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Era of direct acting antivirals in chronic hepatitis C: Who will benefit?

James Fung1

  • 1James Fung, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

World Journal of Hepatology
|November 3, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Direct-acting antiviral drugs offer a cure for chronic hepatitis C (CHC). However, access barriers limit treatment, necessitating prioritization for patients with the greatest need and highest health benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs have revolutionized chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment, offering high cure rates and minimal side effects.
  • Despite treatment efficacy, real-world access to DAAs remains limited due to various barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the current landscape of CHC treatment with DAAs.
  • To identify patient subgroups with the highest unmet needs for DAA therapy.
  • To discuss future strategies for improving access to CHC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a review of current literature and clinical practice regarding DAA therapy for CHC.
  • Analysis of patient populations with highest health benefits and unmet needs.
  • Discussion of economic and access-related barriers.

Main Results:

  • While DAAs offer near-certain eradication of CHC, only a small fraction of patients currently benefit.
  • Treatment is likely to be prioritized for those with advanced liver disease, prior treatment failures, interferon-ineligibility, or post-transplant recurrence.
  • High treatment costs and access barriers significantly impede universal access.

Conclusions:

  • Prioritization of DAA therapy is necessary due to current access limitations and high costs.
  • Future efforts must focus on enhancing treatment accessibility for all individuals with CHC.
  • Addressing barriers is crucial to realize the full potential of DAAs in managing the hepatitis C epidemic.

Keywords:
BenefitChronic hepatitis CCirrhosisDirect acting antiviralsLiver transplantationTreatmentUnmet needs

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