Record Status This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database. Citation NIHR HSRIC. Simeprevir in combination with sofosbuvir (with or without ribavirin) for chronic hepatitis C. Birmingham: NIHR Horizon Scanning Research&Intelligence Centre. Horizon Scanning Review. 2015 Authors' objectives Simeprevir (Olysio) is a potent inhibitor of the NS3/4A proteins of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1 and 4. Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) is a second generation uridine nucleotide analogue that inhibits the HCV NS5B protein. Together, in combination (with or without ribavirin) they are intended for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (genotype 1 and 4) in treatment naïve and treatment experienced adult patients. This combination is intended for use as substitute therapy (and not restricted to patients who are interferon intolerant and in urgent need of treatment only). Simeprevir is licensed in the EU for the treatment of chronic HCV infection, in combination with other medicinal products. Sofosbuvir is licensed in the EU as Sovaldi for the treatment of chronic HCV infection, in combination with ribavirin with and without peginterferon alfa.
The true incidence of HCV infection is difficult to establish as an estimated 86% of infected individuals are unaware of their infection status. Recent estimates suggest that in the UK, around 214,000 individuals are chronically infected with HCV, with an estimated 160,000 in England, equating to approximately 0.4% of the adult population. In 2012, there were 10,873 new diagnoses of HCV infection in England, an increase of more than one-third since 2010. In 2013-14, there were 1,958 hospital admissions in England due to chronic hepatitis C, accounting for 2,182 finished consultant episodes and 3.642 bed days, and in 2013, 189 deaths were registered in England and Wales.
The primary aim of treatment is to clear circulating virus from the blood. A sustained virological response (SVR) indicates permanent resolution of infection, with re-infection rarely occurring. Simeprevir and sofosbuvir in combination are currently in three phase III clinical trials comparing their effect on sustained virological response 12 (SVR12). These trials are expected to complete by January 2016. Indexing Status Subject indexing assigned by CRD MeSH Antiviral Agents; Hepatitis C, Chronic; Humans; Ribavirin; Simeprevir; Sofosbuvir; Uridine Monophosphate Language Published English Country of organisation England English summary An English language summary is available. Address for correspondence NIHR Horizon Scanning Research&Intelligence Centre, University of Birmingham, Institute of Applied Health Research, Public Health building, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT
Tel: 0121 414 9077 Email: nihrhsc@contacts.bham.ac.uk AccessionNumber 32016000342 Date abstract record published 03/03/2016 |