Opioid Overdose Patients in Central Missouri, United States, Have High Rates of Hepatitis C Infection and Limited Testing History
“Conclusion: There is a substantial burden of HCV among opioid overdose patients in central Missouri, United States, emergency departments, particularly among male patients and those aged 55-64. Universal HCV screening for individuals being observed following an overdose could detect many undiagnosed HCV infections.”
4-Week Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir Regimen Effective and Well-Tolerated
“This study assessed the bioequivalence of a generic glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) formulation compared to the brand name version under fed conditions using a randomized, single-dose, crossover design. Results showed that the generic formulation is bioequivalent to the brand, with similar pharmacokinetic profiles and no adverse events reported. Additionally, recent research on a 4-week G/P regimen demonstrated high efficacy and good tolerability, further supporting the effectiveness of both the generic formulation and the shorter treatment duration for HCV.”
Shortened Protocol Can Prevent Infection in Recipients of HCV+ Organs
“A shortened antiviral protocol adding the dyslipidemic agent ezetimibe can prevent infection in solid-organ recipients who receive hepatitis C virus–positive organs, according to new research presented at The Liver Meeting 2023. The regimen, dubbed the “Toronto Protocol,” uses the current standard-of-care treatment glecaprevir-pibrentasvir (Mavyret, AbbVie) but cuts the course from eight weeks to eight days. It also adds ezetimibe, a cholesterol-lowering drug that has the unique ability to prevent HCV from entering cells (Nat Med 2012;18[2]:281-285). The first dose starts the day before organ transplantation and continues for one week, usually when the patient is still in the hospital recovering from surgery.”
Treatment with direct-acting antivirals found to improve HCV-related disease outcomes
“Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related diseases such as chronic hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancers afflict a large number of people worldwide. A recent study from Korea University suggests that treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) improves liver disease-related clinical outcomes in patients with chronic HCV infection and reduces liver fibrosis-based disease burden. It further highlights that timely intervention with advanced antiviral therapies can have a positive impact on public health.”
FDA Accepts Nivolumab/Ipilimumab Application for First-Line HCC Treatment
“The FDA has accepted the supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) for nivolumab (Opdivo) plus ipilimumab (Yervoy) in the first line for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of April 21, 2025, has been set. The sBLA is supported by data from the phase 3 CheckMate -9DW trial (NCT04039607).”
Antiviral treatment combo leads to sustained HCV clearance in trial
“A two-month regimen of Atea Pharmaceuticals’ once-daily oral antiviral treatment for hepatitis C — a combination of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir — leads to sustained hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance three months after the therapy’s completion.”
Study Demonstrates Patient, Graft Survival of HCV-Positive DCD Donor Liver Grafts
“Liver grafts from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors have 1-year patient and graft survival comparable with donation after brain death (DBD) liver grafts from donors with or without HCV infection, according to findings from a recent study.”
Hepatitis C Virus Reinfection Among People Who Inject Drugs
“Long-Term Follow-Up of the HERO Study”
