Performance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) direct-acting antivirals in clinical trials and daily practice

Abstract

In recent years a revolution in hepatitis C virus drug development has taken place from troublesome regimens with pegylated interferon-alfa for 24 to 48 weeks with limited success to all-oral single tablet regimens taken for 12 weeks with very high chances of success. These promising results are not available to everybody. Depending on, for example, geographical factors with limited availability of new compounds, virus factors like hepatitis C virus genotype and host factors like presence of cirrhosis, these favorable outcomes can be compromised. This review discusses the recent clinical trials (from phase 3 registration through real-world application), highlighting the different available regimens and their success rates.

Keywords: Clinical trials; DAA; Direct-acting antivirals; HCV treatment; Hepatitis C virus.