Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir: A Review in Chronic Hepatitis C

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects millions globally.
• Pangenotypic treatment options are crucial for simplifying HCV management across genotypes.
• Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir is a recently approved single-tablet regimen for HCV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir in adults with chronic HCV genotypes 1-6.
• To assess treatment outcomes in various patient subgroups, including those with cirrhosis and HIV co-infection.

Main Methods:

• Phase III ASTRAL trials were conducted.
• Patients received once-daily oral sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for 12 weeks.
• Ribavirin was added for patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Main Results:

• Very high sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12) rates were achieved in treatment-naive and -experienced patients.
• High SVR12 rates were observed across all HCV genotypes (1-6).
• The regimen was generally well tolerated with a low incidence of adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir is a valuable and effective treatment for chronic HCV genotypes 1-6.
• The regimen demonstrates high efficacy in patients with compensated or decompensated cirrhosis and HIV-1 co-infection.
• Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir offers a simplified, pangenotypic treatment approach for HCV.