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Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir: A Review in Chronic Hepatitis C

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Abstract

A once-daily, single-tablet, pangenotypic regimen comprising the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and the HCV NS5A inhibitor velpatasvir (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir; Epclusa®) was recently approved for the treatment of adults with chronic HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 infection in the USA, EU and Canada. In the phase III ASTRAL trials, once-daily oral sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for 12 weeks provided very high rates of sustained virological response at 12 weeks post treatment (SVR12) in treatment-naive and -experienced patients with chronic HCV genotype 1–6 infection, including those with compensated cirrhosis or HIV-1 co-infection. High SVR12 rates were also observed with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks in patients with chronic HCV genotype 1–6 infection and decompensated cirrhosis. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir was generally well tolerated, with low rates of adverse events. Thus, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir represents a valuable treatment option in adults with chronic HCV genotype 1–6 infection, including those with compensated or decompensated cirrhosis, previous treatment experience or HIV-1 co-infection.

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Acknowledgments

During the peer review process, the manufacturer of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir was also offered an opportunity to review this article. Changes resulting from comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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  1. Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand

    Sarah L. Greig

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  1. Sarah L. Greig
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Correspondence to Sarah L. Greig.

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Funding

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding.

Conflicts of interest

Sarah Greig is a salaried employee of Adis/Springer, is responsible for the article content and declares no relevant conflicts of interest.

Additional information

The manuscript was reviewed by: P. Ferenci, Department of Internal Medicine III, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; A. Mangia, Liver Unit, Hospital IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy.

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Greig, S.L. Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir: A Review in Chronic Hepatitis C. Drugs 76, 1567–1578 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-016-0648-2

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