Simple, ribavirin- and interferon-free, all-oral regimen provides new treatment option for people with hepatitis C, genotypes 4 and 5

April 24, 2015, Vienna, Austria: A new study presented today at The International Liver Congress™ 2015 has demonstrated that ledipasvir (LDV) in combination with sofosbuvir (SOF) achieves sustained virologic response rates 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12; primary endpoint), of 93% and 95% in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 4 or 5, respectively.

In the study, LDV/SOF was administered in a once-daily, fixed-dose combination tablet for 12 weeks to treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients with or without cirrhosis. A total of 85 patients were enrolled in the study: 44 patients had GT-4 and 41 patients had GT5 chronic HCV infection. SVR12 rates were similar across all patient types.

HCV GT-4 is estimated to account for 8% to 13% and GT-5 for about 1% of all chronic HCV infections globally. Clinical studies evaluating the treatment outcome with new direct-acting antiviral agents in GT-4 and especially GT-5 HCV infection have been limited, to date.

About The International Liver Congress™
This annual congress is the biggest event in the EASL calendar, attracting scientific and medical experts from around the world to learn about the latest in liver research. Specialists share research studies and findings, and discuss the hottest topics related to liver disease. This year, the congress is expected to attract approximately 10,000 delegates from all corners of the globe. 2015 is a very special year for EASL and the hepatology community as they will celebrate the 50th annual meeting. The International Liver Congress™ takes place from April 22-26, 2015, Vienna, Austria.

About EASL (www.easl.eu)
Since EASL’s foundation in 1966, this not-for-profit organisation has grown to over 4,000 members from more than 100 countries around the world. EASL is the leading liver association in Europe, it attracts the foremost hepatology experts and has an impressive track record in promoting research in liver disease, supporting wider education and promoting changes in European liver policy.

Contact
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Viral Hepatitis C: Clinical, Hall D
Presentation time: 16:00 – 16:15

Presenter: Armand Abergel (France)
Abstract O056: LEDIPASVIR/SOFOSBUVIR TREATMENT RESULTS IN HIGH SVR RATES IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC GENOTYPE 4 AND 5 HCV INFECTION