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Hepatitis C treatment: where are we now?
Authors Burstow NJ, Mohamed Z, Gomaa AI, Sonderup MW, Cook NA, Waked I, Spearman CW, Taylor-Robinson SD
Received 15 November 2016
Accepted for publication 22 December 2016
Published 17 February 2017 Volume 2017:10 Pages 39—52
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S127689
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewers approved by Dr Amy Norman
Peer reviewer comments 2
Editor who approved publication: Dr Scott Fraser
Nicholas J Burstow,1 Zameer Mohamed,1 Asmaa I Gomaa,2 Mark W Sonderup,3 Nicola A Cook,1 Imam Waked,2 C Wendy Spearman,3 Simon D Taylor-Robinson1
1Liver Unit, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; 2National Liver Institute, Menoufiya University, Shbeen El Kom, Egypt; 3Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
Abstract: Chronic hepatitis C infection affects millions of people worldwide and confers significant morbidity and mortality. Effective treatment is needed to prevent disease progression and associated complications. Previous treatment options were limited to interferon and ribavirin (RBV) regimens, which gave low cure rates and were associated with unpleasant side effects. The era of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies began with the development of first-generation NS3/4A protease inhibitors in 2011. They vastly improved outcomes for patients, particularly those with genotype 1 infection, the most prevalent genotype globally. Since then, a multitude of DAAs have been licensed for use, and outcomes for patients have improved further, with fewer side effects and cure rates approaching 100%. Recent regimens are interferon-free, and in many cases, RBV-free, and involve a combination of DAA agents. This review summarizes the treatment options currently available and discusses potential barriers that may delay the global eradication of hepatitis C.
Keywords: hepatitis C, protease inhibitors, directly acting antivirals, interferon-free regimens, ribavirin-free regimens, hepatitis C eradication
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