Hepatitis C Virus | Current Treatment | EU5 | 2016
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infections are a leading cause of advanced liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in the EU5 and a common indication for liver transplantation. The 2013-2015 EMA authorizations of Gilead’s Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and Harvoni (sofosbuvir/ledipasvir), combined with Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Daklinza (daclatasvir) and AbbVie’s Viekirax +/- Exviera (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir +/- dasabuvir), have ushered in the era of IFN-free therapy for chronic HCV and completely reshaped the HCV therapeutic market. Recent EMA approvals of Gilead’s Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) and Merck Sharpe & Dohme’s Zepatier (elbasvir/grazoprevir) provide additional IFN-free options for EU5 HCV patients. Taken together, currently approved regimens provide efficacious IFN-free options for most HCV genotypes in the EU5. This research focuses on current and anticipated use of all-oral HCV regimens, including IFN-free and remaining IFN-based regimens, by capturing patient- and market-share data, current prescribing trends, and anticipated changes in prescribing and treatment. We also evaluate physician-perceived drivers and limitations to the uptake of key brands and the effectiveness of these agents’ salesforces.