens were sparse, but in the most robust study, rates of sustained virologic response were again comparable to immunocompetent individuals (40/41). Efficacy and safety of interferon-containing regimens and all-oral regimens were similar to rates in immunocompetent individuals; however, there were few interventional trials. The large number of case reports and case series makes conclusions vulnerable to publication bias. While firm conclusions are challenging, given the dearth of high-quality studies, our results demonstrate that antiviral therapy can be safe and effective. The advent of all-oral regimens offers patients and clinicians greatly increased chances of cure and fewer side effects. Preliminary data reveal that these regimens may confer such benefits in immunosuppressed individuals as well. More prospective interventional trials would greatly benefit the many patients with chronic hepatitis C on immunosuppressive therapies.

Bilateral simultaneous anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, an extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis C cured with direct acting antivirals

We report a patient with a bilateral optic anterior ischemic neuropathy as an extrahepatic complication of a chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. The patient presented with a bilateral visual acuity loss and bilateral optic disc oedema. The optic neuropathy was associated with a sudden increase in the viral HCV load after a recent liver transplantation. The stop of the calcineurin inhibitor had no effect on the course of the optic neuropathy. Visual improvement and normalization of HCV viraemia occurred after treatment with sofosbuvir and daclatasvir, which are direct acting antivirals.

Optimum timing of treatment for hepatitis C infection relative to liver transplantation

The approval of direct-acting antiviral agents that may be given orally in an interferon-free regimen has greatly changed the landscape of treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, especially for patients with the most severe disease, who have decompensated cirrhosis, or who are waiting for or have undergone liver transplantation. Treatment with interferon proved to be ineffective and poorly tolerated because of high risks of infection and transplant rejection. The availability of new drugs poses new questions about the optimum time to give treatment to prevent HCV recurrence, taking into account efficacy, tolerance, and drug-drug interactions. Treatment is acceptable before and after transplantation, but the two strategies have subtle differences. In this Review, we present the available data on the treatment of HCV infection before and after transplantation, and discuss new challenges for practice.

Indications for liver transplantation in adults : Recommendations of the Austrian Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH) in cooperation with the Austrian Society for Transplantation, Transfusion and Genetics (ATX)

Liver transplantation has emerged as an established and well-accepted therapeutic option for patients with acute and chronic liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. The disproportion between recipients and donors is still an ongoing problem that has only been solved partially over the last centuries. For several patients no life-saving organs can be distributed. Therefore, objective and internationally established recommendations regarding indication and organ allocation are imperative. The aim of this article is to establish evidence-based recommendations regarding the evaluation and assessment of adult candidates for liver transplantation. This publication is the first Austrian consensus paper issued and approved by the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in cooperation with the Austrian Society of Transplantation, Infusion and Genetics.

APASL consensus statements and recommendations for hepatitis C prevention, epidemiology, and laboratory testing

The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) convened an international working party on "APASL consensus statements and recommendations for management of hepatitis C" in March 2015 to revise the "APASL consensus statements and management algorithms for hepatitis C virus infection" (Hepatol Int 6:409-435, 2012). The working party consisted of expert hepatologists from the Asian-Pacific region gathered at the Istanbul Congress Center, Istanbul, Turkey on 13 March 2015. New data were presented, discussed, and debated during the course of drafting a revision. Participants of the consensus meeting assessed the quality of the cited studies. The finalized recommendations for hepatitis C prevention, epidemiology, and laboratory testing are presented in this review.

APASL consensus statements and recommendation on treatment of hepatitis C

The Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) convened an international working party on the "APASL consensus statements and recommendation on management of hepatitis C" in March, 2015, in order to revise "APASL consensus statements and management algorithms for hepatitis C virus infection (Hepatol Int 6:409-435, 2012)". The working party consisted of expert hepatologists from the Asian-Pacific region gathered at Istanbul Congress Center, Istanbul, Turkey on 13 March 2015. New data were presented, discussed and debated to draft a revision. Participants of the consensus meeting assessed the quality of cited studies. Finalized recommendations on treatment of hepatitis C are presented in this review.

From current status to optimization of HCV treatment: Recommendations from an expert panel

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem at a global level, causing an enormous burden of hepatic and extra-hepatic morbidity and mortality. Treatment of chronic HCV (CHC) has been revolutionized in the last few years by the introduction of highly effective and well tolerated direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) able to achieve >90% rates of sustained virological response (SVR) in many groups of patients, including those previously excluded from interferon-based regimens. For such reason interferon-free regimens are now the treatments of choice for all patients. Successful anti-HCV treatment can stop liver disease progression and can solve the HCV-related extra hepatic manifestations, eventually reducing both liver-related and overall mortality. Together with the rapidly accumulating data about the evolution of treatment landscape, different guidelines from national and international Liver Scientific Societies have been published until today. However, these recommendations may not be applied worldwide as, due to high treatment costs, most of them identify as priority groups only patients with advanced liver disease. Moreover some types of patients pose clinical management problems for which even the guidelines do not always provide useful answers. With the aim of treatment optimization by filling some of the gaps of the current guidelines and addressing the remaining unmet needs in practice, a group of Italian experts, experienced on treatment of HCV infection, met in Stresa in February 2016. The summary of all the considerations arising from this two-day meeting and the final statements are reported in this position paper.

Perspectives on treating hepatitis C infection in the liver transplantation setting

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews treatment options of the approved and soon-to-be approved direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-based therapies in the transplant setting.

RECENT FINDINGS

DAA-based therapies have been shown to be effective and safe in achieving viral eradication in the majority of pre- and postliver transplant (LT) populations. Treatment decisions are guided by hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype, the degree of renal dysfunction, and severity of cirrhosis. The addition of ribavirin is frequently needed to achieve highest viral eradication rates. Viral eradication pre-LT has been associated with fewer portal hypertensive complications and improved survival and effectively prevents recurrent HCV post-LT. For those with shorter time to LT, an alternative strategy is treatment with DAAs up to the time of LT to reduce the risk of post-LT recurrence. Therapies should be considered for all post-LT patients with recurrent HCV given the risk of accelerated disease progression. The sustained virological response rates among LT recipients parallel those of nontransplant patients.

SUMMARY

With broader application of DAA therapy in the transplant setting, improved graft and patient survival and simplified post-LT management are likely. The availability of high potency DAA therapy with excellent safety profiles has transformed the HCV-infected LT population into a group that is no longer 'difficult-to-treat.'

2015 Philip S. Portoghese Medicinal Chemistry Lectureship. Curing Hepatitis C Virus Infection with Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents: The Arc of a Medicinal Chemistry Triumph

The development of direct-acting antiviral agents that can cure a chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after 8-12 weeks of daily, well-tolerated therapy has revolutionized the treatment of this insidious disease. In this article, three of Bristol-Myers Squibb's HCV programs are summarized, each of which produced a clinical candidate: the NS3 protease inhibitor asunaprevir (64), marketed as Sunvepra, the NS5A replication complex inhibitor daclatasvir (117), marketed as Daklinza, and the allosteric NS5B polymerase inhibitor beclabuvir (142), which is in late stage clinical studies. A clinical study with 64 and 117 established for the first time that a chronic HCV infection could be cured by treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents alone in the absence of interferon. The development of small molecule HCV therapeutics, designed by medicinal chemists, has been hailed as "the arc of a medical triumph" but may equally well be described as "the arc of a medicinal chemistry triumph".

When and How to Treat HCV Infection with the New Antivirals before or after Liver Transplantation

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the primary causes of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation (LT). Graft loss due to hepatitis C (HCV) recurrence is a serious problem after LT. Thus, the approval of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens has important implications in the LT setting. The findings of controlled trials have confirmed the safety and the excellent efficacy of most DAA combinations, and these findings have been confirmed by reports of high rates of sustained virologic response in the real-life setting. However, data from patients with decompensated cirrhosis who are on the LT waiting list are still scarce and, when available, suggest cautious consideration of whether HCV treatment before LT is beneficial in all cases. Progression of cirrhosis and refractory decompensation result in severely decreasing response rates, the risk of resistance, and reduced Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores despite clinical deterioration, making LT more difficult to achieve. On the other hand, treating HCV recurrence after LT is feasible with most of the available DAA combinations. Thus, an important topic of current debate is the establishment of predictors and conditions that can determine whether HCV treatment is best before or after LT. This review article comprehends and discusses recent data and challenges on the treatment of HCV infection in the liver transplant setting.

IFN-free therapy for HIV/HCV-coinfected patients within the liver transplant setting

OBJECTIVES

IFN-based therapy against hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) has poor effectiveness and tolerability. In HIV/HCV-coinfected liver transplant recipients, the results are even poorer. Here, we report our experience using direct antiviral agents (DAAs) in 11 consecutive coinfected patients within the LT setting.

METHODS

Four patients with compensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma were treated while awaiting LT and seven patients received antiviral therapy due to severe hepatitis C recurrence after LT [fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (n = 1), fibrosis stage ≥F3 (n = 2) and decompensated cirrhosis (n = 4)]. Patients were treated with different sofosbuvir-based regimens with or without ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in all patients. Two of the four patients treated while awaiting LT reached the time of transplant with undetectable HCV-RNA that remained undetectable 12 weeks after LT, one patient had detectable HCV-RNA at the time of transplant but achieved SVR after completing 12 weeks of therapy after LT and the last patient is still on the waiting list. Seven patients with severe post-LT hepatitis C recurrence were treated within 11-120 months after LT. In these patients, viral eradication was associated with an improvement in liver function and clinical decompensation. Tolerance to antiviral therapy was good and only four patients reported mild adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

IFN-free regimens are effective and well tolerated in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients within the LT setting, but more data are needed to confirm our promising results and to establish the best treatment option in this population.

Interferon-Free Treatments for Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects as many as 185 million people globally, many of whom are chronically infected and progress over time to cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and eventually death without a liver transplant. In the United States, HCV genotype 1 constitutes about 75% of all infections. While interferon and ribavirin therapy was the cornerstone of treatment for many years, interferon-free treatments have become the standard of care with the emergence of new direct-acting agents, resulting in more effective treatment, shorter duration of therapy, better tolerability, lower pill burden, and ultimately better adherence. This review will summarize the evidence for the currently available combination therapies as well as emerging therapies in phase 3 trials for treatment of HCV genotype 1.

Management of post liver transplantation recurrent hepatitis C infection with directly acting antiviral drugs: a review

Recurrent HCV infection (rHCV) of the liver allograft following transplantation is universal and is associated with poor graft and patient survival in comparison with other indications. Treatment of rHCV infection in the previous era with pegylated interferon and ribavirin was associated with low sustained virological response (SVR) due to poor tolerability, adverse events and graft rejection. Recently, directly acting antiviral drugs (DAA) have been approved for the treatment of hepatitis C infection and a number of clinical trials have been conducted across various centers in the management of rHCV infection of the graft. In this review we discuss about recent studies that have emerged on the use of NS5b polymerase inhibitor, sofosbuvir in combination with second generation protease inhibitor, simeprevir, fixed dose ledipasvir or daclatasvir with or without ribavirin in the treatment of post transplant rHCV infection.

Organ Transplantation in the Face of Donor Shortage - Ethical Implications with a Focus on Liver Allocation

BACKGROUND

Transplantation medicine is associated with several ethical issues related to the lack of organs. Major questions concern the regulations for giving permission for organ removal, informing the public about organ donation, setting of organ allocation priorities, waiting list access, and strategies to counteract scarcity.

METHODS

This contribution is based on analyses of legal regulations, guidelines of self-regulatory bodies, administrative data, and literature from medical, normative, and empiric disciplines. It addresses the above-mentioned issues descriptively with a focus on Germany and liver transplantation.

RESULTS

The basic principle of beneficence justifies a shift from voluntariness towards an obligation to document one's decision regarding organ donation. Organ allocation is obviously tangent to fundamental values and concepts of justice. At that, there is no consistent agreement on whether to prioritize the sickest patient or to maximize the overall health benefit. Restrictions relating to waiting list access are the subject of controversies. The reasons for denial of access are largely related to high demands on the prospect of success. Strategies to counteract organ scarcity partly conflict with the respect for autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, or justice.

CONCLUSION

We propose to focus on recent most promising strategies to counteract scarcity in the short-term: demanding a documented decision on organ donation and an orientation towards the Spanish model of organization. Concepts for waiting list access should constantly be reviewed considering all medical evidence and must not be based on moralism. Moreover, we suggest to consider public preferences for organ allocation and strengthen the confidence in transplantation medicine.

Combination ledipasvir-sofosbuvir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection: a review and clinical perspective

Chronic hepatitis C treatment has continued to evolve, and interferon-free, oral treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents is the current standard of care. Recently, a new treatment, which is a combination of two direct-acting antiviral agents, ledipasvir 90 mg (anti-NS5A) and sofosbuvir 400 mg (anti-NS5B), has been approved in the US and the European Union for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C viral infection. In Phase III trials among chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 monoinfected (treatment-naïve, treatment-experienced, and with advanced liver disease or posttransplant) patients and HIV-hepatitis C virus coinfected patients, the ledipasvir-sofosbuvir fixed-dose combination is associated with a higher rate of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after therapy has ceased. According to preliminary data, the ledipasvir-sofosbuvir combination also may be effective against hepatitis C genotype 4 virus infection. The ledipasvir-sofosbuvir combination taken orally is generally well-tolerated. Moreover, the combination treatment may suppress the effect of predictive factors of chronic hepatitis C that have historically been known to be associated with treatment failure. Thus, the fixed-dose single-tablet combination of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir offers a new era for the effective treatment of a variety of patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

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.

New perspectives for preventing hepatitis C virus liver graft infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of end-stage liver disease that necessitates liver transplantation. The incidence of virus-induced cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma continues to increase, making liver transplantation increasingly common. Infection of the engrafted liver is universal and accelerates progression to advanced liver disease, with 20-30% of patients having cirrhosis within 5 years of transplantation. Treatments of chronic HCV infection have improved dramatically, albeit with remaining challenges of failure and access, and therapeutic options to prevent graft infection during liver transplantation are emerging. Developments in directed use of new direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) to eliminate circulating HCV before or after transplantation in the past 5 years provide renewed hope for prevention and treatment of liver graft infection. Identification of the ideal regimen and use of DAAs reveals new ways to treat this specific population of patients. Complementing DAAs, viral entry inhibitors have been shown to prevent liver graft infection in animal models and delay graft infection in clinical trials, which shows their potential for use concomitant to transplantation. We review the challenges and pathology associated with HCV liver graft infection, highlight current and future strategies of DAA treatment timing, and discuss the potential role of entry inhibitors that might be used synergistically with DAAs to prevent or treat graft infection.

Donor Factors Including Donor Risk Index Predict Fibrosis Progression, Allograft Loss, and Patient Survival following Liver Transplantation for Hepatitis C Virus

BACKGROUND

The utilization of liver transplantation (LT) is limited by the availability of suitable organs. This study aimed to assess the impact of the donor risk index (DRI) and other donor characteristics on fibrosis progression, graft, and patient survival in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected LT recipients.

METHODS

HCV-infected LT recipients who had at least 2 post-LT protocol liver biopsy specimens available were included. Hazard ratio for bivariate analysis was computed using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 312 recipients, 26.6% died over a median follow-up of 58.5 months (95% CI: 46.5-67.3). Fourteen patients underwent re-transplantation. Mean time to graft failure was 84.3 months, median follow-up: 59 months, 95% CI (48.2, 68.3). DRI >1.5 was significantly associated with patient and graft survival (P = 0.04). Of the subset of 104 individuals who underwent histological analysis, 67.3% progressed to ≥F2. On multivariate analysis, significant donor-specific predictors of fibrosis progression were: donor age >50 years and DRI >1.7.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Fibrosis progression in HCV-infected LT recipients is strongly associated with donor characteristics, specifically donor age and DRI. (2) DRI, an objective measure of donor quality, appears to correlate both with rate of histological progression and overall patient/graft survival.

Treatment of severe recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation in HIV infected patients using sofosbuvir-based therapy

BACKGROUND

For liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, recurrence after LT is associated with a higher risk of graft loss than for HCV mono-infected patients. Prior HCV treatment options were limited by side effects and drug-drug interactions.

AIM

To evaluate treatment outcomes with sofosbuvir (SOF)-based therapy among HIV/HCV coinfected liver transplant recipients.

METHODS

Access to SOF and ribavirin (RBV) prior to regulatory approval was attained via an international compassionate access program for transplant recipients with a life expectancy of 1 year or less in the absence of HCV treatment. This report focuses on the short and longer term outcomes in HCV-HIV co-infected liver transplant recipients.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were treated, nine with early severe recurrence and 11 with cirrhosis. Eleven patients received SOF and RBV, one SOF, RBV and Peg-interferon, three SOF, RBV and simeprevir and five SOF, RBV and daclatasvir. Of the 18 patients who completed treatment, 16 (89%) achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). Liver function tests (including bilirubin and albumin) improved significantly over time. Nineteen serious adverse events occurred in eight (40%) patients, none of them related to SOF. Two patients died during treatment and another, 1 year after the end of therapy, due to progressive end-stage liver disease. Importantly, HIV suppression was not compromised. No significant drug-drug interactions were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Sofosbuvir-based regimens are safe, well-tolerated and provide high rates of SVR in HCV-HIV co-infected patients with severe recurrence after-liver transplant.

Three patients treated with daclatasvir and asunaprevir for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation: Case report

We previously reported our data on telaprevir or simeprevir used in combination with pegylated interferon (PEG IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) for the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection after liver transplantation (LT). Here, we report three patients who achieved viral responses with no effect on the blood concentrations of immunosuppressive agents following daclatasvir and asunaprevir treatment. The first patient was a 57-year-old man with HCV-related liver cirrhosis who failed to respond to PEG IFN/RBV after living donor LT. He had been treated with 1 mg/day of tacrolimus. The second was a 63-year-old man with HCV-related liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma who failed to respond to PEG IFN/RBV after living donor LT. He had been treated with 1 mg/day of tacrolimus. The third was a 61-year-old man with HCV-related liver cirrhosis. He had been treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Serum HCV RNA became undetectable by TaqMan polymerase chain reaction test after 4 weeks of daclatasvir and asunaprevir treatment in all patients, and no remarkable fluctuations in blood concentration were observed either in tacrolimus or in MMF during 24 weeks of therapy. No adverse events were observed, and all patients received the full dose of daclatasvir and asunaprevir over 24 weeks. Serum HCV RNA remained negative at 12 weeks after the end of treatment in all patients. The daclatasvir and asunaprevir treatment showed a remarkable viral response with little effect on blood levels of immunosuppressive agents for recurrent HCV genotype 1 infection after LT.

Treat chronic hepatitis C virus infection in decompensated cirrhosis - pre- or post-liver transplantation? the ironic conundrum in the era of effective and well-tolerated therapy

The management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with decompensated cirrhosis has evolved dramatically over the past few years mainly due to the availability of all-oral antiviral regimens. The currently approved all-oral direct-acting antivirals (DAA) containing sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, daclatasvir and ribavirin, in various combinations, have shown to be safe and effective in patients with decompensated cirrhosis with sustained virological response (SVR) rates nearly comparable to those with well-compensated liver disease. Unique issues yet remain such as the challenges with renal insufficiency, tolerability of ribavirin and risk of further hepatic decompensation with a protease inhibitor-based regimen. While most patients who achieve SVR have demonstrated improvement in hepatic synthetic function over the short course of follow, the long-term beneficial effects are unknown. Further, the baseline predictors of improvement in hepatic function have not been well delineated and thus have left us in a quandary as to what we might expect with successful therapy and thus we are at a loss to well educate our patients. The major concern, in potential liver transplant candidates, is of unintended 'harm' by achieving SVR but without improvement in hepatic function to an extent where the patients might function well. As HCV therapies are as effective in liver transplant recipients, there is a growing sentiment in some of the transplant quarters that those with decompensated liver disease and awaiting liver transplant be treated for HCV after liver transplant. This strategy would thus eliminate any concern of leaving a patient in 'no person's' land by treating HCV successfully pretransplant but not to the point of functional normalcy, while also would maintain the risk of HCC. Yet a contrarian view would be that not all patients have access to liver transplantation (LT), cannot bear the cost, have comorbidities or contraindications to LT. While the debate continues, it is essential that we develop robust predictors of improvement in liver function so that we can carefully select our patients for therapy in the context of liver transplantation.

The impact of the revolution in hepatitis C treatment on hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis C infection represents a global health problem affecting ∼200 million chronically infected patients worldwide. Owing to the development of a fibrogenic and inflammatory micromilieu in the liver, hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients are at a high risk of developing fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The advent of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), however, has spurred a revolution in the treatment of HCV patients with sustained viral response (SVR) rates exceeding 90% in real-life settings. Recent clinical trials suggest that these novel treatments will not only alter the epidemiology of HCV infection but also the incidence of HCV-induced complications including hepatic decompensation, liver transplantation and hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we summarize data from clinical trials carried out in HCV patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis and analyze the impact of viral clearance on HCC development and treatment. Finally, we review and discuss current and future treatment options of HCV patients with HCC in pre- and post-transplantation settings.

New combination antiviral for the treatment of hepatitis C

PURPOSE

The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety of Viekira, as well as its place in hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy, are reviewed.

SUMMARY

Ombitasvir 25 mg-paritaprevir 150 mg-ritonavir 100 mg plus dasabuvir 250 mg (Viekira) is approved in the United States as a combination direct-acting antiviral agent for treatment-naive or treatment-experienced patients with HCV genotype 1 infection, including those with compensated cirrhosis. It is the first coformulated direct-acting antiviral that targets different stages of the virus's life cycle. Viekira is administered as an oral, interferon-free regimen. Phase III clinical trials demonstrated that Viekira administered with or without ribavirin can achieve sustained virological response rates of ≥90%. These results are notable because they show that high virological cure rates can be achieved without peginterferon and ribavirin. Viekira is also effective for special patient populations, such as individuals coinfected with HIV, liver transplant recipients, and those with advanced renal disease. The most frequently reported adverse effects among patients associated with Viekira without ribavirin were nausea, pruritus, and insomnia. During clinical trials, the most common adverse effects among patients receiving Viekira with ribavirin were fatigue, nausea, pruritus, insomnia, and weakness.

CONCLUSION

Viekira, the first coformulated direct-acting antiviral that targets different stages of the HCV life cycle, is an interferon-free treatment for HCV genotype 1 infection. It is associated with a virological cure rate of ≥90% and treatment durations of 12 and 24 weeks. Viekira is also effective and safe for patients who have undergone liver transplantation, are coinfected with HIV, or have advanced kidney disease.

Two-Year Follow-Up Analysis of Telaprevir-Based Antiviral Triple Therapy for HCV Recurrence in Genotype 1 Infected Liver Graft Recipients as a First Step towards Modern HCV Therapy

Objective. The introduction of protease inhibitors telaprevir and boceprevir in 2011 had extended the antiviral treatment options especially in genotype 1 infected hepatitis C relapsers and nonresponders to interferon/ribavirin therapy. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term treatment efficiency of telaprevir-based triple therapy for patients with hepatitis C reinfection after orthotopic liver transplantation. Patients and Methods. We included 12 patients with histologically confirmed graft fibrosis due to hepatitis C reinfection. The treatment duration was scheduled as 12 weeks of telaprevir-based antiviral triple therapy followed by 36 weeks of dual therapy with pegylated interferon/ribavirin. The patients were followed up for two years after the end of triple therapy. Results. Of the 12 patients, 6 (50%) completed the full 48 weeks of antiviral treatment. An end of treatment response and a sustained virological response 52 weeks after the end of the antiviral treatment course were achieved in 8/12 (67%) and 7/12 (58%) patients, respectively. Conclusion. Telaprevir-based triple therapy was shown to be a long-term effective but complex treatment option for individual patients with hepatitis C graft. With the recent improvements in hepatitis C therapy options telaprevir may not be recommended as a standard therapy for this indication anymore.

Paritaprevir/ritonavir-ombitasvir and dasabuvir, the 3D regimen for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection: a concise review

The treatment for chronic hepatitis C has been revolutionized with the development of direct-acting antiviral agents. Several regimens have been approved and are currently used in clinical practice, treating a wide range of patient populations infected with hepatitis C. The interferon-free combination of paritaprevir/ritonavir-ombitasvir and dasabuvir (PrOD or the three-drug [3D] regimen) with or without ribavirin is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in both treatment-naïve and experienced patients infected with genotype 1, including those coinfected with HIV and patients post-liver transplantation. More recently, paritaprevir/ritonavir-ombitasvir (PrO, or 2D regimen) has been approved in hepatitis C virus patients infected with genotype 4. This review will summarize pharmacokinetic and clinical efficacy data for the 3D regimen in an attempt to help the clinicians delineate its place in the ever-increasing direct-acting antiviral armamentarium for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.