EMA reviews direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C Review to investigate possible hepatitis B re-activation
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has started a review of medicines known as direct-acting antivirals used for treating chronic (long-term) hepatitis C (an infectious disease that affects the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus).
Direct-acting antivirals (Daklinza, Exviera, Harvoni, Olysio, Sovaldi and Viekirax) are important medicines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and can be used without interferons, which are less well tolerated. Until recently, interferons were part of treatment regimens for hepatitis C. Interferons are known to act against both hepatitis B and C viruses, which may be present at the same time in some patients.
The review follows cases of hepatitis B re-activation in patients who have been infected with hepatitis B and C viruses, and who were treated with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C. Hepatitis B reactivation refers to a return of active infection in a patient whose hepatitis B infection had been inactive.
EMA will now assess the extent of hepatitis B re-activation in patients treated with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C and evaluate whether any measures are needed to optimise the treatment.
While the review is ongoing, patients should speak to their doctor or pharmacist if they have any questions or concerns.
More about the medicines
The following direct-acting antivirals have been approved in the EU for treating chronic hepatitis C: Daklinza (daclatasvir), Exviera (dasabuvir), Harvoni (sofosbuvir / ledipasvir), Olysio (simeprevir), Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and Viekirax (ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir). They work by blocking the action of proteins in the hepatitis C virus which are essential for it to make new viruses.
More information on these medicines can be found on EMA’s website: ema.europa.eu/Find medicine/Human medicines/European public assessment reports.
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More about the procedure
The review of direct-acting antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis C has been initiated at the request of the European Commission, under Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 726/2004.
The review is being carried out by the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC), the committee responsible for the evaluation of safety issues for human medicines, which will make a set of recommendations.
The PRAC recommendations will then be forwarded to the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), responsible for questions concerning medicines for human use, which will adopt a final opinion. The final stage of the review procedure is the adoption by the European Commission of a legally binding decision applicable in all EU Member States.
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