Simeprevir Works in Treatment-Experienced Patients with HCV Infection

Simeprevir, a next-generation protease inhibitor, in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin, was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in treatment-naive patients. This regimen is as effective as the previous-generation protease inhibitor–based regimen with telaprevir or boceprevir in this population, but with a lower pill burden and fewer adverse effects. Now, investigators have examined its efficacy and safety in similar patients who failed previous treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin.

In a phase IIb, double-blind, randomized trial, 396 patients received simeprevir once daily (100 or 150 mg) for 12, 24, or 48 weeks plus peginterferon (180 µg weekly) and ribavirin (1000–1…