Hepatitis C: Update Bulletin [February 2016]

January 2016 | | ID: H996B210958EN
FirstWord

Abstracts

Gain new KOL insights on the latest events that have the potential to shape the hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment landscape. Topics covered include KOL insights on how Merck & Co.’s Zepatier (elbasvir and grazoprevir) is likely to be used as a treatment for HCV, and if the additional testing requirements could slow down adoption; what KOLs think of AbbVie’s Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir tablets co-packaged with a dasabuvir tablet) now being approved without the need for ribavirin; reaction to data from the ASTRAL trial for Gilead’s sofosbuvir with velpatasvir, and if the data could provide Gilead with an edge in the GT3 HCV treatment space; thoughts on the potential impact of adding GS9857 to Gilead’s sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, and if a short treatment regimen is attractive to KOLs.

Key Questions Answered in this Update Bulletin:

• How do KOLs expect Merck & Co.’s Zepatier (elbasvir and grazoprevir) to be received in the marketplace, and does being indicated in renally impaired patients give it an edge?
• Are KOLs at all concerned about the additional testing recommendations associated with using Zepatier in certain patient populations, and could Zepatier be used ‘off-label’ in GT3 patients in the US?
• Do KOLs have any concerns about AbbVie’s Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir tablets co-packaged with a dasabuvir tablet) now being approved for use without the need for ribavirin, and will this impact usage?
• Are KOLs at all concerned about the safety signals observed in the TURQUOISE trial for Viekira Pak, and do KOLs anticipate this revised treatment regimen having a long-standing impact on the hepatitis C market?
• How do KOLs perceive the data from Gilead’s ASTRAL clinical trial programme, and do they have any reservations about using sofosbuvir with velpatasvir, particularly in GT3 HCV patients?
• What impact do KOLs believe the addition of GS9857 to sofosbuvir and velpatasvir will have on its use in the HCV treatment paradigm, and will the appeal of a shorter treatment duration of eight weeks give the therapy combination a significant edge in the marketplace?

Update Bulletins include expert insight and analysis based on FirstWord analyst re-engagement with the KOLs after major events such as product approvals, key data releases and major conferences to deliver the most valuable insights with each update.