Sovaldi and Olysio (Hepatitis C Virus) (Wave 1) | LaunchTrends | US | 2014
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infections are a leading cause of advanced liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The first-generation protease inhibitors were a major advancement in the standard of care for HCV patients, despite requiring use in prolonged combination regimens with pegylated interferon (peg-IFN) and ribavirin and characterized by suboptimal tolerability and efficacy. The launches of Gilead’s polymerase inhibitor Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and Janssen’s second-wave protease inhibitor Olysio (simeprevir) have greatly improved the treatment options, allowing for shorter treatment durations, higher cure rates, and improved safety and tolerability profiles. Sovaldi is also the first product approved for use in peg-IFN-free regimens with ribavirin in certain HCV patients.
This report will track the trial, adoption and usage of Sovaldi and Olysio at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-months following launch. The series will provide information on how these products fit into the treatment algorithm, impact current therapies, and change market dynamics. The reports also provide information on physician awareness of, and familiarity with, these products, their perceived clinical advantages and disadvantages, and physicians’ perspective on effectiveness of promotional messages and activities around Sovaldi and Olysio.
