All-oral, direct-acting antivirals show promise for hep C and HIV co-infected, cirrhotic patients

A new study revealed today at The International Liver Congress 2015 shows that sofosbuvir (SOF)-based regimens are effective and well tolerated in hepatitis C and HIV co-infected, cirrhotic patients. Sustained virologic response at 4 weeks (SVR4) was observed in 98% of patients and in 95% at 12 weeks (SVR12).

The results are particularly encouraging as this patient group is considered difficult-to-treat and has a high mortality rate. The study included 142 patients of different hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes who were initiated onto SOF-based regimens.

Adverse events were reported in 42 patients (digestive 10%, anaemia 19%, asthenia 24%, others 48%). Treatment was stopped in 3 patients and dose-adjusted in 13.

These results show that direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) such as SOF-based regimens are effective and well tolerated in HIV-HCV co-infected, cirrhotic patients; however, it is important to note that surveillance for liver-related events should continue in these patients.