by Carolyn Chu, MD, MSc, AAHIVS, AAHIVM Chief Medical Officer
June 1, 2021
Matthews GV, Bhagani S, Van der Valk M, et al, REACT study group; Protocol Steering Committee. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for 12 vs. 6 weeks for the treatment of recently acquired hepatitis C infection. J Hepatol. 2021 May 20; S0168-8278(21)00336-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.056. PMID: 34023350.
Author’s Commentary:
Although investigators observed higher relapse rates in participants receiving short-course sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for recent HCV infection, these findings add to emerging evidence suggesting that early treatment is safe, feasible, and fairly effective for acute HCV. Treatment guidelines currently incorporate a “test and treat” strategy which includes a recommendation that patients with acute HCV infection should no longer be monitored for possible spontaneous resolution, but rather treated upon initial diagnosis. However, there are no distinct recommended regimens for acute HCV at this time (i.e. the same regimens used for chronic infection are recommended for acute infection). Given the not infrequent “real world” experience of treatment interruptions or abbreviated treatment courses as well as ongoing hepatitis elimination efforts, highly effective short-course treatment options remain highly desirable and a key area for research and implementation.
The author has no conflicts of interest to disclose.
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