Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Genotype 1 Disease

The landscape of therapeutic options for HCV infection has dramatically changed with the approval of all-oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens. DAAs target important steps in the HCV viral life cycle, resulting in higher response rates and fewer adverse events than were afforded with interferon and ribavirin, the prior standard of care. The achievement of sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in excess of 90% with use of DAA regimens has not only been translated into HCV eradication for the hundreds of thousands treated but is also anticipated to decrease the incidence of major complications associated with chronic HCV infection. Additionally, the favorable side effect profile of DAAs has made HCV therapy feasible in difficult-to-treat populations, including those with previous exposure to interferon and ribavirin, cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease, HIV and HCV co-infection, and severe renal dysfunction/end-stage renal disease. Given this tremendous progress, all patients infected with HCV infection should be treated.