Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir in Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Children With Hematological Malignancies: A Pharmacokinetic Study

PURPOSE

Children with hematological malignancies and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are at a higher risk for rapid progression of liver disease and malignancy relapse due to multiple hepatitis flares and chemotherapy interruption. They are therefore potential candidates for microelimination of HCV infection. This study aimed to assess the effect of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of direct-acting antivirals, namely ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) and the SOF major metabolite GS-331007.

METHODS

This was a 24-week, prospective, controlled, open-label, 2-arm PK study of patients receiving 45/200 mg once-daily LDV/SOF orally for 12 weeks. Eligible patients were HCV-RNA-positive, treatment-naive children aged 6 to <12 years and/or weighing 17 to <35 kg with genotype 4 chronic HCV infection without cirrhosis. The primary efficacy and safety end points were the achievement of sustained virologic response for all patients with absence of any adverse events leading to permanent discontinuation of the study drug. Steady-state noncompartmental analysis was performed to determine the PK parameters of SOF, GS-331007, and LDV as the primary PK outcome. Dose suitability was based on the 90% CI of exposure geometric mean ratio percentage within 50% to 200% compared with adults.

FINDINGS

Ten HCV-infected children with ALL (chemotherapy treatment group) and 12 eligible children with no malignancy (control group) were enrolled and completed the study period. All 22 patients achieved the sustained virologic response with no adverse events leading to interruption or permanent discontinuation of the study drug. Compared with the control group, the ALL group patients had similar SOF, GS-331007, and LDV exposure. Compared with adults, the AUCτ of GS-331007 was lower and the AUCτ and Cmax,ss of SOF and the Cmax,ss of LDV were modestly higher in the ALL group (acceptance limit, 50%-200%). However, the observed efficacy and favorable safety profile made these changes not clinically significant.

IMPLICATIONS

Weight-based dosing of LDV/SOF (45/200 mg) is highly effective and safe among genotype 4 HCV-infected children weighing 17 to <35 kg and diagnosed with ALL undergoing maintenance chemotherapy. The similarity in the drug exposure, efficacy, and safety clinical end points between patients with and without hematological malignancy support their therapeutic equivalence. Further studies with a larger sample size may be required to confirm the safety of LDV/SOF in patients with ALL and to recommend appropriate dosing in children with hematological malignancies, if needed.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov identifier: NCT03903185.

Clinical effectiveness of pharmacist-led versus conventionally delivered antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus in patients receiving opioid substitution therapy: a pragmatic, cluster-randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Highly effective direct-acting antiviral drugs provide the opportunity to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but established pathways can be ineffective. We aimed to examine whether a community pharmacy care pathway increased treatment uptake, treatment completion, and cure rates for people receiving opioid substitution therapy, compared with conventional care.

METHODS

This cluster-randomised trial was done in Scottish community pharmacies. Before participants were recruited, pharmacies were randomly assigned (1:1) to refer patients with evidence of HCV antibodies to conventional care or offered them care in the pharmacy (pharmacist-led care). Pharmacies were stratified by location. All pharmacies were trained to offer dried blood spot testing. All eligible participants had received opioid substitution therapy for approximately 3 months, and those eligible to receive treatment in the pharmacist-led care pathway were HCV PCR positive, were infected with HCV genotype 1 or 3, and were willing to have a pharmacist supervise their antiviral drug administration. Neither pharmacists nor patients were masked to treatment allocation. In both groups, assessment blood samples were taken, infection with HCV was confirmed, and daily oral ledipasvir-sofosbuvir (90 mg ledipasivir plus 400 mg sofosbuvir) for 8 weeks for genotype 1 or daily oral sofosbuvir (400 mg) plus oral daclatasvir (60 mg) for 12 weeks for genotype 3 was prescribed by a nurse (conventional care group) or pharmacist (pharmacist-led care group). In the conventional care group, the patient received care at a treatment centre. Once prescribed, medication in both groups was delivered as daily modified directly observed therapy alongside opioid substitution therapy in the participants' pharmacy where treatment was observed on 6 days per week. The primary outcome was the number of patients with sustained virological response 12 weeks after completion of treatment (SVR12) as a proportion of the number of people receiving opioid substitution therapy at participating pharmacies. Participants were monitored at each visit for nausea and fatigue; other adverse events were recorded as free text. Secondary outcomes compared key points on treatment pathway between the two groups. These key points were the proportion of patients having dry blood spot testing, the proportion of patients initiating HCV treatment, the proportion of patients completing the 8 or 12 week HCV course of treatment, and the proportion of patients with sustained virological response at 12 months. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02706223.

FINDINGS

56 pharmacies were randomly assigned (28 to each group; one pharmacy withdrew from the conventional care group). The 55 participating pharmacies included 2718 patients receiving opioid substitution therapy (1365 in the pharmacist-led care group and 1353 in the conventional care group). More patients met the primary endpoint of SVR12 in the pharmacist-led care group (98 [7%] of 1365) than in the conventional care group (43 [3%] of 1353; odds ratio 2·375, 95% CI 1·555-3·628, p<0·0001). More users of opioid substitution therapy in the pharmacist-led care group versus the conventional care group agreed to dry blood spot testing (245 [18%] of 1365 vs 145 [11%] of 1353, 2·292, 0·968-5·427, p=0·059); initiated treatment (112 [8%] of 1365 vs 61 [4%] of 1353, 1·889, 1·276-2·789, p=0·0015) and completed treatment (108 [8%] of 1365 vs 58 [4%] of 1353, 1·928, 1·321-2·813, p=0·0007). The data for sustained virological response at 12 months are not reported in this study: patients remain in follow-up for this outcome. No serious adverse events were recorded.

INTERPRETATION

Using pharmacists to deliver an HCV care pathway made testing and treatment more accessible for patients, improved engagement, and maintained high treatment success rates. The use of this pathway could be a key part of an integrated and effective approach to HCV elimination at a community level.

FUNDING

Partnership between the Scottish Government, Gilead Sciences, and Bristol-Myers Squib.

Safety and Efficacy of 8 Weeks Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir for Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 4 in Children Aged 4-10 Years

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of shortened 8-week regimen of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LED/SOF) combination therapy in treatment-naïve children without cirrhosis aged 4-10 years of age with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

STUDY DESIGN

This observational single arm prospective study included 30 treatment-naïve children (20 males) with proved chronic HCV fulfilling inclusion criteria. Their body weights ranged from 17 to 26 kg. Four patients were excluded from the study. All the included children received a single oral dose of LED/SOF 45/200 mg for 8 weeks. Body weight, HCV-RNA, complete blood count, and liver function tests were monitored at 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks and sustained virologic response was evaluated after 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12). The emergence of any side effects was also monitored.

RESULTS

The most common risk factor (53.3%) was an parent or sibling with HCV infection. Twenty-nine patients (96.7%) were negative for HCV-RNA by week 2 of treatment and 1 patient became negative by week 4. The end of treatment response and SVR12 were 100%. Transaminases levels declined and returned to normal levels by week 2. Major side effects were fatigue in 90% (27/30) and headache in 76.7% (23/30). Side effects were minimal, tolerable, and did not interfere with daily activity or necessitate treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

A shortened 8-week regimen of LED/SOF (45/200 mg) is safe and effective with 100% SVR12 in treatment-naïve children with cirrhosis aged 4-10 years with chronic HCV infection genotype 4.

Sofosbuvir-based regimens in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: Real-world efficacy in Thailand

Aims

To analyze the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir (SOF)-based regimens in Thai patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who had pre-existing significant liver fibrosis.

Patients and methods

This was a retrospective cohort study, conducted between 1 June 2018 and 31 May 2019 at Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. All patients completed 12 weeks of SOF-based regimens and had follow-up for at least 12 weeks after therapy discontinuation. The primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR) 12 weeks after the end of therapy.

Result

A total of 185 patients were included, with 52, 63 and 70 taking SOF+Ledipasvir (SOF+LDV), SOF+LDV+ribavirin (RBV) and SOF+Pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN)+RBV (SOF+Peg-IFN+RBV) respectively. Genotype (GT) 1 was predominant at 40.0%, followed by GT3 at 37.8%, and GT6 at 22.2%. Overall 95.1% of patients in this study achieved SVR (n = 176/185), and the only factor associated with SVR was HCV genotype (p = 0.001). GT6 patients had lower SVR rates compared to GT1 and GT3 patients (82.9%, 98.6%, and 98.6% respectively) while there was no association between SVR and other factors (p >0.05) such as gender, age, BMI, underlying cirrhosis, baseline HCV viral load, or prior treatment history. No serious adverse events were reported in the present study.

Conclusion

Sofosbuvir-based regimens in the treatment of patients with chronic HCV infection were highly efficacious with excellent safety and tolerability profiles in a real-world setting; however, further research is required to establish whether or not such a regimen is an adequate treatment for all genotype 6 patients.

Tolerability and effectiveness of generic direct-acting antiviral drugs in eradication of hepatitis C genotype 4 among Egyptian patients

BACKGROUND

We investigated tolerability and effectiveness of generic, less expensive direct antiviral drugs in the treatment of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 (HCV GT-4) in an Egyptian cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospectively, we analysed data from 648 patients with HCV GT4 attending Alexandria Main University Hospital from January 2016 to May 2017 [488 treatment naïve/160 treatment-experienced/288 with chronic hepatitis/360 with cirrhosis]. Patients received generic sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (n = 168, treatment naïve = 136, treatment-experienced = 32) or sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (n = 480, treatment naïve = 352, treatment-experienced = 128) ± ribavirin. We assessed sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment, non-response, relapse, treatment discontinuation and drug adverse reactions.

RESULTS

An overall sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment was achieved in 97.8%, non-response in 0.6%, relapse in 0.3% and discontinuation of treatment in 1.3% of patients. Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin regimen attained an overall sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment in 96.4% of patients (100% of treatment-experienced vs 95.6% of treatment naïve, P = 0.28), vs 98.3% for sofosbuvir/daclatasvir ± ribavirin regimen (100% of treatment-experienced vs 97.7% of treatment naïve, P = 0.08). No severe drug adverse events or deaths were reported except anaemia due to ribavirin.

CONCLUSION

Generic direct antiviral drugs used in treating Egyptian patients with HCV GT-4 demonstrated equal potency, safety and tolerability compared to original brands, with low cost which would help to provide treatment to a larger scale of patients.

The Effectiveness of Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir in Youth With Genotype 4 Hepatitis C Virus: A Single Egyptian Center Study

BACKGROUND

Licensure of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adolescents was based on clinical trials on patients mainly with genotype 1. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and short-term safety of this newly approved antiviral in adolescents with HCV genotype 4.

METHODS

This was a study of 51 HCV-infected adolescents, who received the adult dose of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, once daily for 12 weeks, and were followed-up for 12 weeks post-treatment. Laboratory tests, quantitation of HCV RNA, HCV genotyping, IL-28rs gene polymorphism and transient elastography were performed at baseline. Follow-up visits were done for blood testing and adverse events recording.

RESULTS

The mean age was 14.7 ± 1.5 years (11-17.5), with a male to female ratio of 1.7:1. All patients were genotype 4a, and 76.5% had the CC IL-28 gene polymorphism. About 50% gave a history of HCV-infected mother, and 31% were treatment-experienced. Liver stiffness was F0 in 72.5%, F0-F1 in 13.7% and F1-F2 in 13.7%. Adverse events were mainly abdominal pain in 72.5%, headache in 64.7% and diarrhea in 53% of patients; these were mild. A reversible increase in creatinine level with a concomitant decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed in the first month of treatment. By the end of week 12, a significant decline in liver enzymes was observed. All patients achieved an early, end of treatment, and a sustained virologic response.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent patients with genotype 4 chronic HCV infection achieved a good response rate with good ontreatment tolerability for ledipasvir/sofosbuvir therapy.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir with or without ribavirin for patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection in Taiwan

Background

The real-world data for the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) with or without ribavirin (RBV) in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 (HCV-1) infection remain limited in Taiwan.

Methods

A total of 273 chronic HCV-1 patients receiving 8, 12, or 24 weeks of SOF/LDV with or without RBV were enrolled. The sustained virologic response rate at week 12 off-therapy (SVR₁₂) by evaluable population (EP) and per-protocol population (PP) were assessed for effectiveness. The treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse events (AEs) and serious AE rate were assessed for safety. Baseline patient characteristics and on-treatment HCV viral kinetics associated with SVR₁₂ were analyzed.

Results

The SVR₁₂ rates by EP and PP analyses were 96.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 93.9%-98.3%) and 97.5% (95% CI: 94.8%-98.8%), respectively. The rates of treatment discontinuation due to AE and serious AE were 0.4% and 4.4%, respectively. Seven patients with true virologic failure were relapsers. In 2 patients who were lost-to follow-up, one expired at treatment week 3 due to pneumonia which was considered not related to treatment, and one declined follow-up at off-therapy week 4. The SVR₁₂ rates were comparable in terms of baseline patient characteristics and viral decline at week 4 of treatment.

Conclusions

SOF/LDV with or without RBV for 8–24 weeks is well tolerated and achieves a high SVR₁₂ rate in patients with HCV-1 infection in Taiwan.

Glomerular filtration rate change during chronic hepatitis C treatment with Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir in HCV/HIV Coinfected patients treated with Tenofovir and a boosted protease inhibitor: an observational prospective study

INTRODUCTION

Concomitant use of ledipasvir and boosted protease inhibitors (PIs) may increase the risk of tenofovir (TDF) nephrotoxicity, since both these drugs increase TDF levels. Our aim was to evaluate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) evolution during HCV treatment with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) in HCV/HIV coinfected patients, according to their antiretroviral treatment (ARV).

METHODS

Observational prospective study of HCV/HIV coinfected patients treated with SOF/LDV. eGFR evolution was evaluated during and 12 weeks after HCV treatment. Patients were categorized in three groups based on ARV regimen: non TDF, non-boosted TDF and TDF + boosted PI.

RESULTS

We included 273 patients: 145 were receiving a non-TDF regimen, 78 a non-boosted TDF scheme and 50 were receiving TDF + boosted PI. We observed a statistically significant decrease in eGFR during treatment in all groups (non TDF p = 0.03, 95%CI [0.23-3.86], non-boosted TDF p < 0.01, 95%CI [3.36-7.44], TDF + PI p = 0.01, 95%CI [1.09-7.53]). The decrease was more pronounced in those receiving unboosted TDF (- 5.40 ml/min/1.73m2), but differences in eGFR decrease between the three groups were small and not statistically different (p = 0.06). eGFR decrease was greater in patients treated for 24 weeks (p = 0.009) and in cirrhotic patients (p = 0.036). At the end of follow up a recovery of eGFR was observed in all groups.

CONCLUSION

We observed a significant decrease in eGFR during treatment in all study groups, that was small and reversible after SOF/LDV discontinuation. TDF was not associated with an increase in renal toxicity.

A pilot single arm observational study of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (200 + 45 mg) in 6- to 12- year old children

BACKGROUND

No available data on the use of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir combination in treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in children 6- to 12- year old.

AIM

To assess the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir in children 6- to 12- year old with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection.

METHODS

This is a pilot prospective single arm observational open-label multicentre study. A total of 20 consecutive eligible chronic HCV infected children, aged from 6- to 12- years were included in this study and treated with a fixed sofosbuvir/ledipasvir combination in half the adult dose (200/45 mg) once daily for 12 weeks. Laboratory tests including virological markers were measured at baseline, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks (end of treatment [EOT]), and 12 weeks after end of treatment for sustained virological response 12 (SVR12).

RESULTS

The intention-to-treat (ITT) SVR12 rate was 19/20 (95%; 95% CI: 76.4%-99.1%). SVR12 was not assessed in one patient who was lost to follow-up after showing viral negativity at the EOT12. All the remaining 19 patients (100%, 95% CI: 83.18%-100%) who completed the full protocol and follow-up visits achieved SVR12 with normal liver, haematological, and renal function tests and no side effects or fatalities.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study demonstrated that the fixed dose sofosbuvir/ledipasvir combination could be safe and effective treatment in children 6- to 12- years with chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 infection. Our pilot results might encourage larger and multicentre studies in this age group.

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for treatment of hepatitis C virus in sofosbuvir-experienced, NS5A treatment-naïve patients: Findings from two randomized trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We report data from two similarly designed studies that evaluated the efficacy, safety, and optimal duration of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) ± ribavirin (RBV) for retreatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in individuals who failed to achieve sustained virological response (SVR) with prior SOF-based, non-NS5A inhibitor-containing regimens.

METHODS

The RESCUE study enrolled HCV mono-infected adults with genotype (GT) 1 or 4. Non-cirrhotic participants were randomized to 12 weeks of LDV/SOF or LDV/SOF + RBV. Compensated cirrhotic participants were randomized to LDV/SOF + RBV (12 weeks) or LDV/SOF (24 weeks). The AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5348 study randomized genotype 1 adults with HCV/HIV co-infection to LDV/SOF + RBV (12 weeks) or LDV/SOF (24 weeks). Both studies used SVR at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) as the primary endpoint.

RESULTS

In the RESCUE study, 82 participants were randomized and treated, and all completed treatment. Overall, SVR12 was 88% (72/82); 81-100% in non-cirrhotic participants treated with LDV/SOF or LDV/SOF + RBV for 12 weeks and 80-92% in cirrhotic participants treated with LDV/SOF + RBV for 12 weeks or LDV/SOF for 24 weeks. Adverse events (AEs), mostly mild-to-moderate in severity, were experienced by 78% of participants, with headache and fatigue most frequently reported. One serious AE, not related to treatment, was observed. No premature discontinuations of study drug, or deaths occurred. In the A5348 study, seven participants were randomized (cirrhotic n = 1; GT1a n = 5) and all attained SVR12, with no serious AEs or premature discontinuations.

CONCLUSIONS

In this SOF-experienced, NS5A inhibitor-naïve population, which included participants with cirrhosis or HCV/HIV co-infection, high SVR12 rates were achieved.

Severe Steroid-responsive Skin Disorders Related to Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir for HCV

Combination therapy with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF), direct-acting antiviral agents, is highly effective against hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection. Although LDV/SOF is safer than conventional treatment, reports have indicated that LDV/SOF was discontinued in certain cases due to severe skin disorders. A 68-year-old woman presented with a rash after starting LDV/SOF treatment. We interrupted LDV/SOF and began the oral administration of prednisolone (PSL). After the rash improved, we re-started LDV/SOF with PSL. After treatment, the rash clearly improved; we checked for a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment. Steroids may therefore be an effective treatment option for controlling the side effects of LDV/SOF.

Efficacy and safety of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir with ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C patients who failed daclatasvir/asunaprevir therapy: pilot study

BACKGROUND

In Japan, daclatasvir (DCV) and asunaprevir (ASV) therapy was the first IFN-free treatment to be approved, and thousands of patients have since been successfully treated, with an SVR rate of around 90%. The converse, however, is that around 10% of patients fail to achieve viral eradication and must be retreated using a different approach. This study is to evaluate treatment efficacy of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and ribavirin in patients who failed to respond to DCV and ASV therapy.

METHODS

Thirty patients were treated with 12 weeks of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and ribavirin. We evaluated the rate of sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR₁₂) and examined the incidence of adverse events during ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and ribavirin treatment. NS5A and NS5B resistance-associated variants (RAVs) in treatment failure cases were examined.

RESULTS

The overall SVR₁₂ rate was 86.7% (26/30). Large decreases in mean log₁₀ HCV RNA levels were observed in patients without cirrhosis, and the SVR₁₂ rate for these patients was 100% (12/12). In cases of cirrhosis, SVR₁₂ rate was 72.2% (13/18). The common factors in treatment failure cases were the presence of liver cirrhosis and both NS5A L31M/I and Y93H RAVs. The frequency of RAVs did not change before and after treatment among patients who relapsed.

CONCLUSION

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir with ribavirin is an effective retreatment option for patients with chronic hepatitis C who failed to respond to prior daclatasvir and asunaprevir therapy.

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for treatment-naive and treatment-experienced Chinese patients with genotype 1 HCV: an open-label, phase 3b study

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant medical burden in China, affecting more than 10 million persons. In clinical trials and real-world settings, treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in patients with genotype 1 HCV infection resulted in high sustained virologic response rates. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir may provide a highly effective, short-duration, single-tablet regimen for Chinese patients with HCV infection.

METHODS

Chinese patients with genotype 1 HCV infection who were HCV treatment naive or treatment experienced, without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis, were treated with open-label ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after completing treatment (SVR12). For treatment-naive patients, SVR12 was compared to a historical rate of 57%. The primary safety endpoint was adverse events leading to permanent discontinuation of study drug; serious adverse events were also evaluated. The presence of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) was evaluated by viral sequencing.

RESULTS

All 206 enrolled patients achieved SVR12 (100%; 95% CI 98-100%), including 106 treatment-naive patients (100%; 95% CI 97-100%), which was superior to a historical SVR rate of 57% (p < 0.001). All patients with baseline NS5A and NS5B RASs (14 and 1% of patients, respectively) achieved SVR12. The most common adverse events were viral upper respiratory tract infection (17%), upper respiratory tract infection (14%), and cough (6%). There were no discontinuations due to adverse events; and no treatment-related serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir is a well tolerated and highly effective treatment for Chinese patients with genotype 1 HCV, regardless of prior treatment experience, cirrhosis status, or the presence of pretreatment RASs.

Eight-week ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in non-cirrhotic, treatment-naïve hepatitis C genotype-1 patients with hepatitis C virus-RNA < 6 million: Single center, real world effectiveness and safety

AIM

To evaluate sustained viral response (SVR) of 8-wk ledipasvir/sofosbuvir therapy among non-cirrhotic, genotype-1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with RNA < 6 million IU/mL.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study to examine SVR rates, predictors of treatment failure and safety analysis of 8-wk ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) therapy among non-cirrhotic, genotype 1 HCV patients with viral load < 6 million IU/mL. Primary outcome was an achievement of SVR at 12 wk after treatment. Secondary outcomes were identifying predictors of treatment failure and adverse events during treatment.

RESULTS

Total 736 patients: 55% males, 51% Caucasians and 65% were genotype 1a. Non-cirrhotic state of 53% was determined by clinical judgment (imaging, AST, platelet count) and 47% had documented liver fibrosis testing (biopsy, vibration-controlled transient elastography, serum biomarkers). Overall SVR12 was 96%. No difference in SVR12 was seen between patients whose non-cirrhotic state was determined by clinical judgment and patients who had fibrosis testing. Age groups, gender, ethnicity and genotype 1 subtype did not predict SVR. Non-cirrhotic state determined by clinical judgment based on simple, non-invasive tests were not associated with lower SVR [OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 0.48-2.17, P = 0.962]. The AUROC for hepatitis C RNA viral load was 0.734 (P < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.66-0.82). HCV RNA 2.2 million IU/mL was identified as the cutoff value with sensitivity 73% and specificity 64%. HCV RNA < 2.2 million IU/mL was associated with significantly higher SVR 98% with OR = 0.22 (95%CI: 0.1-0.49, P < 0.001) compared to SVR 92% in HCV RNA ≥ 2.2 million IU/mL. No death or morbidities were reported.

CONCLUSION

Our outcomes validate safety and effectiveness of 8-wk LDV/SOF therapy in non-cirrhotic, untreated HCV genotype 1 patients with HCV RNA < 6 million IU/mL.

Emerging options for treating hepatitis C infection

Hepatitis C infection can cause chronic liver disease and liver carcinoma and can necessitate liver transplantation. Of the more than 3 million people infected with hepatitis C, more than two-thirds were born between 1945 and 1965. Many individuals are unaware that they're infected, which can delay treatment and lead to disease progression. Once infection is diagnosed, typical treatment regimens can involve multiple medications and side effects that can make it challenging for some people to complete therapy. In October 2014 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Harvoni®, a fixed dose combination pill of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir that provides a new option for treatment.

Ledipasvir + sofosbuvir (Harvoni). A therapeutic advance in genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infection, despite uncertainties

Treatment for chronic hepatitis C depends on the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype and the patient's clinical characteristics. A fixed-dose combination of ledipasvir + sofosbuvir has been authorised in the European Union for adults with HCV genotype 1 (HCV-1), HCV-3 or HCV-4 infection. Ledipasvir targets the HCV protein NS5A, while sofosbuvir inhibits the HCV RNA polymerase NS5B. The ledipasvir+ sofosbuvircombination has not been compared directly with other antiviral drugs. No information is available on its ability to prevent hepatic complications, even in patients with cirrhosis. In four trials including over 1800 treatment-naive patients infected with HCV-1, a 12-week course of ledipasvir + sofosbuviryielded a sustained virological response in nearly every case. This is better than that reported with peginterferon alfa-based protocols. In four trials including more than 900 HCV-1-infected patients in whom treatments including peginterferon alfa had failed, a 24-week course of ledipasvir+ sofosbuvir yielded a sustained virological response in nearly every case, which is far better than reported with peginterferon alfa + ribavirin + protease inhibitor combinations, based on indirect comparison. In these trials, a 24-week course of the ledipasvir + sofosbuvir combination was effective in almost all patients with compensated cirrhosis. The same treatment also showed major efficacy in a non-comparative trial in 337 HCV-1-infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis or who had undergone liver transplantation. In mid-2015, very few data are available on the ledipasvir + sofosbuvir combination in HCV-1-infected patients in whom sofosbuvir combination therapy has failed, or in patients with HCV-3 or HCV-4 infection. Comparative data on the adverse effects of the ledipasvir + sofosbuvir combination are mainly based on a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 155 patients. Overall, serious adverse effects were infrequent in this and other trials. The main adverse effects appear to be headache, fatigue, sleep disorders, irritability and lipase elevations. Hypertension, muscle disorders and dyspnoea are other plausible adverse effects. Bradycardia and cardiac conduction disorders have been reported with concomitant use of sofosbuvir and amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic drug. In practice, in mid-2015, when drug therapy is warranted for chronic hepatitis C due to HCV genotype 1, the ledipasvir + sofosbuvir combination is a first-choice treatment because of its virological efficacy, despite its poorly documented adverse effects. These important outstanding questions call for rigorous pharmacovigilance on the part of all healthcare professionals. It is too early to recommend the ledipasvir + sofosbuvir combination for patients infected with other HCV genotypes. The exorbitant price imposed by Gilead endangers public healthcare systems and undermines access to high-quality care.

Daclatasvir plus Sofosbuvir for HCV in Patients Coinfected with HIV-1

BACKGROUND

The combination of daclatasvir, a hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A inhibitor, and the NS5B inhibitor sofosbuvir has shown efficacy in patients with HCV monoinfection. Data are lacking on the efficacy and safety of this combination in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).

METHODS

This was an open-label study involving 151 patients who had not received HCV treatment and 52 previously treated patients, all of whom were coinfected with HIV-1. Previously untreated patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either 12 weeks or 8 weeks of daclatasvir at a standard dose of 60 mg daily (with dose adjustment for concomitant antiretroviral medications) plus 400 mg of sofosbuvir daily. Previously treated patients were assigned to undergo 12 weeks of therapy at the same doses. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response at week 12 after the end of therapy among previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 1 who were treated for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Patients had HCV genotypes 1 through 4 (83% with genotype 1), and 14% had compensated cirrhosis; 98% were receiving antiretroviral therapy. Among patients with genotype 1, a sustained virologic response was reported in 96.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.8 to 99.2) who were treated for 12 weeks and in 75.6% (95% CI, 59.7 to 87.6) who were treated for 8 weeks among previously untreated patients and in 97.7% (95% CI, 88.0 to 99.9) who were treated for 12 weeks among previously treated patients. Rates of sustained virologic response across all genotypes were 97.0% (95% CI, 91.6 to 99.4), 76.0% (95% CI, 61.8 to 86.9), and 98.1% (95% CI, 89.7 to 100), respectively. The most common adverse events were fatigue, nausea, and headache. There were no study-drug discontinuations because of adverse events. HIV-1 suppression was not compromised.

CONCLUSIONS

Among previously untreated HIV-HCV coinfected patients receiving daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir for HCV infection, the rate of sustained virologic response across all genotypes was 97.0% after 12 weeks of treatment and 76.0% after 8 weeks. (Funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb; ALLY-2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02032888.).

Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir for HCV in Patients Coinfected with HIV-1

BACKGROUND

Effective treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) remains an unmet medical need.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, single-group, open-label study involving patients coinfected with HIV-1 and genotype 1 or 4 HCV receiving an antiretroviral regimen of tenofovir and emtricitabine with efavirenz, rilpivirine, or raltegravir. All patients received ledipasvir, an NS5A inhibitor, and sofosbuvir, a nucleotide polymerase inhibitor, as a single fixed-dose combination for 12 weeks. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of therapy.

RESULTS

Of the 335 patients enrolled, 34% were black, 55% had been previously treated for HCV, and 20% had cirrhosis. Overall, 322 patients (96%) had a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of therapy (95% confidence interval [CI], 93 to 98), including rates of 96% (95% CI, 93 to 98) in patients with HCV genotype 1a, 96% (95% CI, 89 to 99) in those with HCV genotype 1b, and 100% (95% CI, 63 to 100) in those with HCV genotype 4. Rates of sustained virologic response were similar regardless of previous treatment or the presence of cirrhosis. Of the 13 patients who did not have a sustained virologic response, 10 had a relapse after the end of treatment. No patient had confirmed HIV-1 virologic rebound. The most common adverse events were headache (25%), fatigue (21%), and diarrhea (11%). No patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir for 12 weeks provided high rates of sustained virologic response in patients coinfected with HIV-1 and HCV genotype 1 or 4. (Funded by Gilead Sciences; ION-4 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02073656.).

Virologic response following combined ledipasvir and sofosbuvir administration in patients with HCV genotype 1 and HIV co-infection

IMPORTANCE

There is an unmet need for interferon- and ribavirin-free treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) and adverse events in previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 1 and HIV co-infection following a 12-week treatment of the fixed-dose combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Open-label, single-center, phase 2b pilot study of previously untreated, noncirrhotic patients with HCV genotype 1 and HIV co-infection conducted at the Clinical Research Center of the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, from June 2013 to September 2014. Patients included those receiving antiretroviral therapy with HIV RNA values of 50 copies/mL or fewer and a CD4 T-lymphocyte count of 100 cells/mL or greater or patients with untreated HIV infection with a CD4 T-lymphocyte count of 500 cells/mL or greater. Serial measurements of safety parameters, virologic and host immune correlates, and adherence were performed.

INTERVENTIONS

Fifty patients with HCV genotype 1 never before treated for HCV were prescribed a fixed-dose combination of ledipasvir (90 mg) and sofosbuvir (400 mg) once daily for 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary study outcome was the proportion of patients with sustained viral response (plasma HCV RNA level <12 IU/mL) 12 weeks after end of treatment.

RESULTS

Forty-nine of 50 participants (98% [95% CI, 89% to 100%]) achieved SVR 12 weeks after end of treatment, whereas 1 patient experienced relapse at week 4 following treatment. In the patient with relapse, deep sequencing revealed a resistance associated mutation in the NS5A region conferring resistance to NS5A inhibitors, such as ledipasvir. The most common adverse events were nasal congestion (16% of patients) and myalgia (14%). There were no discontinuations or serious adverse events attributable to study drug.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this open-label, uncontrolled, pilot study enrolling patients co-infected with HCV genotype 1 and HIV, administration of an oral combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir for 12 weeks was associated with high rates of SVR after treatment completion. Larger studies that also include patients with cirrhosis and lower CD4 T-cell counts are required to understand if the results of this study generalize to all patients co-infected with HCV and HIV.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01878799.

Sofosbuvir with peginterferon-ribavirin for 12 weeks in previously treated patients with hepatitis C genotype 2 or 3 and cirrhosis

Sofosbuvir (SOF) in combination with ribavirin (RBV) for 12 or 24 weeks is the current standard of care for patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 2 and 3, respectively. However, in clinical trials treatment-experienced patients, particularly those with cirrhosis, had suboptimal sustained virological response (SVR) rates. We assessed the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir plus peginterferon and ribavirin (SOF+Peg-IFN+RBV) administered for 12 weeks to treatment-experienced patients with HCV genotypes 2 and 3, with and without cirrhosis. We enrolled 47 patients in this open-label, nonrandomized, uncontrolled phase 2 study. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with SVR at 12 weeks after cessation of study treatment (SVR12). The overall rate of SVR12 was 89% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77-97). Rates of SVR12 were higher in patients with genotype 2 than in those with genotype 3, 96% (95% CI: 78-100) and 83% (95% CI: 62-95), respectively. Rates of SVR12 were similar in patients with and without cirrhosis: for genotype 2, 93% of patients with cirrhosis and 100% of patients without cirrhosis achieved SVR12, and for genotype 3, the SVR12 rate was 83% in patients both with and without cirrhosis. One patient discontinued study treatment because of an adverse event and four patients experienced serious adverse events. The most common adverse events were influenza-like illness, fatigue, anemia, and neutropenia.

CONCLUSION

In treatment-experienced patients with HCV genotypes 2 and 3, 12-week administration of SOF+Peg-IFN+RBV provided high SVR rates, irrespective of cirrhosis status. No safety concerns were identified.

Sofosbuvir: first global approval

Sofosbuvir (Solvadi™), a nucleotide analogue hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase inhibitor, is under development with Gilead Sciences for the once-daily, oral treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Oral sofosbuvir has been approved in the US for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C as a component of a combination antiviral regimen. In addition, the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has recommended the approval of sofosbuvir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of sofosbuvir leading to this first approval for chronic hepatitis C.

Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi°). Active against hepatitis C virus, but evaluation is incomplete

About 50% of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection have a sustained virological response to a 48-week course of the peginterferon alfa + ribavirin combination. Adding a viral protease inhibitor to this combination for 12 to 32 weeks enhances antiviral effects but increases the risk of serious adverse effects. Between 70% and 80% of patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection have a sustained virological response to a 24-week course of the peginterferon alfa + ribavirin combination. Sofosbuvir, a nucleotide inhibitor of viral (or HCV) NS5B RNA polymerase,has been authorised in the European Union for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, in combination with other drugs. Despite the inclusion of several clinical trials, initial evaluation of sofosbuvir provides only a minimal picture of the harm-benefit balance. Sofosbuvir has not been compared directly with viral protease inhibitors in randomised clinical trials. In a trial involving 121 patients with HCV genotype 1 infection, the sustained viral response rate was 90% when sofosbuvir was added to the peginterferon alfa + ribavirin combination for 12 weeks, versus about 60% with peginterferon alfa + ribavirin alone. In a randomised, unblinded, noninferiority trial in 527 previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection, sofosbuvir + ribavirin combination therapy given for 12 weeks had virological efficacy similar to peginterferon alfa-2a + ribavirin combination therapy given for 24 weeks. However, there were signs that sofosbuvir might be less effective against HCV genotype 3. In an uncontrolled study of 114 patients with HCV genotype 1 infection who could not receive peginterferon alfa, the sofosbuvir + ribavirin combination yielded sustained virological responses in about 75% of cases. Similar results were obtained in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 280 patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection. Too few cases of HCV genotype 4, 5 or 6 infection were included in clinical trials to determine the value of sofosbuvir in these patients. The adverse effects of sofosbuvir are poorly documented, mainly because of the limited number of patients in clinical trials and the lack of blinding in several trials. In particular, more data are needed on possible effects on the heart, blood cells and muscle. Renal failure can lead to sofosbuvir overdose, while co-administration of P-glycoprotein inhibitors can lead to sofosbuvir under dosing. There are no data available on the use of sofosbuvir in pregnant women. Contraception is necessary when sofosbuvir is used in combination with ribavirin because the latter drug is teratogenic, potentially for several months after treatment discontinuation. When HCV liver disease warrants medical treatment, sofosbuvir seems to be at least as effective as viral protease inhibitors such as boceprevir, and also less toxic. Its use can shorten treatment duration by several months. There are many uncertainties, however, about its adverse effects and drug interactions. Adding sofosbuvir to the-peginterferon a/fa + ribavirin combination is an option for patients with genotype 1 infection,while sofosbuvir is an alternative to peginterferon a/fa for patients with genotype 2 or 3 infection. Waiting for more thorough evaluation is another reasonable option, depending on clinical status, given the slow progression of hepatitis C and the many outstanding questions concerning sofosbuvir.

Re-treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection after relapse: an open-label pilot study

BACKGROUND

The interferon (IFN)-free regimen of sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 24 weeks was recently approved to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 (GT-1) infection for patients ineligible for IFN. However, sofosbuvir plus ribavirin therapy is associated with relapse in 15% to 30% of patients with HCV GT-1. Neither the mechanism of relapse nor the optimal re-treatment strategy for these patients is defined.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir in patients with chronic HCV GT-1 that relapsed after sofosbuvir plus ribavirin therapy.

DESIGN

Phase 2a, open-label study. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01805882).

SETTING

Single U.S site.

PATIENTS

14 patients with HCV GT-1 that relapsed after treatment with sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 24 weeks were re-treated with sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir for 12 weeks.

MEASUREMENTS

HCV RNA concentration and population sequencing to detect NS5B S282T mutations.

RESULTS

All 14 patients treated with sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir for 12 weeks achieved a sustained virologic response, including 7 with advanced liver disease (Knodell Histology Activity Index score of 3 or 4) and 1 with a detectable NS5B S282T mutation after sofosbuvir plus ribavirin therapy. Sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir was well-tolerated with few adverse events. Four grade 3 events (elevated serum creatinine in a patient with baseline renal insufficiency, hypercholesterolemia, and hypophosphatemia) occurred. There were no grade 4 events or treatment discontinuations.

LIMITATION

Small sample size.

CONCLUSION

The fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir was efficacious in a small cohort of patients with HCV GT-1 that relapsed after sofosbuvir plus ribavirin therapy, even in the setting of advanced liver disease. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary efficacy results.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, and Gilead Sciences.

Patient-reported outcomes assessment in chronic hepatitis C treated with sofosbuvir and ribavirin: the VALENCE study

BACKGROUND & AIM

Interferon (IFN) negatively impacts patients' well-being and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Our aim was to assess PROs during treatment with an IFN-free regimen [sofosbuvir (SOF)+ribavirin (RBV)].

METHODS

Four PRO questionnaires [Short Form-36 (SF-36), Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire-HCV (CLDQ-HCV), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), Work Productivity and Activity Index: Specific Health Problem (WPAI:SHP)] were administered at baseline, end-of-treatment and post-treatment to 334 HCV genotype 2 and 3 patients (naïve or treatment-experienced) enrolled in the VALENCE study. Of these, 250 genotype 3 patients were treated for 24 weeks while 73 genotype 2 and 11 genotype 3 patients received 12 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

Baseline PRO scores were similar between the two arms of the study. Throughout and after treatment, patients receiving 12 or 24 weeks had similar FACIT-F, CLDQ-HCV, SF-36 and WPAI:SHP scores (all p>0.05). Compared to their own baseline scores, patients receiving SOF+RBV experienced modest declines in some aspects of SF-36, CLDQ-HCV, fatigue and WPAI:SHP scores (p = 0.04 to <0.0001). By follow-up week 12, all PRO scores returned to the pre-treatment levels (p>0.05). In patients achieving SVR-12 (regardless of the regimen), significant improvements were noted in general health (p = 0.0004), CLDQ-HCV (p<0.0001), fatigue (p = 0.005), emotional well-being (p<0.0001) and physical component summary score of SF-36 (p = 0.0022). In multivariate analysis, baseline depression, fatigue, insomnia, cirrhosis, and treatment-related adverse events were the most consistent predictors of PRO impairment (all p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PROs are minimally impacted by SOF+RBV regimens. An additional 12 weeks of treatment does not substantially add to the PRO burden.

Sofosbuvir and ribavirin for hepatitis C in patients with HIV coinfection

IMPORTANCE

Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients also infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been limited due to drug interactions with antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) and the need to use interferon.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the rates of HCV eradication (sustained virologic response [SVR]) and adverse events in patients with HCV-HIV coinfection receiving sofosbuvir and ribavirin treatment.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Open-label, nonrandomized, uncontrolled phase 3 trial conducted at 34 treatment centers in the United States and Puerto Rico (August 2012-November 2013) evaluating treatment with sofosbuvir and ribavirin among patients with HCV genotypes 1, 2, or 3 and concurrent HIV. Patients were required to be receiving ART with HIV RNA values of 50 copies/mL or less and a CD4 T-cell count of more than 200 cells/μL or to have untreated HIV infection with a CD4 T-cell count of more than 500 cells/μL. Of the treatment-naive patients, 114 had HCV genotype 1 and 68 had HCV genotype 2 or 3, and 41 treatment experienced participants who had been treated with peginterferon-ribavirin had HCV genotype 2 or 3, for a total of 223 participants.

INTERVENTIONS

Treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 received 400 mg of sofosbuvir and weight-based ribavirin for 12 weeks and treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 1 and treatment-experienced patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 received the same treatment for 24 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary study outcome was the proportion of patients with SVR (serum HCV <25 copies/mL) 12 weeks (SVR12) after cessation of HCV therapy.

RESULTS

Among treatment-naive participants, 87 patients (76%) of 114 (95% CI, 67%-84%) with genotype 1, 23 patients (88%) of 26 with genotype 2 (95% CI, 70%-985), and 28 patients (67%) of 42 with genotype 3 (95% CI, 51%-80%) achieved SVR12. Among treatment-experienced participants, 22 patients (92%) of 24 with genotype 2 (95% CI, 73%-99%) and 16 patients (94%) of 17 (95% CI, 71%-100%) achieved SVR12. The most common adverse events were fatigue, insomnia, headache, and nausea. Seven patients (3%) discontinued HCV treatment due to adverse events. No adverse effect on HIV disease or its treatment was observed.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this open-label, nonrandomized, uncontrolled study, patients with HIV who were coinfected with HCV genotype 1, 2, or 3 who received the oral, interferon-free combination of sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks had high rates of SVR12. Further studies of this oral regimen in diverse populations of coinfected patients are warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01667731.

[On the brink of a new era in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in Denmark]

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) has for more than a decade been based upon use of pegylated interferon in combination with ribavirin. Sustained virologic response rates are in general at a moderate level and severe adverse effects are frequent. With the introduction of direct acting antivirals (DAA) we now face the possibility of interferon-free treatment with higher response rates and less severe adverse effects. However, the costs of the DAAs are high presenting an additional economical burden to the health sector calling for necessary priorities to be taken.

Sofosbuvir and ribavirin in HCV genotypes 2 and 3

BACKGROUND

In clinical trials, treatment with a combination of the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and the antiviral drug ribavirin was associated with high response rates among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 infection, with lower response rates among patients with HCV genotype 3 infection.

METHODS

We conducted a study involving patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection, some of whom had undergone previous treatment with an interferon-based regimen. We randomly assigned 91 patients with HCV genotype 2 infection and 328 with HCV genotype 3 infection, in a 4:1 ratio, to receive sofosbuvir-ribavirin or placebo for 12 weeks. On the basis of emerging data from phase 3 trials indicating that patients with HCV genotype 3 infection had higher response rates when they were treated for 16 weeks, as compared with 12 weeks, the study was unblinded, treatment for all patients with genotype 3 infection was extended to 24 weeks, the placebo group was terminated, and the goals of the study were redefined to be descriptive and not include hypothesis testing. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of therapy.

RESULTS

Of the 419 patients who were enrolled and treated, 21% had cirrhosis and 58% had received previous interferon-based treatment. The criterion for a sustained virologic response was met in 68 of 73 patients (93%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 85 to 98) with HCV genotype 2 infection who were treated for 12 weeks and in 213 of 250 patients (85%; 95% CI, 80 to 89) with HCV genotype 3 infection who were treated for 24 weeks. Among patients with HCV genotype 3 infection, response rates were 91% and 68% among those without and those with cirrhosis, respectively. The most common adverse events were headache, fatigue, and pruritus.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapy with sofosbuvir-ribavirin for 12 weeks in patients with HCV genotype 2 infection and for 24 weeks in patients with HCV genotype 3 infection resulted in high rates of sustained virologic response. (Funded by Gilead Sciences; VALENCE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01682720.).

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir for 8 or 12 weeks for chronic HCV without cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

High rates of sustained virologic response were observed among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who received 12 weeks of treatment with the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir combined with the NS5A inhibitor ledipasvir. This study examined 8 weeks of treatment with this regimen.

METHODS

In this phase 3, open-label study, we randomly assigned 647 previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 1 infection without cirrhosis to receive ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (ledipasvir-sofosbuvir) for 8 weeks, ledipasvir-sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 8 weeks, or ledipasvir-sofosbuvir for 12 weeks. The primary end point was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of therapy.

RESULTS

The rate of sustained virologic response was 94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90 to 97) with 8 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir, 93% (95% CI, 89 to 96) with 8 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir plus ribavirin, and 95% (95% CI, 92 to 98) with 12 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir. As compared with the rate of sustained virologic response in the group that received 8 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir, the rate in the 12-week group was 1 percentage point higher (97.5% CI, -4 to 6) and the rate in the group that received 8 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir with ribavirin was 1 percentage point lower (95% CI, -6 to 4); these results indicated noninferiority of the 8-week ledipasvir-sofosbuvir regimen, on the basis of a noninferiority margin of 12 percentage points. Adverse events were more common in the group that received ribavirin than in the other two groups. No patient who received 8 weeks of only ledipasvir-sofosbuvir discontinued treatment owing to adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir for 8 weeks was associated with a high rate of sustained virologic response among previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 1 infection without cirrhosis. No additional benefit was associated with the inclusion of ribavirin in the regimen or with extension of the duration of treatment to 12 weeks. (Funded by Gilead Sciences; ION-3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01851330.).

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir for untreated HCV genotype 1 infection

BACKGROUND

In phase 2 studies, treatment with the all-oral combination of the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and the NS5A inhibitor ledipasvir resulted in high rates of sustained virologic response among previously untreated patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection.

METHODS

We conducted a phase 3, open-label study involving previously untreated patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive ledipasvir and sofosbuvir in a fixed-dose combination tablet once daily for 12 weeks, ledipasvir-sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks, ledipasvir-sofosbuvir for 24 weeks, or ledipasvir-sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 24 weeks. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of therapy.

RESULTS

Of the 865 patients who underwent randomization and were treated, 16% had cirrhosis, 12% were black, and 67% had HCV genotype 1a infection. The rates of sustained virologic response were 99% (95% confidence interval [CI], 96 to 100) in the group that received 12 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir; 97% (95% CI, 94 to 99) in the group that received 12 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir plus ribavirin; 98% (95% CI, 95 to 99) in the group that received 24 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir; and 99% (95% CI, 97 to 100) in the group that received 24 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir plus ribavirin. No patient in either 12-week group discontinued ledipasvir-sofosbuvir owing to an adverse event. The most common adverse events were fatigue, headache, insomnia, and nausea.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-daily ledipasvir-sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks was highly effective in previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 1 infection. (Funded by Gilead Sciences; ION-1 ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01701401.).

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir for previously treated HCV genotype 1 infection

BACKGROUND

Effective treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection in patients who have not had a sustained virologic response to prior interferon-based therapy represents an unmet medical need.

METHODS

We conducted a phase 3, randomized, open-label study involving patients infected with HCV genotype 1 who had not had a sustained virologic response after treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin, with or without a protease inhibitor. Patients were randomly assigned to receive the NS5A inhibitor ledipasvir and the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir in a once-daily, fixed-dose combination tablet for 12 weeks, ledipasvir-sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks, ledipasvir-sofosbuvir for 24 weeks, or ledipasvir-sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 24 weeks. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of therapy.

RESULTS

Among the 440 patients who underwent randomization and were treated, 20% had cirrhosis and 79% had HCV genotype 1a infection. The rates of sustained virologic response were high in all treatment groups: 94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87 to 97) in the group that received 12 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir; 96% (95% CI, 91 to 99) in the group that received 12 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir and ribavirin; 99% (95% CI, 95 to 100) in the group that received 24 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir; and 99% (95% CI, 95 to 100) in the group that received 24 weeks of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir and ribavirin. No patient discontinued treatment owing to an adverse event. The most common adverse events were fatigue, headache, and nausea.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with a once-daily, single-tablet regimen of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir resulted in high rates of sustained virologic response among patients with HCV genotype 1 infection who had not had a sustained virologic response to prior interferon-based treatment. (Funded by Gilead Sciences; ION-2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01768286.).

Souvenaid®: a new approach to management of early Alzheimer's disease

Synaptic loss correlates closely with cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease and represents a new target for intervention. Souvenaid® is the first medical nutrition product to be designed to support synapse formation and function in early Alzheimer's disease, and has undergone an extensive, 12-year development programme. The relatively large amount of clinical data available for Souvenaid® is unusual for a medical nutrition product. Souvenaid® contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid), uridine (as uridine monophosphate) and choline which are nutritional precursors required for synaptic membrane phospholipid synthesis, together with phospholipids and other cofactors. Souvenaid® has demonstrated cognitive benefits in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease but not in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Two randomised, double-blind, controlled trials (duration 12 and 24 weeks) in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease untreated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine have demonstrated that Souvenaid® is well tolerated and improves episodic memory performance. The daily intake of Souvenaid® has not been associated with any harmful effects or interactions with medications and none are anticipated. The ongoing, 24-month, European Union-funded LipiDiDiet trial in subjects with prodromal Alzheimer's disease is evaluating the potential benefits of Souvenaid® on memory and in slowing progression to Alzheimer's dementia. If Souvenaid® induces synaptogenesis and improved synaptic function, it may provide benefits in other clinical conditions characterised by neurodegeneration. A number of trials are ongoing and planned to evaluate the potential wider benefits of Souvenaid®.

Daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir for previously treated or untreated chronic HCV infection

BACKGROUND

All-oral combination therapy is desirable for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We evaluated daclatasvir (an HCV NS5A replication complex inhibitor) plus sofosbuvir (a nucleotide analogue HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor) in patients infected with HCV genotype 1, 2, or 3.

METHODS

In this open-label study, we initially randomly assigned 44 previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 1 infection and 44 patients infected with HCV genotype 2 or 3 to daclatasvir at a dose of 60 mg orally once daily plus sofosbuvir at a dose of 400 mg orally once daily, with or without ribavirin, for 24 weeks. The study was expanded to include 123 additional patients with genotype 1 infection who were randomly assigned to daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, for 12 weeks (82 previously untreated patients) or 24 weeks (41 patients who had previous virologic failure with telaprevir or boceprevir plus peginterferon alfa-ribavirin). The primary end point was a sustained virologic response (an HCV RNA level of <25 IU per milliliter) at week 12 after the end of therapy.

RESULTS

Overall, 211 patients received treatment. Among patients with genotype 1 infection, 98% of 126 previously untreated patients and 98% of 41 patients who did not have a sustained virologic response with HCV protease inhibitors had a sustained virologic response at week 12 after the end of therapy. A total of 92% of 26 patients with genotype 2 infection and 89% of 18 patients with genotype 3 infection had a sustained virologic response at week 12. High rates of sustained virologic response at week 12 were observed among patients with HCV subtypes 1a and 1b (98% and 100%, respectively) and those with CC and non-CC IL28B genotypes (93% and 98%, respectively), as well as among patients who received ribavirin and those who did not (94% and 98%, respectively). The most common adverse events were fatigue, headache, and nausea.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-daily oral daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir was associated with high rates of sustained virologic response among patients infected with HCV genotype 1, 2, or 3, including patients with no response to prior therapy with telaprevir or boceprevir. (Funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pharmasset (Gilead); A1444040 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01359644.).

Sofosbuvir and ribavirin for hepatitis C genotype 1 in patients with unfavorable treatment characteristics: a randomized clinical trial

IMPORTANCE

The efficacy of directly acting antiviral agents in interferon-free regimens for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infections needs to be evaluated in different populations.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir with weight-based or low-dose ribavirin among a population with unfavorable treatment characteristics.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

Single-center, randomized, 2-part, open-label phase 2 study involving 60 treatment-naive patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 enrolled at the National Institutes of Health (October 2011-April 2012).

INTERVENTIONS

In the study's first part, 10 participants with early to moderate liver fibrosis were treated with 400 mg/d of sofosbuvir and weight-based ribavirin for 24 weeks. In the second part, 50 participants with all stages of liver fibrosis were randomized 1:1 to receive 400 mg of sofosbuvir with either weight-based or low-dose 600 mg/d of ribavirin for 24 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary study end point was the proportion of participants with undetectable HCV viral load 24 weeks after treatment completion (sustained virologic response of 24 weeks [SVR24]).

RESULTS

In the first part of the study, 9 participants (90%; 95% CI, 55%-100%) achieved SVR24. In the second part, 7 participants (28%) in the weight-based group and 10 (40%) in the low-dose group relapsed after treatment completion leading to SVR24 rates of 68% (95% CI, 46%-85%) in the weight-based group and 48% (95% CI, 28%-69%; P = .20) in the low-dose group. Twenty individuals participated in a pharmacokinetic-viral kinetic substudy, which demonstrated a slower loss rate of infectious virus in relapsers than in participants who achieved SVR (clearance, 3.57/d vs 5.60/d; P = .009). The most frequent adverse events were headache, anemia, fatigue, and nausea. There were 7 grade 3 events including anemia, neutropenia, nausea, hypophosphatemia, and cholelithiasis or pancreatitis. No one discontinued treatment due to adverse events.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

In a population of patients with a high prevalence of unfavorable traditional predictors of treatment response, a 24-week regimen of sofosbuvir and weight-based or low-dose ribavirin resulted in SVR24 rates of 68% and 48%, respectively.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01441180.

Sofosbuvir and ABT-450: terminator of hepatitis C virus?

Combination therapy with peginterferon (pegIFN)-α and ribavirin (RBV) has been the standard of care (SOC) for chronic hepatitis C. Unfortunately, not all patients can achieve a sustained virologic response (SVR) with this regimen. SVR rates are approximately 80% in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2, 3, 5 and 6 and 40%-50% in patients with genotype 1 and 4. Therefore, strategies to improve SVR rates have been an important issue for clinical physicians. Several direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have significantly higher SVR rates when combined with pegIFN-α and RBV than pegIFN-α and RBV alone. Treatments containing DAAs have several advantages over the previous SOC, including higher specificity and efficacy, shorter treatment durations, fewer side effects, and oral administration. Based on these advantages, treatment with pegIFN-α and RBV plus telaprevir or boceprevir has become the current SOC for patients with genotype 1 HCV infection. However, many patients are either not eligible for therapy or decline treatment due to coexisting relative or absolute contraindications as well as an inability to tolerate the hematological side effects and adverse events caused by the new SOC. These factors have contributed to the advent of pegIFN-α-free regimens. The newest therapeutic regimens containing sofosbuvir and ABT-450 have shown promising results. In this review, we summarize the development of anti-HCV agents and the clinical efficacy of sofosbuvir and ABT-450-based therapies as well as the potential for future HCV studies.

Sofosbuvir for hepatitis C genotype 2 or 3 in patients without treatment options

BACKGROUND

Patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 or 3 for whom treatment with peginterferon is not an option, or who have not had a response to prior interferon treatment, currently have no approved treatment options. In phase 2 trials, regimens including the oral nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir have shown efficacy in patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection.

METHODS

We conducted two randomized, phase 3 studies involving patients with chronic HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection. In one trial, patients for whom treatment with peginterferon was not an option received oral sofosbuvir and ribavirin (207 patients) or matching placebo (71) for 12 weeks. In a second trial, patients who had not had a response to prior interferon therapy received sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 weeks (103 patients) or 16 weeks (98). The primary end point was a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after therapy.

RESULTS

Among patients for whom treatment with peginterferon was not an option, the rate of a sustained virologic response was 78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72 to 83) with sofosbuvir and ribavirin, as compared with 0% with placebo (P<0.001). Among previously treated patients, the rate of response was 50% with 12 weeks of treatment, as compared with 73% with 16 weeks of treatment (difference, -23 percentage points; 95% CI, -35 to -11; P<0.001). In both studies, response rates were lower among patients with genotype 3 infection than among those with genotype 2 infection and, among patients with genotype 3 infection, lower among those with cirrhosis than among those without cirrhosis. The most common adverse events were headache, fatigue, nausea, and insomnia; the overall rate of discontinuation of sofosbuvir was low (1 to 2%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection for whom treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin was not an option, 12 or 16 weeks of treatment with sofosbuvir and ribavirin was effective. Efficacy was increased among patients with HCV genotype 2 infection and those without cirrhosis. In previously treated patients with genotype 3 infection, 16 weeks of therapy was significantly more effective than 12 weeks. (Funded by Gilead Sciences; POSITRON and FUSION ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT01542788 and NCT01604850, respectively.).

Sofosbuvir for previously untreated chronic hepatitis C infection

BACKGROUND

In phase 2 trials, the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir was effective in previously untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, 2, or 3 infection.

METHODS

We conducted two phase 3 studies in previously untreated patients with HCV infection. In a single-group, open-label study, we administered a 12-week regimen of sofosbuvir plus peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin in 327 patients with HCV genotype 1, 4, 5, or 6 (of whom 98% had genotype 1 or 4). In a noninferiority trial, 499 patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection were randomly assigned to receive sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks or peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin for 24 weeks. In the two studies, the primary end point was a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of therapy.

RESULTS

In the single-group study, a sustained virologic response was reported in 90% of patients (95% confidence interval, 87 to 93). In the noninferiority trial, a sustained response was reported in 67% of patients in both the sofosbuvir-ribavirin group and the peginterferon-ribavirin group. Response rates in the sofosbuvir-ribavirin group were lower among patients with genotype 3 infection than among those with genotype 2 infection (56% vs. 97%). Adverse events (including fatigue, headache, nausea, and neutropenia) were less common with sofosbuvir than with peginterferon.

CONCLUSIONS

In a single-group study of sofosbuvir combined with peginterferon-ribavirin, patients with predominantly genotype 1 or 4 HCV infection had a rate of sustained virologic response of 90% at 12 weeks. In a noninferiority trial, patients with genotype 2 or 3 infection who received either sofosbuvir or peginterferon with ribavirin had nearly identical rates of response (67%). Adverse events were less frequent with sofosbuvir than with peginterferon. (Funded by Gilead Sciences; FISSION and NEUTRINO ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT01497366 and NCT01641640, respectively.).

Nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

The standard treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is interferon, which is administered subcutaneously and can have troublesome side effects. We evaluated sofosbuvir, an oral nucleotide inhibitor of HCV polymerase, in interferon-sparing and interferon-free regimens for the treatment of HCV infection.

METHODS

We provided open-label treatment to eight groups of patients. A total of 40 previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection were randomly assigned to four groups; all four groups received sofosbuvir (at a dose of 400 mg once daily) plus ribavirin for 12 weeks. Three of these groups also received peginterferon alfa-2a for 4, 8, or 12 weeks. Two additional groups of previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection received sofosbuvir monotherapy for 12 weeks or sofosbuvir plus peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin for 8 weeks. Two groups of patients with HCV genotype 1 infection received sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 weeks: 10 patients with no response to prior treatment and 25 with no previous treatment. We report the rate of sustained virologic response 24 weeks after therapy.

RESULTS

Of the 40 patients who underwent randomization, all 10 (100%) who received sofosbuvir plus ribavirin without interferon and all 30 (100%) who received sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks and interferon for 4, 8, or 12 weeks had a sustained virologic response at 24 weeks. For the other patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection, all 10 (100%) who received sofosbuvir plus peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin for 8 weeks had a sustained virologic response at 24 weeks, as did 6 of 10 (60%) who received sofosbuvir monotherapy. Among patients with HCV genotype 1 infection, 21 of 25 previously untreated patients (84%) and 1 of 10 with no response to previous therapy (10%) had a sustained virologic response at 24 weeks. The most common adverse events were headache, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, rash, and anemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks may be effective in previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 1, 2, or 3 infection. (Funded by Pharmasset and Gilead Sciences; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01260350.).