New single-tablet option for hepatitis C

By Tulsi Pindolia on the 1 December 2016

Zepatier (elbasvir/grazoprevir) is a once-daily, single-tablet treatment for chronic hepatitis C in adults.

The two direct-acting antivirals in Zepatier target the hepatitis C virus at different stages in its lifecycle. | SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Elbasvir inhibits HCV NS5A, which is essential for viral RNA replication and virion assembly. Grazoprevir targets the HCV NS3/4A protease, which is necessary for the proteolytic cleavage of the HCV-encoded polyprotein and also essential for viral replication.

Dosing

Further information

View Zepatier drug record Summary of Product Characteristics Manufacturer: MSD

The Zepatier tablet, which contains 50mg elbasvir and 100mg grazoprevir, can be given as monotherapy for 12 weeks in patients with hepatitis C genotype 1a, 1b or 4, with or without compensated cirrhosis. For those with genotype 1a or 4 infection who have HCV RNA >800,000IU/ml, treatment in combination with ribavirin for 16 weeks may need to be considered.

Sutained virologic response

The safety and efficacy of elbasvir/grazoprevir with or without ribavirin were evaluated in eight clinical studies involving approximately 2000 patients with chronic hepatitis C of various genotypes. Efficacy was demonstrated against genotypes 1a, 1b and 4.

The primary endpoint in all studies was sustained virologic response (SVR), defined as HCV RNA less than the lower limit of quantification at 12 weeks after the end of treatment.

The C-EDGE TN study evaluated elbasvir/grazoprevir for 12 weeks in 421 patients with or without cirrhosis. Of the 316 patients receiving immediate treatment, 299 (95%) achieved SVR (95% CI 92—97%). SVR was achieved in 97% of cirrhotic patients and 94% of non-cirrhotic patients.

C-SURFER evaluated the combination in 235 adults with chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5, including patients on haemodialysis. Following 12 weeks of treatment with elbasvir/grazoprevir, 99% of 116 patients achieved SVR.

The C-EDGE CO-STAR trial involved 301 patients who were receiving opioid substitution therapy with methadone, buprenorphine or buprenorphine/naloxone. Among the patients receiving immediate treatment with elbasvir/grazoprevir, 91.5% achieved SVR. Drug use at baseline or during treatment did not affect virologic response or adherence to elbasvir/grazoprevir.