Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026
A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
Sofosbuvir plus simeprevir treatment of recurrent genotype 1 hepatitis C after liver transplant
Carmi Santos Punzalan1, Curtis Barry1, Isabel Zacharias1
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA, USA.
Insights
Sofosbuvir and simeprevir offer a safe and effective oral treatment for recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) genotype 1 infection in liver transplant patients, achieving high sustained virologic response rates.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Transplant Medicine
Background:
- Recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) post-liver transplant presents treatment challenges.
- Previous studies showed sofosbuvir/simeprevir efficacy in non-transplant HCV genotype 1.
- This study evaluated this regimen in post-transplant HCV genotype 1.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and tolerability of sofosbuvir plus simeprevir in liver transplant recipients with recurrent HCV genotype 1.
- To determine the sustained virologic response rate 12 weeks post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, observational study design.
- 12-week daily regimen of sofosbuvir (400 mg) and simeprevir (150 mg) without ribavirin.
- Primary endpoint: sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-therapy.
Main Results:
- 95% of patients achieved undetectable hepatitis C 12 weeks after treatment completion.
- 100% viral undetectability at the end of the 12-week treatment course.
- The regimen was well-tolerated, with 26% starting treatment within 6 months post-transplant and 19% having cirrhosis.
Conclusions:
- Sofosbuvir plus simeprevir is an effective oral treatment for genotype 1 HCV post-liver transplant.
- The regimen demonstrates good tolerability in this patient population.
- This combination offers a valuable therapeutic option for recurrent HCV in liver transplant recipients.
Background:
Patients with recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) infection post-liver transplant can be difficult to treat safely and effectively. A prior (COSMOS) study in patients with non-transplant HCV, using sofosbuvir plus simeprevir, had high efficacy and tolerability in treating patients with HCV genotype 1, even prior non-responders to interferon therapy and those with cirrhosis. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of sofosbuvir and simeprevir in patients with genotype 1 HCV post-liver transplant.
Methods:
In this prospective, observational study, patients received sofosbuvir 400 mg plus simeprevir 150 mg daily for 12 wk without ribavirin. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response 12 wk after the end of therapy.
Results:
Forty-two patients completed the treatment. Twenty-six percent started the treatment ≤ 6 months post-liver transplant. Nineteen percent of the included patients had cirrhosis, 14% with decompensation. At week 4 on the treatment, 21% of patients had detectable virus but at the end of the treatment, 100% were undetectable. Twelve weeks after the end of the treatment, 95% of the patients had undetectable hepatitis C. The regimen was generally well tolerated.
Conclusion:
The oral regimen of sofosbuvir plus simeprevir without ribavirin is efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C post-liver transplant.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
02:33Retroviruses
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers