Combined Simeprevir and Sofosbuvir Is Promising for HCV Genotype 1 Infection

Both simeprevir-based and sofosbuvir-based regimens are approved for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Since simeprevir, an NS3/4A protease inhibitor, and sofosbuvir, a nucleotide-analogue NS5B polymerase inhibitor, have different mechanisms of action, a combination of these two direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) may be an effective interferon-free regimen for the treatment of HCV genotype 1 infection.

In an industry-funded, randomized, open-label study, patients with HCV genotype 1 infection who were treatment-naive or previously failed treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin received sofosbuvir (400 mg daily) plus simeprevir (150 mg daily) with or without ribavirin (1000–1200 mg daily) for 12 or 24 weeks. Twice as m…