British and Irish Gastroenterology (BIG) Meeting
James Fogarty | 18 May 2017
Change needed in HCV treatment, hears BIG conference
Ground-breaking
The first use of sofosbuvir was in 2015, which Dr McDougall described as “a ground-breaking moment in the treatment of hepatitis C”.
Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (Harvoni) and ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir +/- dasabuvir (Viekirax +/- Exviera) became available at around the same time for genotypes 1 and 4.
“Within the past couple of months, since October 2016, we have approval for Zepatier, which is available for genotypes 1 and 4. Epclusa has been available since January of this year for genotypes 1 through 6.”
He added that NICE guidelines still recommend interferon as the first-line drug in patients who have never been treated before and have exhibited tolerance. However, most patients are not disposed to interferon treatment.
“Through these new treatments we can individualise therapies. Some of the treatments are suitable for renal impairment,” explained Dr McDougall. However, he warned that a small number of patients do not succeed on these treatments.
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