Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in adults

Abstract

The fixed-dose combination of glecaprevir (GLE), a nonstructural protein 3/4A (NS3/4A) protease inhibitor, and pibrentasvir (PIB), an NS5A inhibitor, was recently approved for the treatment of adult patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1-6 (GT-1-6) without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis, and for the treatment of HCV GT-1 patients who have failed treatment with either NS5A inhibitors or NS3/4A protease inhibitors, but not both. This combination, administered over 8 or 12 weeks, has resulted in high cure rates in all six HCV genotypes, including patients with HIV coinfection. GLE/PIB was well tolerated, with the most common adverse events being headache and fatigue. GLE/PIB is recommended to be taken as three tablets (total daily dose: GLE 300 mg and PIB 120 mg) orally once daily with food. No dose adjustment is required in patients with any degree of renal impairment or in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Dose adjustment is also not required in patients with Child-Pugh A liver disease. However, the use of GLE/PIB is not recommended in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh B) or severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment.

Keywords: Direct-acting antivirals; Fixed-dose combinations; Glecaprevir; HCV therapy; NS3/4A inhibitors; NS5A inhibitors; Pibrentasvir.