Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection:
Treatment Considerations from the Department of Veterans Affairs National Hepatitis C Resource
Center Program and the Office of Public Health
(March 27, 2014; data last reviewed on March 6, 2014; last revised on May 13, 2014; revisions highlighted
in yellow)

Contents
I. Summary Table: Treatment Considerations and Choice of Regimen
Summary Figure: Preferred Treatment Approach
II. Introduction
III. Chronic HCV Genotype 1 Infection
IV. Chronic HCV Genotype 2 Infection
V. Chronic HCV Genotype 3 Infection
VI. Identifying Treatment Candidates Based on Liver Disease Stage
VII. Laboratory Monitoring
VIII. Adverse Effects
IX. Proper Use
X. Groups with Special Considerations for Therapy
XI. Panel Members
XII. References

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5
10
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25
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37
38

I. Summary Table and Summary Figure
This document is intended to supplement the Veterans Affairs (VA) Pharmacy Benefits Management
(PBM) Criteria For Use documents for HCV antivirals (available at: PBM Criteria For Use Documents).
Information in this document may be used to support treatment decisions based on the existing PBM
Criteria For Use documents. The following treatment considerations are based on available medical
evidence and represent the opinion of an expert panel of VA HCV clinicians. The purpose of this
document is to provide a detailed algorithmic approach to assist in clinical decision-making on HCV
treatment considerations based on specific patient characteristics including genotype, treatment
history, presence of cirrhosis, and interferon eligibility. The practitioner should interpret these
treatment considerations in the clinical context of the individual patient. The content of this document is
dynamic and will be revised periodically as new information becomes available. For considerations
regarding patient selection for hepatitis C antiviral therapy, refer to Table 2 below.

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1

Summary Table: Treatment Considerations and Choice of Regimen for HCV-Monoinfected and HIV/HCVCoinfected Patients
HCV
Genotype

Treatment
History

1

Naïve

Experienced

Experienced

2

Naïve

3/27/2014

Cirrhosis
Status

IFN
Eligibility

Preferred Regimen

Non-cirrhotic or
Cirrhotic

Eligible

Sofosbuvir + PEGIFN/RBV x 12 weeks

Non-cirrhotic

Ineligible

Sofosbuvir + RBV x
24 weeks
OR
Sofosbuvir + Simeprevir
± RBV x 12 weeks; NOT
FDA approved

Cirrhotic

Ineligible

Non-cirrhotic

Eligible

Sofosbuvir + Simeprevir
± RBV x 12 weeks; NOT
FDA approved
Sofosbuvir + PEGIFN/RBV x 12 weeks

Cirrhotic

Eligible

Sofosbuvir + PEGIFN/RBV x 12 weeks

Non-cirrhotic or
Cirrhotic

Ineligible

Sofosbuvir + Simeprevir
± RBV x 12 weeks
NOT FDA approved

Non-cirrhotic or
Cirrhotic

Either

Sofosbuvir + RBV
x 12 weeks

Alternative
Regimen

Defer for Future
Treatment

Simeprevir x 12
weeks + PEGIFN/RBV x 24
weeks
(Do not use in
GT1a with Q80K
polymorphism)

Reasonable to defer
if non-cirrhotic and
no significant extrahepatic disease

Simeprevir x 12
weeks + PEGIFN/RBV x 24
weeks (relapsers)
or 48 weeks
(prior partial or
null responders)

Reasonable to defer
if no significant
extra-hepatic disease

(Do not use in
GT1a with Q80K
polymorphism or
previous failure
of boceprevir- or
telaprevir-based
therapy)
PEG-IFN/RBV null
responders:
Sofosbuvir +
Simeprevir ± RBV
x 12 weeks
NOT FDA
approved
Reasonable to defer
if non-cirrhotic and
no significant extrahepatic disease
Reasonable to defer
if non-cirrhotic and
no significant extrahepatic disease

2

HCV
Genotype

Treatment
History
Experienced

Cirrhosis
Status
Non-cirrhotic or
Cirrhotic

IFN
Eligibility

Preferred Regimen

Eligible

Sofosbuvir + RBV x
12-16 weeks
OR
Sofosbuvir + PEG-IFN/
RBV x 12 weeks; NOT
FDA approved
Sofosbuvir + RBV x
12-16 weeks
Sofosbuvir + RBV x
24 weeks

Ineligible
3

Naïve

Experienced

Non-cirrhotic or
Cirrhotic

Eligible

Non-cirrhotic or
Cirrhotic
Non-cirrhotic

Ineligible

Cirrhotic

Eligible

Either

Ineligible
1, 2, 3, or 4

Either

Hepatocellular
carcinoma

Either

Sofosbuvir + RBV x
24 weeks
Sofosbuvir + RBV x
24 weeks

Alternative
Regimen

Defer for Future
Treatment
Reasonable to defer
if non-cirrhotic and
no significant extrahepatic disease

Sofosbuvir + PEGIFN/RBV x 12
weeks
NOT FDA
approved

Reasonable to defer
if non-cirrhotic and
no significant extrahepatic disease

Sofosbuvir +
PEG-IFN/RBV x
12 weeks
NOT FDA
approved

Reasonable to defer
if no significant
extra-hepatic disease

Sofosbuvir + PEG-IFN/
RBV x 12 weeks
NOT FDA approved
Sofosbuvir + RBV x
24 weeks
Sofosbuvir + RBV x 2448 weeks or until liver
transplant, whichever
occurs first

Abbreviations: PEG-IFN = peginterferon; RBV = ribavirin
Dosages: PEG-IFN alfa-2a 180 mcg subcutaneously weekly or PEG-IFN alfa-2b 1.5 mcg/kg subcutaneously weekly; RBV 1,000 mg (<75
kg) or 1,200 mg (≥75 kg) orally daily (in two divided doses) with food; simeprevir 150 mg orally daily with food; sofosbuvir 400 mg
orally daily
Note: Sofosbuvir or simeprevir should not be used as monotherapy or in reduced dosages; neither drug should be restarted if
discontinued.
3

* Interferon ineligible or intolerant criteria: Platelet count <75,000/mm ; Decompensated liver cirrhosis (Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP)
Class B or C, CTP score ≥7); Severe mental health conditions that may be exacerbated by interferon and/or respond poorly to medical
therapy (with risks of interferon use documented by Mental Health evaluation); Autoimmune diseases that may be exacerbated by
interferon-mediated immune modulation; Inability to complete a prior treatment course due to documented interferon-related
adverse effects (Table 5)

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or

NOT FDA approved

12 weeks
Sofosbuvir +
Simeprevir** ±
RBV

Not IFN
eligible

NOT FDA approved

12 weeks
Sofosbuvir +
PEG/RBV

IFN
eligible

Tx Experienced*

12 weeks***
Sofosbuvir +
RBV

Tx Naïve*

2

Not IFN
eligible

NOT FDA approved

12 weeks
Sofosbuvir +
PEG/RBV

IFN
eligible

Cirrhotic

Tx Experienced

Not cirrhotic

24 weeks
Sofosbuvir +
RBV

or

Wait

Tx Naïve*

3

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Interferon (IFN) ineligible or intolerant criteria: Platelet count <75,000/mm ; Decompensated liver cirrhosis (Child-Turcott-Pugh (CTP) Class B or C, CTP score ≥7); Severe mental
health conditions that may be exacerbated by interferon and/or respond poorly to medical therapy (with risks of interferon use documented by Mental Health evaluation);
Autoimmune diseases that may be exacerbated by interferon-mediated immune modulation; Inability to complete a prior treatment course due to documented interferon-related
adverse effects (Table 5).

3

* Regardless of cirrhosis; ** GT1a with Q80K polymorphism may be associated with lower SVR; *** 16 weeks of sofosbuvir/ribavirin in treatment-experienced cirrhotics may
improve SVR

Dosages: PEG-IFN alfa-2a 180 mcg subcutaneously weekly or PEG-IFN alfa-2b 1.5 mcg/kg subcutaneously weekly; RBV 1,000 mg (<75 kg) or 1,200 mg (≥75 kg) orally daily (in two
divided doses) with food; simeprevir 150 mg orally daily with food; sofosbuvir 400 mg orally daily

Abbreviations: PEG-IFN = peginterferon; RBV = ribavirin; Tx = treatment

24 weeks
Sofosbuvir + RBV

12 weeks
Sofosbuvir +
PEG/RBV

Not IFN
eligible

Tx Experienced*

IFN
eligible

Cirrhotic

IFN
eligible

Especially if GT1b

Wait

Not cirrhotic

Not IFN
eligible

Tx Naïve

1

HCV Genotype

Summary Figure: Preferred Treatment Approach for HCV-Monoinfected and HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients

I. Introduction
Successful antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is defined as a sustained
virological response (SVR), and achieving an SVR significantly decreases the risk of disease progression to
cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) expects to treat
all Veterans with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who wish to be treated and are suitable for
treatment. Furthermore, the VHA will use the optimal drug treatments available, after analysis of
efficacy, safety, and costs. Providing appropriate treatment to Veterans requires time, expertise including
coordination with other services (e.g., Primary Care, Mental Health, Pharmacy, Social Work), and funding.
The following treatment considerations summarize the current best practices in the management and
treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection within the VHA, including the use of interferonbased and interferon-free regimens. These considerations are based on an extensive review of published
data, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and Infectious Diseases Society of
America (IDSA) Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C
(www.hcvguidelines.org), publicly available reviews from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
data that are currently in abstract form, and input from VHA thought leaders involved in the care of
Veterans with HCV infection.
Limitations: There are important limitations in the design of most studies of direct acting antiviral (DAA)
agents in the treatment of hepatitis C. These limitations include: 1) small sample sizes, with resultant
wide confidence intervals for sustained virologic response (SVR); 2) inclusion of few patients with
cirrhosis, especially advanced cirrhosis; 3) lack of a control arm in most studies; 4) lack of head-to-head
trials of DAA regimens; 5) many studies were open-label and no studies were double blinded; 6) most
trials excluded patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus
infection (HIV), cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), decompensated cirrhosis, severe psychiatric,
cardiac, pulmonary, or renal comorbidities, and alcohol use; 7) studies do not yet have follow up data to
report on long-term virologic and clinical outcomes from DAAs. Finally, much of the existing data is from
abstracts and not published in peer-reviewed publications. With the limitations mentioned above, the
committee weighs the strength and weaknesses of the existing data, recognizes there are gaps in the
evidence, yet often needs to make decisions based on suboptimal data. The content in the document will
change as new data become available. Some of the limitations of studies are noted in the “Comments”
column in the tables. Overall, caution about the application of preliminary data should be exercised until
detailed complete results become available.
Grading the Evidence: Treatment considerations were developed using systematic weighting and grading
of the quality of evidence according to criteria used in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents (Table 1). Each
panel member participated in the preparation and review of the draft recommendations and the
committee approved, with the consensus statements reflected in the final document. The final
recommendations were reviewed and endorsed by the VHA Office of Public Health. Additional resources
pertaining to the care of the HCV-infected patient are available at www.hepatitis.va.gov.
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Table 1. Grading System
Strength of Recommendation
A: Strong recommendation for the statement
B: Moderate recommendation for the statement
C: Optional recommendation for the statement

Quality of Evidence for Recommendation
I: One or more randomized trials with clinical
outcomes and/or validated laboratory
endpoints
II: One or more well-designed, non-randomized
trials or observational cohort studies with
long-term clinical outcomes
III. Expert opinion

Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and
Adolescents. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at aidsinfo.nih.gov/ContentFiles/AdultandAdolescentGL.pdf. Page A-3, Table
2. Accessed March 25, 2014.

Clinical benefit of achieving SVR (i.e., cure): SVR, defined as undetectable HCV RNA levels at least 12
weeks after completion of treatment, is the primary endpoint of successful therapy. There is documented
concordance of SVR at 12 and 24 weeks (referred to as SVR12 and SVR24, respectively) with reported
positive and negative predictive values upward of 98% in boceprevir- and telaprevir-based studies. The
agreement between SVR12 and SVR24 is related to the timing of virologic relapse and the finding that
≥98% of relapses occur within the first 12 weeks after treatment cessation. Based on these data, the FDA
now recommends SVR at 12 weeks after completion of treatment as the primary endpoint for HCV
clinical trials.1,2,3
Achieving an SVR with peginterferon/ribavirin treatment improves clinical outcomes, such as improving
blood tests of liver function, lowering the risk of progressing to decompensated cirrhosis or HCC, and
prolonging life. Liver fibrosis may improve (regress) after achieving an SVR. Patients with cirrhosis who
achieve an SVR also have reduced progression of their liver disease and reduced risk of HCC. Thus, there
is compelling evidence that curing patients, including patients with cirrhosis, of HCV infection has
clinically meaningful improvements in liver function and overall health.
Principles for patient selection for HCV treatment: The urgency of treating HCV should be based on the
risk of developing decompensated cirrhosis or dying from liver or liver-related disease, and prolonging
graft survival in liver transplant recipients. Urgent antiviral treatment should be considered in patients
with advanced cirrhosis, selected patients with HCC awaiting liver transplant, post-transplant recipients
with cirrhosis, and patients with serious extra-hepatic manifestations of HCV. Patients with mild liver
disease (METAVIR F0-2) may consider waiting for additional FDA-approved, interferon-free regimens that
are expected to attain high SVR with low adverse effect profile. Approval of such regimens is anticipated
over the next 12 to 24 months. Decisions regarding deferral of treatment also should take into account
the lack of data regarding the real-world safety and effectiveness of recently approved DAAs.
Patient adherence: Evaluating a patient’s adherence to medical recommendations and the prescribed
regimen is crucial to the patient selection process. Factors that may complicate adherence, such as active
substance abuse, neurocognitive disorders, and lack of social support, should be noted and adequately
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addressed before initiating medications. Providers should incorporate strategies for measuring and
supporting adherence within their clinics.
Table 2. Considerations for Selecting Chronic HCV-Infected Patients for Treatment
Liver Disease Category
Considerations
No cirrhosis

Compensated cirrhosis

Decompensated cirrhosis,
defined by one of the following:
CTP score ≥7, ascites, hepatic
encephalopathy, variceal
bleeding or jaundice
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Post-transplant recipients with
cirrhosis
Patients with serious extrahepatic manifestations of HCV

Consider waiting until better treatments are available.
Future treatments are likely to have fewer side effects,
shorter duration, higher efficacy, and lower pill burden.
Treatment is recommended for appropriate patients
with compensated cirrhosis. Refer to Table 13,
“Diagnosis of Compensated Cirrhosis for the Purpose of
Identifying Treatment Candidates,” for guidance on
diagnosis of cirrhosis.
Treatment options are limited and the risk versus
benefits of treatment must be carefully considered.
Consult a specialist with experience in management of
HCV.
Consider treatment for patients in whom HCC treatment
is potentially curative, including selected patients on the
liver transplant list.
Risk versus benefits of treatment must be carefully
considered. Consult a specialist with experience in
management of HCV.
Patients with serious extra-hepatic manifestations of
HCV, such as leukocytoclastic vasculitis,
membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, or
symptomatic cryoglobulinemia despite mild liver disease
should receive treatment as soon as possible. Consult a
specialist with experience in management of HCV.

Evidence
Grade
B-III

B-III

A-II

A-II

A-II

A-III

CTP = Child-Turcotte-Pugh

Deciding when a patient should wait for future treatment: Deferral of HCV treatment may be
considered in some patients until newer therapies are available that might further optimize the chance of
treatment success and reduce the potential for treatment-related adverse effects (Table 3). Such patients
include those without cirrhosis. Patients who have cirrhosis generally are recommended for treatment
sooner rather than later, to reduce their risk of decompensation or development of HCC.

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Table 3. Factors to Consider in Deciding to Treat Chronic HCV or Wait for Availability of Newer
Therapies
Factor
Comment
Stage of liver fibrosis
Patients with mild liver fibrosis (METAVIR F0 – F2) are unlikely to
develop decompensated liver disease in the subsequent few years
and might benefit from waiting for approval of additional safe and
effective interferon-free regimens.
Intolerance or contraindications to
Future interferon-free regimens are expected to have fewer
interferon
adverse events, be less complex to administer, and have high SVR
rates. Interferon-free regimens are expected to receive FDA
approval in late 2014.
Intolerance or contraindication to
Ribavirin-free regimens have achieved high SVR rates in Phase II
ribavirin
and Phase III trials and may be approved by the FDA in late 2014
for treatment of HCV genotype 1 infection.
Adherence
Future treatments may be less complex (e.g., one or a few pills per
day), potentially increasing adherence.
Treatment duration
Future treatment duration is likely to be 12 weeks or less for most
patients.
SVR
Future therapies may result in higher SVR rates in select groups
(e.g., cirrhotics, patients who failed boceprevir- or telaprevirbased therapy).
Lack of adequate data
Key groups (e.g., patients who have failed boceprevir- or
telaprevir-based therapy, decompensated cirrhotics) have not
been well studied, and SVR rates in selected patient groups are
based on modeling.
Future treatments: Multiple new drugs are being tested in patients with HCV, and preliminary evidence
from several Phase II and III trials suggest excellent efficacy (>90% SVR for all genotypes), excellent safety
profile, and interferon-free regimens for all genotypes. Thus, a variety of treatment options are expected
to become available for HCV patients in the foreseeable future. When new drugs gain adequate evidence
and/or receive FDA approval, preferred treatment regimens may change. The contents of this
documentwill be updated as new treatments become available. Informing Veterans that a variety of
highly effective, well-tolerated, interferon-free treatments with short treatment durations will be
available relatively soon should be a priority.
Patient identification: A population health-based approach for selection of patients for treatment should
be considered. The HCV Clinical Case Registry (CCR) (vaww.vistau.med.va.gov/VistaU/ccr/default.htm) is
available at each VA facility and is accessible to selected clinicians by request. Using the CCR, providers
can generate facility specific reports on the numbers and names of patients with HCV stratified by
cirrhosis (determined fibrosis markers such as by platelet count, FIB-4, APRI), genotype, prior treatment
experience, and other clinical considerations. The availability and customizability of the information
obtained from local CCR reports can optimize identification of patients in urgent need of treatment.
Pre-treatment evaluation: Before initiating antiviral therapy in a patient with chronic HCV, the
information listed in Table 4 should be assessed.
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Table 4. Pre-Treatment Evaluation
Essential pre-treatment information*
 HCV genotype (including subtype, e.g. 1a or 1b)
- Q80K polymorphism IF genotype 1a AND considering simeprevir/peginterferon/ribavirin therapy
 Clinical assessment of cirrhosis or no-cirrhosis
 If cirrhotic, exclusion of hepatocellular carcinoma based on imaging study within the past 6 months
 Previous HCV treatment history and outcome
 Interferon eligibility (see Table 5 below)
 HIV status and if HIV +, current antiretroviral regimen and degree of viral suppression
 Documented use of 2 forms of birth control in patient and sexual partners in whom a ribavirincontaining regimen is chosen
* For further guidance on pretreatment assessment and laboratory monitoring, refer to the 2012 Update on the
Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Recommendations from the Department of Veterans
Affairs Hepatitis C Resource Center Program and the National Hepatitis C Program Office.
(www.hepatitis.va.gov/provider/guidelines/2012HCV-pretreatment-assessments.asp)

Interferon eligibility: Although clinical trial data for new HCV treatment regimens that include both
peginterferon and ribavirin are more robust, some patients are not able to tolerate interferon or are
ineligible and should be considered for treatment with an interferon-free regimen. The following criteria
should be used to determine whether a patient is considered to be interferon ineligible or intolerant
(Table 5).
Table 5. Interferon Ineligible or Intolerant Criteria


Platelet count <75,000/mm3



Decompensated liver cirrhosis (Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class B or C, CTP score ≥7)



Severe mental health conditions that may be exacerbated by interferon or respond poorly to
medical therapy (with risks of interferon use documented by Mental Health evaluation)



Autoimmune diseases that may be exacerbated by interferon-mediated immune modulation



Inability to complete a prior treatment course due to documented interferon-related adverse
effects

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III. Chronic HCV Genotype 1 Infection
Table 6. Genotype 1, Interferon Eligible: Preferred Regimens and SVR Rates from Supporting Data
Regimens with optimal efficacy, favorable tolerability and toxicity profile, and ease of use.

Supporting Information

Treatment Considerations
Treatment history
Cirrhosis
Evidence
and
Regimen and duration
status
grade
HCV genotype (GT)
Naïve
GT1a or 1b

Noncirrhotic

Sofosbuvir + 12
PEG-IFN +
weeks
RBV

A-ll

SVR% (N/N)

89% (261/292)

a

Stratified by GT:
a
GT1a: 92% (206/225)
a
GT1b: 82% (54/66)
(represents non-cirrhotic
and cirrhotic patients; 1
patient had GT 1a/1b)

Experienced
GT1a or 1b

a

Cirrhotic

Sofosbuvir + 12
PEG-IFN +
weeks
RBV

A-ll

80% (43/54)

Noncirrhotic

Sofosbuvir + 12
PEG-IFN +
weeks
RBV

A-lll

No data; estimated to be
b
71%-78%

Comments
Reasonable to defer for
future treatment if no
significant extra-hepatic
disease.

SVR in cirrhotics was
not stratified by GT1a
and GT1b.
Reasonable to defer for
future treatment if no
significant extra-hepatic
disease.
SVR estimates based
on FDA modeling in
treatment-naïve
patients with poor
predictors.

Cirrhotic

a
b

NEUTRINO

Sofosbuvir + 12
PEG-IFN +
weeks
RBV

A-lll

No data; estimated to be
b
71%

SVR estimates based
on FDA modeling in
treatment-naïve
patients with poor
predictors.

4

www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2013/204671Orig1s000SumR.pdf;

PEG-IFN = Peginterferon alfa-2a 180 mcg subcutaneously weekly or alfa-2b 1.5 mcg/kg subcutaneously weekly; RBV = Ribavirin
1,000 mg (<75 kg) or 1,200 mg (≥75 kg) orally daily (in two divided doses) with food; Sofosbuvir 400 mg orally daily. Sofosbuvir
should not be used as monotherapy or in reduced dosages; it should not be restarted if discontinued.

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Table 7. Genotype 1, Interferon Ineligible or Intolerant*: Preferred Regimens and SVR Rates from
Supporting Data
Regimens with optimal efficacy, favorable tolerability and toxicity profile, and ease of use. SVR rates cannot be compared
between trials because of differences in study populations and clinical trial methodology.

Treatment Considerations

Supporting Information

Treatment history
Cirrhosis
Evidence
and
Regimen and duration
status
grade
HCV genotype (GT)
Naïve
GT1a or 1b

Noncirrhotic

Sofosbuvir + 24
RBV
weeks

B-l

SVR% (N/N)
24-week duration:
a
53% (10/19)
90% (9/10)

b

12-week duration:
a
47% (9/19)
c

84% (21/25)

Comments
Reasonable to defer
for future treatment if
no significant extrahepatic disease,
especially in GT1binfected patients.
The largest clinical trial
to date of
sofosbuvir/ribavirin
therapy was
conducted in 114
patients with HIV/HCV
coinfection. Among
GT1b-infected patients
with HIV/HCV
coinfection, SVR was
achieved in 54%
(13/24) as compared
with 82% (74/90) with
d
GT1a infection.
There is wide
variability in SVR rates
(53-90% with 24
weeks of treatment)
based on small studies
in HCV-monoinfected
a,b,c
patients.

Sofosbuvir + 12
Simeprevir ± weeks
RBV
NOT FDA
approved

B-III

Data not available

Reasonable to defer
treatment if no
significant extrahepatic disease.
Preferred regimen
based on data in
treatment-naïve
METAVIR F3/F4
patients, in which
100% (19/19) of
patients achieved
e
SVR4.
GT1a: Q80K
polymorphism may
theoretically increase
risk of relapse and
thus, reduce
achievement of SVR.

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Treatment Considerations

Supporting Information

Treatment history
Cirrhosis
Evidence
and
Regimen and duration
status
grade
HCV genotype (GT)
Cirrhotic

Sofosbuvir + 12
Simeprevir ± weeks
RBV

B-lI

SVR% (N/N)

Comments

SVR4: 100% (12/12, +RBV)
[95% CI: 74-100]

e

DO NOT USE
sofosbuvir + ribavirin
in cirrhotics due to
insufficient data.

e

SVR4: 100% (7/7, -RBV)
[95% CI: 59-100]

NOT FDA
approved

Small sample size,
preliminary data.

With Q80K polymorphism:
e

SVR4: 91% (10/11)
(includes treatment-naïve and
treatment-experienced
patients)
[95% CI: 59-100]
Experienced
GT1a or 1b

Noncirrhotic

Sofosbuvir + 12
Simeprevir ± weeks
RBV

B-lI

96% (26/27, +RBV)
[95% CI: 81-100]

e

Small sample size.
Reasonable to defer
for future treatment if
no significant
extrahepatic disease.

e

NOT FDA
approved

93% (13/14, -RBV)
[95% CI: 66-100]

Null responders with Q80K
polymorphism:
e

89% (24/27)
[95% CI: 71-98]

Cirrhotic

Sofosbuvir + 12
Simeprevir ± weeks
RBV

B-lI

SVR4: 93% (14/15, +RBV)
[95% CI: 68-100]

e

e

SVR4: 100% (7/7, -RBV)
[95% CI: 59-100]

NOT FDA
approved

With Q80K polymorphism:
e
SVR4: 91% (10/11)
(includes treatment-naïve and
treatment-experienced
patients)
[95% CI: 59-100]

DO NOT USE
sofosbuvir + ribavirin
in treatmentexperienced patients
due to insufficient
data
Small sample size,
preliminary data.
Preferred regimen
based on data in null
responders with
METAVIR F3/F4.
DO NOT USE
sofosbuvir + ribavirin
in treatmentexperienced patients
due to insufficient
data.

SVR4 = undetectable HCV RNA levels at 4 weeks posttreatment; 95% CI: 95% confidence interval for binomial proportion
a

11

b

10

c

12

d

9

e

8

QUANTUM , NIH-SPARE , ELECTRON , PHOTON-1 , COSMOS ; RBV = Ribavirin 1,000 mg (<75 kg) or 1,200 mg (≥75 kg)
orally daily (in two divided doses) with food; Simeprevir 150 mg orally daily with food; Sofosbuvir 400 mg orally daily. Sofosbuvir
or simeprevir should not be used as monotherapy or in reduced dosages; neither drug should be restarted if discontinued.
*Interferon ineligible or intolerant criteria: See Table 5.

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Table 8. Genotype 1, Interferon Eligible: Alternative Regimens and SVR Rates from Supporting Data
Regimens may be effective and tolerable, but have potential disadvantages when compared with preferred regimens. SVR rates cannot
be compared between trials.

Treatment Considerations
Treatment history and
HCV genotype (GT)
Naïve

Cirrhosis
status

Regimen and duration

Non-cirrhotic Simeprevir x 12 weeks +
PEG-IFN/RBV x 24 weeks

Supporting Information
Evidence
grade
B-l

SVR% (N/N)

84% (317/378)

Comments

a

GT1a without Q80K
Stratified by GT:
GT1a:
a
w/o Q80K: 84% (138/165)

Or GT1b

with Q80K: 58% (49/84)
GT1b: 85% (228/267)

Cirrhotic

Simeprevir x 12 weeks +
PEG-IFN/RBV x 24 weeks

C-l

68% (89/130)

F4: 60% (29/48)

GT1a without Q80K

Non-cirrhotic PEG-IFN/RBV
Relapsers:
Simeprevir x 12 weeks +
PEG-IFN/ RBV x 24
weeks

B-l

a

Screen for Q80K
polymorphism prior to
treatment.

a
a

DO NOT USE
simeprevir/PEGIFN/RBV in GT1a
patients who have the
Q80K polymorphism.

Relapsers: 82% (137/167)
Partial Responders: 65%
c
(15/23)
GT1a: 56% (14/25)
GT1b: 88% (38/43)

Or GT1b
PEG-IFN/RBV Partial
and Null Responders:
Simeprevir x 12 weeks +
PEG-IFN/ RBV x 48
weeks

Screen for Q80K
polymorphism prior to
treatment.
DO NOT USE
simeprevir/PEGIFN/RBV in GT1a
patients who have the
Q80K polymorphism.

a

F3: 73% (60/82)

Experienced

a

Reasonable to defer for
future treatment if no
significant extrahepatic
disease.

b

Reasonable to defer for
future treatment if no
significant extrahepatic
disease, or if PEGIFN/RBV partial or null
responder.
Screen for Q80K
polymorphism prior to
treatment.

c

Nulls: 53% (9/17)
GT1a:42% (11/26)
GT1b: 58% (14/24)

DO NOT USE
simeprevir/PEGIFN/RBV in GT1a
patients who have the
Q80K polymorphism.
DO NOT USE
if previously failed a
boceprevir- or
telaprevir-based
regimen.

Cirrhotic

3/27/2014

PEG-IFN/RBV
Relapsers:

B-l

Relapsers: 74% (29/39)

b

Screen for Q80K
polymorphism prior to

13

Treatment Considerations
Treatment history and
HCV genotype (GT)

Cirrhosis
status

Supporting Information
Evidence
grade

Regimen and duration
Simeprevir x 12 weeks +
PEG-IFN/RBV x 24
weeks

Comments
treatment.

Partial Responders: 82%
c
(9/11)
Nulls: 31% (4/13)

PEG-IFN/RBV Partial
and Null Responders:
Simeprevir x 12 weeks +
PEG-IFN/RBV x 48
weeks

Cirrhotic

SVR% (N/N)

DO NOT USE
simeprevir/PEGIFN/RBV in GT1a
patients who have the
Q80K polymorphism.

c

DO NOT USE in
cirrhotic null
responders OR in
patients who have
previously failed a
boceprevir- or
telaprevir-based
regimen.

PEG-IFN/RBV
Null Responders:
Sofosbuvir + Simeprevir ±
RBV x 12 weeks

B-lI

SVR4: 93% (14/15,+RBV)
[95% CI: 68-100]

d

d

SVR4: 100% (7/7, –RBV)
[95% CI: 59-100]

NOT FDA approved

Null responders with Q80K
polymorphism:
d
SVR4: SVR 91% (10/11)
[95% CI: 69-100]
a

5

b

6

c

7

d

Small sample size,
preliminary data.
Preferred regimen
based on data in null
responders with
METAVIR F3/F4.

8

95% CI: 95% confidence interval for binomial proportion; QUEST 1 & 2 , PROMISE , ASPIRE , COSMOS ; PEG-IFN = Peginterferon
alfa-2a 180 mcg subcutaneously weekly or alfa-2b 1.5 mcg/kg subcutaneously weekly; RBV = Ribavirin 1,000 mg (<75 kg) or 1,200 mg
(≥75 kg) orally daily (in two divided doses) with food; Simeprevir 150 mg orally daily with food. Simeprevir should not be used as
monotherapy or in reduced dosages; it should not be restarted if discontinued. For definitions of treatment response, refer to the 2012
Update on the Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Recommendations from the Department of Veterans Affairs
Hepatitis C Resource Center Program and the National Hepatitis C Program Office
(www.hepatitis.va.gov/provider/guidelines/2012HCV-definitions-of-response.asp).

Interferon-Containing Regimens in Genotype 1 – Sofosbuvir
Sofosbuvir (400 mg/day) in combination with ribavirin (1,000 mg/day if <75 kg and 1,200 mg/day if ≥75
kg with food, in divided doses) and peginterferon for 12 weeks is FDA approved for treatment-naïve and
treatment-experienced patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 or 4 infection. (See Table 6.)

The high SVR rates demonstrated or expected (based on FDA modeling) in the GT1 population
irrespective of baseline characteristics, ease of use, and short treatment duration provide sufficient
evidence to recommend sofosbuvir/peginterferon/ribavirin for 12 weeks as the preferred treatment
regimen for HCV GT1 infection.
3/27/2014

14

Sofosbuvir has been evaluated in a Phase III, open-label, single-arm clinical trial of monoinfected,
treatment-naïve GT1-infected patients in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin for 12 weeks
(NEUTRINO, n=327). No comparator arm with only peginterferon plus ribavirin was included in this study;
rather, superiority of the sofosbuvir regimen was determined from historical response rates. SVR rates
were 92% for GT1a, 82% for GT1b, 92% in those without cirrhosis, 80% in those with cirrhosis, 87% in
blacks, 91% in non-blacks, 98% in those with IL28B CC, and 87% in those with IL28B non-CC alleles.4 In
those with multiple baseline factors traditionally associated with a lower treatment response (METAVIR
F3/F4 fibrosis, IL28B non-CC, and HCV RNA >800,000IU/mL), SVR rates were 71%. Clinical trials of
sofosbuvir were not conducted in treatment-experienced GT1-infected patients. Nevertheless, the FDA
approved sofosbuvir/peginterferon/ribavirin for 12 weeks for treatment-experienced patients based on
modeling that suggested an SVR rate of 71-78% in this group
(www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2013/204671Orig1s000SumR.pdf).
The 12-week treatment duration for sofosbuvir/peginterferon/ribavirin is significantly shorter than that
for other regimens available at this time, and it is expected to be better tolerated with a more favorable
adherence profile. Furthermore, sofosbuvir is associated with fewer side effects and fewer drug
interactions, though DAAs have not been compared head-to-head in any clinical trials at this time.
Sofosbuvir also is active against NS3/4A protease inhibitor-, NS5B non-nucleoside inhibitor- and NS5A
inhibitor-resistant variants.
Interferon-Containing Regimens in Genotype 1 – Simeprevir
Simeprevir (150 mg/day with food) for 12 weeks in combination with peginterferon/ribavirin (1,000
mg/day if <75 kg and 1,200 mg/day if ≥75 kg with food, in divided doses) for 24 weeks is FDA approved
for treatment-naïve patients and treatment-experienced relapsers with chronic HCV genotype 1
infection. (See Table 8.)
Simeprevir (150 mg/day with food) for 12 weeks in combination with peginterferon/ribavirin for 48
weeks is FDA approved for treatment-experienced partial and null responders with chronic HCV genotype
1 infection. (See Table 8.)
Simeprevir is an acceptable alternative treatment for GT1-infected patients without the baseline Q80K
polymorphism in the HCV NS3/4a polymerase. From clinical studies with simeprevir plus
peginterferon/ribavirin, 48% of U.S.-enrolled patients with GT1a harbored the Q80K polymorphism at
baseline, which was associated with reduced SVR rates in these patients. Screening for the Q80K
polymorphism prior to treatment is strongly recommended for patients infected with GT1a, and
simeprevir plus peginterferon/ribavirin therapy should not be used in those with the Q80K
polymorphism. For patients who will receive simeprevir/sofosbuvir therapy, Q80K polymorphism testing
prior to treatment is strongly recommended but not required.
Simeprevir has been evaluated in clinical trials of treatment-naïve patients and treatment-experienced
patients (relapsers and partial and null responders to peginterferon/ribavirin). In treatment-naïve
patients, SVR rates were higher with simeprevir/peginterferon/ribavirin in those with GT1b versus GT1a
3/27/2014

15

(85% vs 75%), IL28b CC versus CT or TT (95% vs 78% or 61%, respectively), and non-cirrhotics versus
cirrhotics (84% vs 60-65%, respectively). SVR rates were lower in GT1a-infected patients who had the
Q80K polymorphism at baseline compared with those without it (58% and 84%, respectively).5 Among
peginterferon/ribavirin relapsers, SVR rates with simeprevir-based therapy were 82% in those with
METAVIR F0-2 (compared with 41% in those receiving peginterferon/ribavirin) and 73% with METAVIR
F3-4 (compared with 41% and 24% in those receiving peginterferon/ribavirin, respectively).6 Among
peginterferon/ribavirin partial responders receiving simeprevir plus peginterferon/ribavirin for 12 weeks
followed by peginterferon/ribavirin for an additional 36 weeks, the SVR rate was 65% (15/23). The SVR
rates from pooled simeprevir duration groups in partial responders with GT1a and GT1b subtypes were
56% (14/25) and 88% (38/43), respectively. Simpeprevir-based therapy in cirrhotic,
peginterferon/ribavirin partial responders achieved an SVR in 82% (9/11). In peginterferon/ribavirin null
responders receiving simeprevir plus peginterferon/ribavirin for 12 weeks followed by peginterferon and
ribavirin for an additional 36 weeks, the SVR rate was 53% (9/17). The SVR rates from pooled simeprevir
duration groups in null responders with GT1a and GT1b subtypes were 42% (11/26) and 58% (14/24),
respectively. Simeprevir-based therapy in cirrhotic, peginterferon/ribavirin null responders attained SVR
in 31% (4/13).7
For definitions of treatment response, refer to the 2012 Update on the Management and Treatment of
Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Recommendations from the Department of Veterans Affairs Hepatitis C
Resource Center Program and the National Hepatitis C Program Office
(www.hepatitis.va.gov/provider/guidelines/2012HCV-definitions-of-response.asp).
The pharmacology (drug-drug interactions, food requirement), resistance profile, and more complicated
regimen, which involves a longer duration of peginterferon/ribavirin treatment (24-48 weeks depending
on baseline patient characteristics), makes this regimen more complicated and less desirable.
Interferon-Free Regimens in Genotype 1 – Sofosbuvir/Simeprevir and Sofosbuvir/Ribavirin

Based on limited data with sofosbuvir/simeprevir, and lower SVR rates with sofosbuvir/ribavirin, an
interferon-free regimen should be used only to urgently treat Veterans with documented interferon
ineligibility or intolerance in whom delaying therapy would have a high likelihood of resulting in
morbidity and mortality. (See Table 7.)

Based on preliminary data, sofosbuvir/simeprevir may be considered as the preferred regimen in GT1infected patients who are interferon ineligible or intolerant and as an alternative regimen in interferon
eligible, cirrhotic null responders to prior peginterferon/ribavirin. This combination currently is not
approved by the FDA.

3/27/2014

16

Sofosbuvir/Simeprevir
The combination of sofosbuvir/simeprevir ± ribavirin has been evaluated in a limited population of GT1infected patients in an ongoing open-label, Phase IIa trial (COSMOS); data from COSMOS have not been
audited or reviewed by FDA. In 41 null responders with METAVIR F0-F2, SVR rates were 96% and 93%
with 12 weeks of sofosbuvir/simeprevir with and without ribavirin, respectively. In patients with
METAVIR F3-F4, SVR4 rates in 22 null responders were 93% and 100% with 12 weeks of
sofosbuvir/simeprevir with and without ribavirin, respectively, and the SVR4 rate in 19 treatment-naïve
patients was 100%. All relapses occurred in patients with GT1a and the Q80K polymorphism; relapse
occurred in 3 null responders with METAVIR F0-F2 and 1 patient in the cohort with METAVIR F3/F4.8
Sofosbuvir/Ribavirin
FDA labeling identifies sofosbuvir/ribavirin (without peginterferon) for 24 weeks as a potential
consideration for GT1-infected patients who are ineligible to receive an interferon-based regimen;
however, limited data exist for GT1 treatment-experienced patients and those with cirrhosis. SVR rates
for this regimen were extrapolated from several clinical trials. The largest trial of sofosbuvir/ribavirin was
a Phase III study (PHOTON-1) of 114 treatment-naïve, GT1-infected patients with HIV/HCV coinfection.
SVR rates were 82% in those with GT1a, 54% in those with GT1b, 80% in those with IL28B CC, and 75% in
those with IL28B non-CC alleles. Relapse accounted for the majority of treatment failures. Of note, only
4% of GT1-infected patients in PHOTON-1 had cirrhosis.9 In a small National Institutes of Health study of
an inner-city population consisting of 10 treatment-naïve GT1-infected patients without cirrhosis who
received sofosbuvir and weight-based ribavirin for 24 weeks, SVR was achieved in 90% (9/10); in the
same study, among 25 treatment-naïve patients with unfavorable traditional predictors of treatment
response and any stage of liver fibrosis, SVR was achieved in 68% (17/25; 1 patient dropped out at week
3 of treatment).10 Another small study of mostly white, IL28B-CC, treatment-naïve patients without
cirrhosis and normal body mass index, SVR was achieved in 84% (21/25) with a 12-week
sofosbuvir/ribavirin regimen. An evaluation of a 12- and 24-week sofosbuvir/ribavirin regimen in 50
mostly non-CC, treatment-naïve patients of mixed ethnicity reported SVR rates of 56% (14/25) and 52%
(13/25), respectively.11 The only available data for sofosbuvir/ribavirin in treatment-experienced patients
are from 10 null responders who were treated for 12 weeks in a comparator arm of the ELECTRON trial,
which reported an SVR of 10% (1/10).12 Based on modest SVR rates along with the lack of data in
cirrhotics and treatment-experienced patients in these studies, sofosbuvir/ribavirin use is not
recommended for cirrhotics and treatment-experienced patients.
Genotype 1-Infected Patients Who Failed Treatment with a Boceprevir- or Telaprevir-Based Regimen
There are insufficient data on the use of sofosbuvir- or simeprevir-based therapy in patients who have
failed treatment with boceprevir- or telaprevir-based therapy. Due to concerns of potential crossresistance, a simeprevir-based regimen should be avoided in patients who have previously failed a
boceprevir- or telaprevir-based regimen due to lack of virologic response.

3/27/2014

17

IV. Chronic HCV Genotype 2 Infection
Table 9. Genotype 2: Preferred Regimens in HCV Monoinfection and HIV/HCV Coinfection, and SVR Rates
from Supporting Data
Regimens with optimal efficacy, favorable tolerability and toxicity profile, and ease of use. SVR rates cannot be compared between
trials.

Treatment Considerations
Treatment history and Cirrhosis
HCV genotype (GT)
status

Naïve
GT2

Noncirrhotic

Supporting Information

Regimen and duration

Sofosbuvir + RBV

12
weeks

SVR (N/N)

Evidence
grade
A-I

97% (59/61)
92% (85/92)
97% (29/30)

Cirrhotic

Sofosbuvir + RBV

12
weeks

A-II

83% (10/12)
94% (16/17)
100% (2/2)

Experienced
GT2

Noncirrhotic

Sofosbuvir + RBV

a

Reasonable to
defer for future
treatment if no
significant
extrahepatic
disease.

b
c

a
b

c
c

12
weeks

A-II

91% (30/33)

Reasonable to
defer for future
treatment if no
d
Relapsers: 86% (25/29)
significant
extrahepatic
d
Nonresponders: 70% (7/10) disease.

16
weeks

B-II

Relapsers: 89% (24/27)

d

Nonresponders: 88% (7/8)
Sofosbuvir +
PEG-IFN + RBV

Comments

f

12
weeks

B-II

100% (9/9)

12
weeks

A-II

88% (7/8)

16
weeks

B-II

78% (7/9)

12
weeks

B-II

93% (13/14)

12
weeks

A-I

88% (23/26)

NOT FDA
approved
d

If interferon eligible

NOT FDA
approved
Cirrhotic

Sofosbuvir + RBV

Sofosbuvir +
PEG-IFN + RBV

c

60% (6/10)

d

d

NOT FDA
approved
e

If interferon eligible

f

Reasonable to
defer for future
treatment if noncirrhotic and no

NOT FDA
approved
Naïve or Experienced
GT2 HIV/HCV Coinfection

3/27/2014

Noncirrhotic
or
Cirrhotic

Sofosbuvir + RBV

18

Treatment Considerations
Treatment history and Cirrhosis
HCV genotype (GT)
status

Supporting Information

Regimen and duration

Comments

SVR (N/N)

Evidence
grade

significant
extrahepatic
disease.
In treatmentexperienced
patients,
sofosbuvir/ribavirin
x 12-16 weeks or
sofosbuvir/PEGIFN/RBV x 12
weeks (not FDAapproved) is
preferred based on
SVR rates in HCVmonoinfected
patients.
a

4

b

16

c

15

d

16

e

13

f

9

FISSION , POSITRON , VALENCE , FUSION , LONESTAR-2 , PHOTON-1 ; PEG-IFN = Peginterferon alfa-2a 180 mcg
subcutaneously weekly or alfa-2b 1.5 mcg/kg subcutaneously weekly; RBV = Ribavirin 1,000 mg (<75 kg) or 1,200 mg (≥75 kg) orally
daily (in two divided doses) with food; Sofosbuvir 400 mg orally daily. Sofosbuvir should not be used as monotherapy or in reduced
dosages; it should not be restarted if discontinued.

Table 10. Genotype 2: Alternative Regimens in HCV Monoinfection and HIV/HCV Coinfection, and
SVR Rates from Supporting Data
Regimens may be effective and tolerable, but have potential disadvantages when compared with preferred regimens. SVR rates
cannot be compared between trials.

Treatment Considerations
Treatment history
and
HCV genotype (GT)
Naïve
GT2
a

Cirrhosis
status

Noncirrhotic

Supporting Information

Regimen and duration

Peginterferon
+ RBV

24 weeks

SVR (N/N)

Evidence
grade
B-I

82%

a

14

Ghany et al. ; Peginterferon alfa-2a 180 mcg subcutaneously weekly or alfa-2b 1.5 mcg/kg subcutaneously weekly; RBV =
Ribavirin 1,000 mg (<75 kg) or 1,200 mg (≥75 kg) orally daily (in two divided doses) with food.

Sofosbuvir in Genotype 2
Sofosbuvir (400 mg/day) in combination with ribavirin (1,000 mg/day if <75kg or 1,200 mg/day if ≥75
kg/day with food, in divided doses) for 12 weeks is FDA approved for treatment-naïve and treatmentexperienced patients with chronic HCV genotype 2 infection. (See Table 9.)

3/27/2014

19

The preferred treatment regimen for chronic HCV GT2 infection is supported by the results of four Phase
III studies.4,15,16 SVR rates among these four studies were >90% in treatment-naïve and non-cirrhotic
populations. Patients with cirrhosis and previous nonresponse to peginterferon-containing regimens
were less well represented in the studies. Among treatment-experienced patients from the VALENCE
study, SVR was achieved in 91% (30/33) of non-cirrhotics and 88% (7/8) of cirrhotics with
sofosbuvir/ribavirin treatment for 12 weeks.15 In the FUSION study, a statistically insignificant increase in
SVR rates was seen with extending sofosbuvir/ribavirin therapy from 12 to 16 weeks in prior
nonresponders without cirrhosis (70% [7/10] vs. 88% [7/8], respectively) and in treatment-experienced
cirrhotics (60% [6/10] vs. 78% [7/9], respectively).16 Based on results from this small study, sofosbuvir and
ribavirin for 16 weeks may be considered as an option in treatment-experienced patients, however, this
16-week regimen is not FDA approved . In interferon eligible, treatment-experienced patients, sofosbuvir
plus peginterferon/ribavirin for 12 weeks may be considered. Among treatment-experienced noncirrhotics and cirrhotics from the LONESTAR-2 study, SVR was achieved in 100% (9/9) and 93% (13/14),
respectively, with the addition of peginterferon to sofosbuvir/ribavirin therapy for 12 weeks.13 This
regimen is not FDA approved.
Among treatment-naïve, non-cirrhotic and interferon-tolerant populations, an alternative regimen for
treatment of HCV GT2 is peginterferon and ribavirin 800 mg daily for 24 weeks.14 Pretreatment
characteristics of GT2 patients who achieve a high rate of SVR (>75%) with this regimen include a low
baseline HCV RNA (≤800,000 IU/mL) and absence of bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis, absence of prior
treatment failure, and absence of other factors related to poor interferon responsiveness (e.g., African
American ethnicity, obesity, IL28 non-CC genotype).14 Use of weight-based ribavirin (i.e., 1,000 mg if <75
kg or 1,200 mg if ≥75 kg daily) may improve treatment outcomes or allow for a shorter treatment
duration.

V. Chronic HCV Genotype 3 Infection
Table 11. Genotype 3: Preferred Regimens in HCV Monoinfection and HIV/HCV Coinfection, and
SVR Rates from Supporting Data
Regimens with optimal efficacy, favorable tolerability and toxicity profile, and ease of use. SVR rates cannot be compared
between trials.

Treatment Considerations

Treatment history and
HCV genotype (GT)
Naïve
GT3

3/27/2014

Cirrhosis status

Non-cirrhotic

Supporting
Information
Regimen and
duration

Sofosbuvir
+ RBV

24
weeks

Evidence
grade
A-l

Comments

SVR% (N/N)

94% (86/92)

a

Reasonable to
defer for future
treatment if no
significant
extrahepatic
disease.

20

Treatment Considerations
Cirrhosis status

Treatment history and
HCV genotype (GT)

Experienced
GT3

Supporting
Information
Regimen and
duration

Evidence
grade

SVR% (N/N)

a

Cirrhotic

Sofosbuvir
+ RBV

24
weeks

A-l

92% (12/13)

Non-cirrhotic

Sofosbuvir
+ RBV

24
weeks

A-l

87% (87/100)

Sofosbuvir
+ PEG-IFN
+ RBV

12
weeks

A-ll

83% (10/12)

Cirrhotic, Interferon Sofosbuvir
ineligible or
+ RBV
intolerant*

24
weeks

A-I

60% (27/45)

Non-cirrhotic or
Cirrhotic

24
weeks

A-II

92% (12/13)

Cirrhotic,
Interferon-eligible

Comments

a Reasonable to

defer for future
treatment if no
significant
extrahepatic
disease.

b

NOT FDA
approved

Naïve or Experienced
GT3 HIV/HCV Coinfection

Sofosbuvir
+ RBV

a

c

Reasonable to
defer for future
treatment if noncirrhotic and no
significant
extrahepatic
disease.
In treatmentexperienced
cirrhotics who
are IFN eligible,
sofosbuvir/PEGIFN/RBV x 12
weeks (not FDA
approved) is
preferred based
on SVR rates in
HCVmonoinfected
patients.

a

15

b

13

c

9

VALENCE , LONESTAR-2 , PHOTON-1 ; PEG-IFN = Peginterferon alfa-2a 180 mcg subcutaneously weekly or alfa-2b 1.5
mcg/kg subcutaneously weekly; RBV = Ribavirin 1,000 mg (<75 kg) or 1,200 mg (≥75 kg) orally daily (in two divided doses) with
food; Sofosbuvir 400 mg orally daily. Sofosbuvir should not be used as monotherapy or in reduced dosages; it should not be
restarted if discontinued.
*Interferon ineligible or intolerant criteria: See Table 5.

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21

Table 12. Genotype 3: Alternative Regimens in HCV Monoinfection and HIV/HCV Coinfection
(Interferon-Eligible Patients), and SVR Rates from Supporting Data
Regimens may be effective and tolerable, but have potential disadvantages when compared with preferred regimens. SVR rates
cannot be compared between trials.

Treatment Considerations

Treatment history
and
HCV genotype
(GT)
Naïve
GT3

Cirrhosi
s status

Noncirrhotic

Supporting
Information

Regimen and duration

Sofosbuvir +
PEG-IFN + RBV

Evidence
grade

Sofosbuvir +
PEG-IFN + RBV

SVR% (N/N)

12
weeks

A-ll

a
Reasonable to defer for
92% (23/25) ;
represents combined future treatment if no
significant extrahepatic
GT2 and GT3 data
disease.

12
weeks

A-lll

Data not available

12
weeks

A-ll

83% (10/12)

NOT FDA
approved
Cirrhotic

Comments

NOT FDA
approved
Experienced
GT3

Noncirrhotic

Sofosbuvir +
PEG-IFN + RBV
NOT FDA
approved

a

17

b

b

Reasonable to defer for
future treatment if no
significant extrahepatic
disease.

13

PROTON , LONESTAR-2 ; PEG-IFN = Peginterferon alfa-2a 180 mcg subcutaneously weekly or alfa-2b 1.5 mcg/kg
subcutaneously weekly; RBV = Ribavirin 1,000 mg (<75 kg) or 1,200 mg (≥75 kg) orally daily (in two divided doses) with food;
Sofosbuvir 400 mg orally daily. Sofosbuvir should not be used as monotherapy or in reduced dosages; it should not be restarted
if discontinued.

Sofosbuvir for Genotype 3
Sofosbuvir (400 mg/day) plus ribavirin (1,000 mg/day if <75 kg or 1,200 mg if ≥75 kg with food, in
divided doses) for 24 weeks is FDA approved for treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients
with chronic HCV genotype 3 infection.

The preferred regimen for chronic HCV GT3 is supported by the results of a Phase III, randomized study
(VALENCE) that evaluated treatment with sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 24 weeks in GT3 patients (n=250).
In treatment-naïve patients, SVR was achieved in 94% (86/92) of non-cirrhotics and 92% (12/13) of
cirrhotics. In treatment-experienced patients, SVR was attained in 87% (87/100) of non-cirrhotics and
60% (27/45) of cirrhotics.15 In other studies, shorter treatment duration (12-16 weeks) with sofosbuvir
and ribavirin resulted in lower SVR rates (21-68%).4,9,16
A Phase II, open-label study (PROTON) with sofosbuvir, peginterferon, and ribavirin for 12 weeks in
treatment-naïve, non-cirrhotic patients achieved SVR in 92%; however, these results represent combined
GT2 and GT3 data.17 In GT3 treatment-experienced patients (n=24), a Phase II, open-label study
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22

(LONESTAR-2) evaluated treatment with sofosbuvir, peginterferon, and ribavirin for 12 weeks; 50% of
patients were cirrhotic. SVR occurred in 83% (10/12) of non-cirrhotics and 83% (10/12) of cirrhotics.13
This regimen is not FDA approved.

VI. Identifying Treatment Candidates Based on Liver Disease Stage
HCV is a slowly progressive disease, usually requiring more than 20-40 years to progress to cirrhosis, but
it may progress sooner in some patients, particularly among those who drink alcohol regularly. In noncirrhotic patients, the short-term risk of developing a liver-related complication is low. Once a patient
develops advanced cirrhosis, there is a higher likelihood of developing decompensated cirrhosis,
including HCC, although the actual risk remains modest (<5% per year). Achieving SVR among patients
with compensated cirrhosis reduces the risk of developing decompensated cirrhosis or HCC.
Patients with decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class B or C; CTP score ≥7) have increased
mortality, with median survival of 24 months or less. However, treatment options are limited for patients
with decompensated cirrhosis. Treatment risks with interferon include infection and worsening hepatic
function. The safety and efficacy data for sofosbuvir-based regimens among patients with
decompensated cirrhosis are lacking. Since peginterferon is not recommended and no dosage
recommendation can be given for simeprevir (if its use in combination with sofosbuvir were considered)
in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, at the present time, the decision to treat and treatment
follow-up of patients with decompensated cirrhosis should be made by an experienced and
knowledgeable specialist.
Table 13. Diagnosis of Compensated Cirrhosis for the Purpose of Identifying Treatment Candidates
Method
Comment
Clinical Findings
 Physical exam findings (palpable left lobe, splenomegaly, palmar
erythema) AND
 Low platelet count (<100,000/mm3)* AND
 Abdominal imaging findings (see below)
Abdominal Imaging
 Surface abnormalities (e.g., nodularity, and left lobe/caudate lobe
 Ultrasound
hypertrophy) are suggestive of cirrhosis.
 Computed tomography
 Features of portal hypertension (e.g., splenomegaly, recanalization
(CT)
of umbilical vein, collaterals) and ascites also are suggestive of
cirrhosis.
 Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI)
Liver Fibrosis Imaging
 Both elastography and ARFI are FDA-approved, ultrasound-based
 Vibration-controlled
techniques for estimating the extent of liver fibrosis.
transient elastography
 Fibroscan value of >12.5 kilopascals has been associated with
(Fibroscan®)
histologic cirrhosis.
 Acoustic radiation force  ARFI value of >1.75 meters/second has been associated with
impulse imaging (ARFI)
histologic cirrhosis.
Serum Markers of
 APRI and FIB-4 scores are easily calculated using standard clinical
Fibrosis/Cirrhosis
labs.
 APRI
 APRI >1.5 has been associated with advanced fibrosis (METAVIR F3);
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Method
 FIB-4
 HALT-C cirrhosis score
 Fibrosure, Fibrotest,
Fibrospect





Liver Biopsy




Comment
APRI >2.0 has been associated with cirrhosis (METAVIR F4) in the
setting of chronic HCV infection.
FIB-4 >3.25 has been associated with advanced fibrosis (METAVIR
F3-F4) in the setting of chronic HCV infection.
HALT-C cirrhosis score predicts likelihood of having cirrhosis based
on standard clinical data.
Fibrosure, Fibrotest, and Fibrospect are proprietary, costly serum
fibrosis assays that are not recommended for routine use in the
diagnosis of cirrhosis.
Liver biopsy may be considered, but it is invasive and limited by
potential sampling error.
METAVIR or Batts-Ludwig stage 4 fibrosis (on a scale from 0 to 4) or
Ishak stage 5 or 6 fibrosis (on a scale from 0 to 6) confirms the
diagnosis of cirrhosis.
9

Abbreviations: APRI = [(AST/upper limit of normal AST) x 100]/platelet count (10 /L); FIB-4 = [Age (years) x AST]/platelet count
9
1/2
(10 /L) x ALT ; HALT-C cirrhosis score (see www.haltctrial.org/cirrhosis.html)
* A low platelet count in the context of chronic HCV infection is predictive of histologic cirrhosis.

Diagnosis of Compensated Cirrhosis for the Purpose of Identifying Treatment Candidates (see Table
13): Noninvasive and invasive methods to determine the presence and stage of cirrhosis are continually
evolving. Cirrhosis determination can be made using a histologic assessment of liver biopsy tissue.
However, several limitations exist, namely, not all facilities offer this procedure, the quality of tissue is
dependent upon the equipment and skill of the proceduralist; it is invasive, expensive, prone to sampling
error and variability in histopathologic interpretation; and it carries a small risk of complications to the
patient.
Serum markers: Routine blood tests can assist in identifying patients with advanced liver disease and, in
some instances, predict the likelihood of developing decompensated disease or HCC. Serum markers of
fibrosis (e.g., APRI, FIB-4, Fibrosure) may suggest the presence of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis (Table 13).
Similarly, the Ghany HALT-C score (www.haltctrial.org/cirrhosis.html) uses standard clinical data to
predict the likelihood of a patient having cirrhosis. A score of >0.6 (i.e., >60%) is generally considered as
an indication of cirrhosis. A Lok HALT-C HCC score greater than 3.25 (www.haltctrial.org/hccform.html) is
associated with increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in the subsequent 3-5 years.
Platelet counts are an additional noninvasive tool to identify cirrhotic patients with more advanced
cirrhosis. In the absence of hematopoietic disorders, patients with platelet counts of <150,000/mm3 have
increased risk of developing HCC, whereas patients with platelet counts of <100,000/mm3 have an even
higher risk of developing HCC.
Imaging: Findings of nodular liver or splenomegaly (>13 cm) on imaging (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan or MRI)
suggest cirrhosis. Recently, the FDA approved two specialized ultrasound-based evaluations, vibrationcontrolled transient elastography and acoustic radiation force impulse imaging, to monitor liver fibrosis

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progression. These modalities have been correlated with stage of histologic fibrosis; cutoffs that
correspond to histologic cirrhosis have been developed, but may vary by population studied.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: The following is based on expert opinion, given that minimal data are
available. Achieving an SVR is likely to improve outcome among patients in whom treatment is expected
to remove/ablate the entire tumor (i.e., “curative intent”) (e.g., transplant, surgical resection, and,
potentially, radiofrequency ablation or TACE of small HCC). Thus, sofosbuvir/ribavirin treatment (possibly
in combination with peginterferon) in these patients is reasonable, particularly for those awaiting liver
transplantation and for those with a CTP score <7, given the available clinical trial data in this population
and FDA labeling. Among patients in whom HCC treatment is noncurative (i.e., palliative), treatment of
HCV is unlikely to provide significant prolongation of life or improvement in symptoms, and is not
recommended until evidence of survival benefit is available.

VII. Laboratory Monitoring
Table 14. Discontinuing HCV Treatment Based on Lack of Virologic Response
Treatment Monitoring Considerations
•

Patients receiving a sofosbuvir-based regimen should have HCV RNA assessed at week 4 of
treatment; if the HCV RNA is detectable* at week 4 or at any timepoint thereafter, reassess HCV
RNA in 2 weeks. If HCV RNA increases at any timepoint or if the 8-week HCV RNA is detectable*,
discontinuation of all treatment should be strongly considered. (A-lll)
• Patients receiving a simeprevir-peginterferon-ribavirin regimen should have HCV RNA levels
assessed at weeks 4, 12 and 24; if the HCV RNA is ≥25 IU/mL at any of these time points, all
treatment should be discontinued. (A-l)
*Refer to “Use and Interpretation of HCV RNA Results,” below, for details.
Periodic laboratory monitoring of hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count with differential,
platelet count, and liver enzymes is necessary in all patients receiving HCV antiviral therapy. Consider
checking laboratory tests every 2 weeks initially for the first month, and then at least monthly thereafter,
depending upon patient tolerability. HCV RNA levels should be assessed at 12 weeks after the end-oftreatment to determine if SVR was achieved. HCV RNA at 24 weeks after the end-of-treatment is
suggested but optional. For further guidance on laboratory monitoring, refer to the 2012 Update on the
Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Recommendations from the Department of
Veterans Affairs Hepatitis C Resource Center Program and the National Hepatitis C Program Office
(www.hepatitis.va.gov/provider/guidelines/2012HCV-supplement.asp, Supplemental Table 1).
Use and Interpretation of HCV RNA Results
The FDA recommends use of a sensitive real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) assay for monitoring HCV RNA levels during treatment with DAA agents. Several assays are available
for quantifying HCV RNA, with different lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) and ranges of detection. To
assess treatment response, commercial assays that have a lower limit of HCV RNA quantification of ≤25
IU/mL is strongly recommended.14 Some laboratories that use HCV RNA assays with a LLOQ of <25 IU/mL
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may still report values below 25 IU/mL or may indicate that virus was still “detected” or “not detected”
below the LLOQ of <25 IU/mL.
If the week 4 HCV RNA is detectable while on sofosbuvir-based therapy, HCV RNA should be reassessed in
2 weeks. If the repeated HCV RNA level has increased (i.e., >1 log10 IU/mL from nadir) OR if the HCV RNA
is ≥25 IU/mL at week 8 of therapy, discontinuation of all therapy should be strongly considered (adapted
from NEUTRINO study criteria for treatment discontinuation4).
The following criteria were used in the NEUTRINO protocol to define on-treatment virologic failure (note,
HCV RNA levels were checked at least every 2 weeks using an assay with an LLOQ of <25 IU/mL), and
provide more detailed information about specific situations where discontinuation of sofosbuvir-based
therapy should be strongly considered4:
•
•
•

HCV RNA is ≥LLOQ (confirmed on at least one repeat test) after having previously had HCV RNA
<LLOQ while on treatment
>1 log10 IU/ml increase in HCV RNA (confirmed on at least one repeat test) from nadir while on
treatment
HCV RNA persistently ≥LLOQ through 8 weeks of treatment

VIII. Adverse Effects
Sofosbuvir21
The most common adverse events with sofosbuvir in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin were
fatigue (59%), headache (36%), nausea (34%) and insomnia (25%). Approximately 10% of patients treated
with sofosbuvir and ribavirin experienced a hemoglobin level of <10 g/dL and <1% developed a
hemoglobin level of <8.5 g/dL. Neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] <750/mm3) and
thrombocytopenia (platelet counts of <50,000/mm3) were not observed. In studies with peginterferon,
ribavirin, and sofosbuvir, 20% of patients developed a hemoglobin level of <10 g/dL and 2% developed a
hemoglobin level of <8.5 g/dL. Neutropenia developed in approximately 20% of cases and
thrombocytopenia in <1% of cases. Anemia was managed by ribavirin dosage reduction in all studies, and
<1% of patients received a blood transfusion.

Simeprevir22
The most common adverse effects of simeprevir, peginterferon and ribavirin regimens were rash
including photosensitivity (28%), pruritus (22%), nausea (22%), dyspnea (12%), and hyperbilirubinemia
(49%).
Rash and Photosensitivity
Rash including photosensitivity occurred most frequently in the first 4 weeks of treatment with a
simeprevir, peginterferon, and ribavirin regimen, but can occur at any time during treatment. The
majority (99%, 215/218) of rash and photosensitivity events were of mild (Grade 1) or moderate (Grade
2) severity. There were no reports of life-threatening (Grade 4) rash. Two simeprevir-treated patients
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experienced photosensitivity reactions that resulted in hospitalization. Rash and photosensitivity
reactions were more likely to occur in patients with higher simeprevir exposures.
Patients should be counseled to use sun-protective measures, limit sun exposure, and avoid tanning
devices during treatment with a simeprevir-based regimen. Patients with mild or moderate rash should
be followed for possible progression of rash, including the development of mucosal signs (e.g., oral
lesions, conjunctivitis) or systemic symptoms. If the rash becomes severe, simeprevir should be
discontinued. Consider urgent medical care and dermatological consultation if needed. Patients should
be monitored until the rash has resolved.
Dyspnea
In clinical trials of simeprevir, peginterferon, and ribavirin, increased dyspnea occurred in patients
treated with simeprevir-based therapy compared with placebo-treated patients (12% and 8%,
respectively); the majority of events occurred in the first 4 weeks of treatment. The dyspnea events were
of mild or moderate severity (Grade 1 or 2). No patients discontinued simeprevir treatment due to
dyspnea.
Hyperbilirubinemia
Approximately 50% of simeprevir-treated patients experienced elevated bilirubin levels compared with
26% of patients treated with placebo. Elevations of both direct and indirect bilirubin were predominately
mild (Grade 1; >1.1 to ≤ 1.5 x ULN) to moderate (Grade 2; >1.5 to ≤2.5 x ULN) in severity. Bilirubin
elevations occurred early after treatment initiation, peaking by week 2, and were rapidly reversible upon
simeprevir discontinuation. Bilirubin elevations generally were not associated with elevations in liver
transaminases.
Sulfa Allergy
Simeprevir contains a sulfonamide moiety. Based on limited data, patients with a history of sulfa allergy
(n=16) did not appear to have an increased incidence of rash or photosensitivity reactions.

IX. Proper Use
Drug-Drug Interactions21,22
Sofosbuvir is not metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system of enzymes but is a substrate of Pglycoprotein (P-gp); P-gp inducers may decrease sofosbuvir plasma concentrations.
•

•

Sofosbuvir should not be coadministered with any of the following: St. John’s wort,
anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine),
antimycobacterials (e.g., rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine), or tipranavir/ritonavir.
No dosage adjustment is needed for concomitant administration with the following:
cyclosporine, darunavir/ritonavir, efavirenz, emtricitabine, methadone, raltegravir, rilpivirine,
tacrolimus, or tenofovir.

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Simeprevir is metabolized by the CYP enzyme, CYP3A; coadministration with moderate or strong inducers
or inhibitors of CYP3A is not recommended as this may decrease or increase simeprevir concentrations,
respectively. Simeprevir is an inhibitor of P-gp and the drug transporter OATP1B1/3.
•

•

Simeprevir should not be coadministered with any of the following: milk thistle, St. John’s wort,
HIV protease inhibitors (with or without ritonavir), efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine, antiretroviral
agents containing cobicistat, antimycobacterials (rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine), macrolides,
azole antifungals, ketolides, dexamethasone, anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin,
phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine).
No dosage adjustment is needed for concomitant administration with the following:
cyclosporine, tacrolimus, ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, methadone, omeprazole, rilpivirine,
raltegravir, or tenofovir.

Refer to full prescribing information for a complete list of potential drug-drug interactions and dosage
adjustments of concomitantly prescribed medications.
Sofosbuvir package insert: www.gilead.com/~/media/Files/pdfs/medicines/liverdisease/sovaldi/sovaldi_pi.pdf
Simeprevir package insert: www.olysio.com/shared/product/olysio/prescribing-information.pdf

Storage and Stability21,22
Sofosbuvir and simeprevir tablets can be stored at room temperature (<86°F), but exposure of the
medication to direct sunlight should be avoided.
Humidity can alter sofosbuvir stability. Sofosbuvir was stable for 45 days in an open petri dish at 77°F
with 60-75% relative humidity.

Missed Doses21,22
Patients should be instructed to take a missed sofosbuvir dose as soon as possible that day and to take
the next sofosbuvir dose at the regular time the following day.
Patients should be instructed to take a missed simeprevir dose if it is less than 12 hours from the next
scheduled simeprevir dose and to take the next simeprevir dose at the regular time the following day.

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X. Groups with Special Considerations for Therapy
Table 15. HIV/HCV Coinfection, Genotypes 1 and 4: Preferred Regimens and SVR Rates from Supporting
Data
Regimens with optimal efficacy, favorable tolerability and toxicity profile, and ease of use.

Treatment Considerations
HCV
Genotype
(GT) and
Treatment
Status
GT1 or GT4,
Treatment
naïve or
treatment
experienced
GT1 or GT4,
Treatment
naïve

Supporting Information

Interferon
Eligibility

Cirrhosis
Status

Regimen and Duration

Eligible

Noncirrhotic or
Cirrhotic

Sofosbuvir +
PEG-IFN +
RBV

12
weeks

Noncirrhotic

Sofosbuvir +
RBV

24
weeks

Ineligible
or
intolerant*

Evidence
Grade

SVR% (N/N)

A-II/lll

90% (18/20) in
treatment-naïve,
non-cirrhotics

B-l

b

Stratified by GT:
GT1a: 82%
(74/90)
GT1b: 54%
(13/24)
(represents
non-cirrhotic
and cirrhotic
patients)

b

Single-center, singlearm, open label study

a

76% (87/114) in
GT1 treatmentnaïve with 4%,
cirrhotics

Comments

Reasonable to defer
for future treatment if
no significant
extrahepatic disease,
especially in GT1binfected patients.
The largest clinical trial
to date of sofosbuvir/
ribavirin therapy was
conducted in 114
patients with HIV/HCV
coinfection. Among
GT1b-infected patients
with HIV/HCV coinfection, SVR was
achieved in 54%
(13/24) as compared
with 82% (74/90) with
b
GT1a infection.

Consult with an
ID/HIV specialist on
treatment options.
Cirrhotic

For
consideration:
Sofosbuvir+
Simeprevir ±
RBV
NOT FDA
approved

12
weeks

B-lII

Data not
available

Treatment options
are limited. The risk
versus benefits of
treatment must be
carefully considered
along with drug-drug
interactions.
Consult with an
ID/HIV specialist on
treatment options.
The FDA does not
address the use of
simeprevir in

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Treatment Considerations
HCV
Genotype
(GT) and
Treatment
Status

Interferon
Eligibility

Cirrhosis
Status

Supporting Information

Regimen and Duration

Evidence
Grade

SVR% (N/N)

Comments

HIV/HCV-coinfected
patients.
DO NOT USE
sofosbuvir + ribavirin
in cirrhotics due to
insufficient data.
GT1 or GT4,
Treatment
experienced

Ineligible
or
intolerant*

Noncirrhotic or
Cirrhotic

For
consideration:
Sofosbuvir+
Simeprevir ±
RBV

12
weeks

B-lII

Data not
available

NOT FDA
approved

Treatment options
are limited. The risk
versus benefits of
treatment must be
carefully considered.
Consult with an
ID/HIV specialist on
treatment options.
The FDA does not
address the use of
simeprevir in
HIV/HCV-coinfected
patients.

a

19

b

DO NOT USE
sofosbuvir + ribavirin
in treatmentexperienced patients
due to insufficient
data.
9

Rodriguez-Torres et al. , PHOTON-1 ; Peginterferon alfa-2a 180 mcg subcutaneously weekly or alfa-2b 1.5 mcg/kg
subcutaneously weekly; Ribavirin 1,000 mg (<75 kg) or 1,200 mg (≥75 kg) orally daily (in two divided doses) with food; Sofosbuvir
400 mg orally daily. Sofosbuvir should not be used as monotherapy or in reduced dosages; it should not be restarted if
discontinued.
*Interferon ineligible or intolerant criteria: See Table 5.

For HCV genotype 2 or 3 treatment considerations in HIV/HCV coinfection, refer to Tables 9-12.

HIV/HCV coinfection
Sofosbuvir (400 mg/day) in combination with ribavirin (1,000 mg/day if <75 kg or 1,200 mg/day if
≥75 kg with food, in divided doses) and peginterferon for 12 weeks is FDA approved for chronic HCV
genotype 1 or 4 infection in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients with HIV/HCV
coinfection. (See Table 15.)
Sofosbuvir combined with weight-based ribavirin is FDA-approved for treatment-naïve and
treatment-experienced HCV GT2-infected patients for 12 weeks and in HCV GT3-infected patients for
24 weeks with HIV/HCV coinfection. (See Tables 9-12.)
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The preferred treatment for chronic HCV in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients is sofosbuvir plus
peginterferon/ribavirin for 12 weeks or sofosbuvir/ribavirin for 24 weeks, because of improved tolerance
and diminished potential for drug-drug interactions.
While there are few data on the use of simeprevir in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals, the use of sofobuvir
plus simeprevir (+/– ribavirin) for 12 weeks can be considered in IFN ineligible or intolerant GT1-infected
patients, particularly those who are HCV treatment experienced. However, attention to drug-drug
interactions between HIV and HCV drugs is needed. This regimen is not FDA approved.
The open-label Phase III clinical trial, PHOTON-1, examined the safety and efficacy of 12 and 24 weeks of
sofosbuvir and ribavirin in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with HCV GT1 (treatment naïve), 2, and 3
infection (treatment naïve and experienced). The mean CD4 count of study participants was >500
cells/mm3. For all genotypes, response rates observed in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients were similar to
response rates observed in HCV-monoinfected patients (Tables 9-12, 15). SVR12 and SVR24 rates were
similar. For treatment-naïve GT1-infected patients, SVR12 and 24 rates to sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 24
weeks were 76% (87/114) and 75% (86/114), respectively. There was no difference in the SVR12 and 24
rates in those with GT2 infection and those with GT3 infection. For treatment-naïve patients, SVR rates to
sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 weeks were 88% (23/26) in GT2-infected patients, and 67% (28/42) in GT3infected patients. For treatment-experienced patients, SVR rates to sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 24 weeks
were 92% (22/24) in GT2-infected patients and 88% (15/17) in GT3-infected patients. When GT1-infected
patients were stratified by subtype, SVR12 rates were noted to be 82% (74/90) in those with GT1a
infection and 54% (13/24) in those with GT1b infection. Only 4% of GT1- and GT2-infected patients, and
14% of GT3-infected patients had documented cirrhosis.9,18
A Phase II, single-center, open-label, single-arm trial evaluated 23 treatment-naïve, non-cirrhotic, GT1-4
HCV/HIV coinfected patients who received sofosbuvir, peginterferon, and ribavirin (1,000 or 1,200
mg/day) for 12 weeks. Patients were required to be on a stable HIV antiretroviral regimen with
suppressed HIV RNA. Overall SVR was achieved in 91% (21/23). SVR occurred in 89% (17/19) of GT1-,
100% (1/1) of GT2-, 100% (2/2) of GT3-, and 100% of GT4-infected patients.19
Simeprevir use in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals is not addressed in the FDA labeling. In an open-label
study of 106 patients, simeprevir for 12 weeks plus peginterferon/ribavirin for 24 or 48 weeks was
evaluated in treatment-naïve or treatment-experienced GT1 patients with HIV/HCV coinfection. The
overall SVR12 rate was 79% in treatment-naïve patients, 87% in relapsers to peginterferon/ribavirin, 70%
in partial responders, and 57% in null responders to peginterferon/ribavirin. Protease-inhibitor or
efavirenz-based regimens were not permitted in this study. F3-F4 disease was present in 21% of patients
and SVR rates in this population ranged from 64% to 80%.20
Treatment options are limited in treatment-experienced, interferon-ineligible or interferon-intolerant
HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with cirrhosis, and the risk versus benefits of treatment must be carefully
considered. Consult with an ID/HIV specialist on treatment options. In interferon-ineligible or interferonintolerant GT1 HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals, sofobuvir plus simeprevir (+/– ribavirin) for 12 weeks can
be considered, particularly in HCV treatment-experienced cirrhotic patients. Although this regimen has
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not been studied in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals and is not FDA approved, preliminary data (SVR4) in
HCV-monoinfected patients suggests this may be a reasonable treatment option in HIV/HCV-coinfected
patients. Furthermore, there are insufficient data with sofosbuvir plus ribavirin in treatment-experienced
and cirrhotic HIV/HCV-coinfected populations to be able to recommend this regimen. Thus, for HIV/HCVcoinfected patients who are interferon ineligible or intolerant and for whom urgent treatment is
required, consultation with an ID/HIV/ID expert is strongly recommended and, if sofosbuvir plus
simeprevir (+/– ribavirin) is considered, a complete and thorough evaluation of potential drug-drug
interactions is required.
HIV/HCV Drug-Drug Interactions21,22
Sofosbuvir has no significant interactions with antiretroviral drugs recommended for the treatment of
HIV, including emtricitabine, tenofovir, efavirenz, darunavir (+/– ritonavir), rilpivirine, and raltegravir.
Sofosbuvir and tipranavir (+/– ritonavir) should not be coadministered as this may diminish the
therapeutic effect of sofosbuvir. Increased rates of hyperbilirubinemia were observed when sofosbuvir
was coadministered with HIV regimens containing atazanavir (see “Adverse Effects in HIV/HCV
Coinfection,” below).
Simeprevir should not be coadministered with the following HIV medications: HIV protease inhibitors
(+/– ritonavir), efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine, or antiretroviral agents containing cobicistat.
Use of zidovudine and didanosine with ribavirin is not recommended.
Adverse Effects in HIV/HCV Coinfection21
The most commonly reported adverse effects in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients treated with sofosbuvir and
ribavirin were fatigue (30-38%), headache (24-30%), nausea (13-22%), and insomnia (15-16%). Hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin >2.5 mg/dL) was observed in 22/114 (20%) of HIV/HCV patients treated with
sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 24 weeks. Of these patients, 20 (95%) also were prescribed atazanavircontaining regimens; 5 patients were switched from atazanavir to darunavir. Approximately 20% of
HIV/HCV-coinfected patients developed a grade 2 anemia (hemoglobin level of <10 g/dL) but only 2%
developed a grade 3 anemia (hemoglobin level of <8.5 g/dL). One-fourth of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients
required ribavirin dosage-reduction for management of anemia. For additional information, refer to
Sofosbuvir (NDA 204671). Presentation to: FDA Antiviral Drugs Advisory Committee; October 25, 2013.
Selecting Patients for Treatment
Patients should be managed in collaboration with an ID/HIV specialist. Patients with uncontrolled HIV
infection and advanced immunosuppression should begin HIV antiretrovirals before considering therapy
for HCV. Optimal candidates for HCV treatment are patients who are on a stable regimen for HIV (HIV
viral load <50 copies/mL) for at least 8 weeks and have an absolute CD4 count of >200 cells/mm3.
Laboratory Monitoring21,22
In addition to the laboratory tests performed for HCV-monoinfected patients receiving antiviral therapy,
HIV RNA and CD4 counts should be measured at baseline and at routine intervals as recommended by

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the Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1Infected Adults and Adolescents.23

Renal Insufficiency or Hepatic Impairment
Table 16. Modification of Drug Use in Patients with Renal Insufficiency or Hepatic Impairment
Treatment Considerations
Condition
Treatment
Comment
Renal Insufficiency Simeprevir
Has not been studied in HCV-infected patients with CrCl
<30 mL/min. However, no dosage adjustment needed.
Sofosbuvir
Should not be used if CrCl <30 mL/min or end-stage
renal disease.
Peginterferon Dosage reduce to 135 mcg/week subcutaneously once
alfa-2a
weekly for CrCl <30 mL/min, including hemodialysis.
Peginterferon Dosage reduce by 25% for CrCl 30-50 ml/min and by 50%
alfa-2b
for CrCl <30 ml/min, including hemodialysis.
Ribavirin
200 mg daily alternating with 400 mg daily for CrCl 30-50
mL/min and 200 mg daily for CrCl <30 mL/min, including
hemodialysis.
Hepatic
Simeprevir
No dosage recommendation can be given for patients
Impairment
with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (ChildTurcotte-Pugh Class B or C; CTP score ≥7) due to higher
simeprevir exposures, which have been associated with
increased frequency of adverse reactions including rash
and photosensitivity.
Sofosbuvir
No dosage adjustment is required for patients with mild,
moderate, or severe hepatic impairment (ChildTurcotte-Pugh Class A, B, or C). Safety and efficacy of
sofosbuvir have not been established in patients with
decompensated cirrhosis.
Peginterferon Should not be used in patients with moderate or severe
hepatic impairment (Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class B or C;
CTP score ≥7).

Grade
A-I
A-I
A-I
A-I
A-I
A-I

A-l

A-l

CTP = Child-Turcotte-Pugh

Sofosbuvir21
Sofosbuvir and its major metabolites are eliminated primarily via renal clearance. No dosage adjustment
is required for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment (CrCl ≥30 mL/min). However, the safety
and efficacy of sofosbuvir are not established in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30
mL/min). Hemodialysis removes 18% of the dose. Until additional data are available, sofosbuvir should
not be used in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) or end-stage renal disease
requiring dialysis.

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Because peginterferon is not recommended and no dosage recommendation can be given for simeprevir
in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class B or C; CTP score ≥7), the safety and
efficacy of sofosbuvir in combination with these agents have not been established. Collaboration with an
experienced hepatologist is necessary to carefully consider the risks versus benefits of sofosbuvir-based
treatment in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Simeprevir22
Simeprevir does not require dosage adjustment for mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment. No
clinically significant differences in pharmacokinetics were observed in HCV-noninfected volunteers with
mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment. Creatinine clearance was not identified as a significant
covariate of simeprevir population pharmacokinetics in HCV-infected patients.
Simeprevir does not require dosage adjustment in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-TurcottePugh Class A). In HCV-uninfected patients, the mean steady-state AUC of simeprevir was 2.4-fold higher
with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class B) and 5.2-fold higher with severe hepatic
impairment (Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class C). The safety and efficacy of simeprevir have not been
established in HCV-infected patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class B or C. Due to higher simeprevir
exposure and potentially increased adverse reactions, no dosage recommendation can be given for
simeprevir in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class B or C).

Treatment in Pre-Liver Transplant and Post-Liver or -Other Solid Organ Transplant
Table 17. Treatment Considerations for Patients Who Will or Have Received a Solid Organ Transplant,
AFTER DISCUSSION WITH THE TRANSPLANT CENTER
Treatment Considerations

Transplant status

HCV genotype
(GT)

Pre-Liver
GT1, 2, 3, or 4
Transplant for
Patients with HCC

Supporting Information

Regimen and duration
Sofosbuvir +
RBV

24-48
weeks

Evidence
grade
B-II

SVR % (N/N)
64% (25/39)

a

(combination
with PEG-IFN
may be
considered
but is not
FDA
approved)
Post-Liver
Transplant

GT1, 2, 3, or 4

Sofosbuvir +
RBV

NOT FDA

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Close collaboration with the
transplant center is necessary
prior to and during treatment.
Patients had HCC with
compensated liver disease
(CTP score <7).

24
weeks

B-lll

77% (31/40)

b

c

(PEG-IFN
may be
considered)

Comments

60% (19/32)

Close collaboration with the
transplant center is necessary
prior to and during treatment.

Among patients with severe
c
50% (6/12)
post-transplant HCV, 34%
with PEG-IFN (15/44) mortality due to
progressive liver disease and

34

Treatment Considerations
HCV genotype
(GT)

Transplant status

Supporting Information

Regimen and duration
APPROVED

Post-Other Solid GT1, 2, 3, or 4
Organ Transplant
(Kidney, Heart, or
Lung)
24

b

SVR % (N/N)

Comments
were not related to
sofosbuvir/ribavirin therapy.

Discuss with transplant center.
DO NOT USE (peg)interferon-containing regimens in these populations.
Sofosbuvir has not been studied in non-liver transplant recipients.

CTP = Child-Turcotte-Pugh
a

Evidence
grade

25

c

26

Curry MP et al. ; Charlton MR et al. ; Forns X et al.
PEG-IFN = Peginterferon alfa-2a 180 mcg subcutaneously weekly or alfa-2b 1.5 mcg/kg subcutaneously weekly; RBV = Ribavirin
1,000 mg (<75 kg) or 1,200 mg (≥75 kg) orally daily (in two divided doses) with food; Sofosbuvir 400 mg orally daily. Sofosbuvir
should not be used as monotherapy or in reduced dosages; it should not be restarted if discontinued.

Sofosbuvir (400 mg/day) in combination with ribavirin (1,000 mg/day if <75 kg and 1,200 mg/day if
≥75 kg, in divided doses) is FDA approved for HCV-infected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
meeting Milan criteria who are awaiting liver transplantation, for a duration of up to 48 weeks or
until the time of transplantation, whichever occurs first. (See Table 17.)

Close collaboration with the patient’s transplant center is necessary to determine the timing of treatment
initiation (e.g., treatment once patient is listed for transplant). Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin treatment shows
promise with evidence that the longer duration of viral negativity (i.e., >30 days) prior to transplant, the
less likely virologic recurrence will occur. Among 61 patients with HCC awaiting liver transplant (median
MELD of 8, CTP score <7) treated for up to 48 weeks, 41 had undetectable HCV RNA at the time of
transplant.24 In the 39 evaluable post-transplant patients, the 12-week post-transplant virologic response
(pTVR) was 64% (25/39). The longest duration for which this regimen has been studied is 48 weeks, thus
the timing of treatment initiation should be carefully considered.
Sofosbuvir and simeprevir are currently not approved by the FDA for use in post-transplant patients. (See
Table 17.)
Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin has been evaluated in two Phase II trials of post-transplant HCV. Charlton and
colleagues treated 40 patients with post-transplant HCV with sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 24 weeks. The
majority of subjects were HCV GT1-infected (73%); 40% had cirrhosis and 23% had bridging fibrosis. In
this study, the SVR rate was 77%. There were no deaths, graft loss, or rejection.25 In a compassionate use
program, Forns and colleagues treated 44 patients with severe recurrence of HCV following liver
transplantation, including fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis, with sofosbuvir plus ribavirin either with (n=12)
or without (n=32) peginterferon for 24 weeks. The decision to use peginterferon was left to the treating
physician. The reported SVR was 60% for sofosbuvir and ribavirin and 50% for sofosbuvir, peginterferon
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plus ribavirin. Because of the severity of the HCV disease in the patients at the time of treatment
initiation, 15 patients died of progressive liver disease during the treatment period. No deaths were
attributed to sofosbuvir and ribavirin treatment. Liver function tests (e.g., bilirubin, INR) improved with
treatment.25 Although these trials were small, they are consistent in suggesting that sofosbuvir plus
ribavirin may be safe and effective treatment for post-transplant HCV. Larger studies are needed to
better evaluate safety and efficacy.
Sofosbuvir has not been studied in non-liver transplant settings. Close collaboration with the patient’s
transplant center is encouraged to assess post-transplant treatment candidate selection and type of
regimen. Patients without urgent need for therapy would likely benefit from receiving future therapies
that are more evidence-based.

Extra-hepatic manifestations of HCV
Table 18. Treatment of Patients with Extra-Hepatic HCV
Treatment Considerations
•

Patients with leukocytoclastic vasculitis, symptomatic cryoglobulinemia or membranoproliferative
glomerulonephritis despite mild liver disease should be treated as soon as possible.(A-III)

Mental Health and Substance-Use Disorders
Patients with severe mental health conditions (e.g., psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, major
depression, posttraumatic stress disorder), as documented by psychiatric evaluation, who are engaged in
mental health treatment should be considered for therapy on a case-by-case basis. The use of interferoncontaining regimens is associated with worsening of these conditions. Patients should be managed in
collaboration with Mental Health providers to determine the risks versus benefits of treatment and
potential treatment options.
Substance or alcohol use: All patients should be evaluated for current alcohol and other substance use,
with validated screening instruments such as AUDIT C (www.hepatitis.va.gov/provider/tools/audit-c.asp)
or CAGE (www.hepatitis.va.gov/products/video-alcohol-brief-counseling.asp). The presence of current
heavy alcohol use (>14 drinks per week for men or >7 drinks per week for women), binge alcohol use (>4
drinks per occasion at least once a month), or active injection drug use warrants referral to an addiction
specialist before treatment initiation. There are no published data supporting a minimum length of
abstinence as an inclusion criterion for HCV antiviral treatment. Patients with active substance- or
alcohol-use disorders should be considered for therapy on a case-by-case basis and care should be
coordinated with substance-use treatment specialists.
East Asian Ancestry21
Higher simeprevir exposure occurred among individuals of East Asian ancestry and has been associated
with increased adverse reactions, including rash and photosensitivity.

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XI. Panel Members
Pamela S. Belperio, PharmD, BCTPS, AAHIVE
National Public Health Clinical Pharmacist
VA Office of Public Health / Population Health

Timothy R. Morgan, MD
Chief, Hepatology
VA Long Beach Healthcare System
Professor of Medicine, University of California,
Irvine

Mary Jane Burton, MD
Clinical Director, Viral Hepatitis Clinics, G.V. Sonny
Montgomery VA Medical Center
Associate Professor of Medicine, University of
Mississippi Medical Center

Catherine Rongey, MD, MSHS
Staff Physician, Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
San Francisco VA Medical Center
Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of
California, San Francisco

Maggie Chartier, PsyD, MPH
Acting Deputy Director, HIV, Hepatitis, and Public
Health Pathogens Programs
Office of Public Health/Clinical Public Health
Staff Psychologist, San Francisco VA Medical
Center, Mental Health Service

David Ross, MD, PhD, MBI
Director, HIV, Hepatitis, and Public Health
Pathogens Programs
Office of Public Health/Clinical Public Health

Rena K. Fox, MD
Medical Editor, VA National Hepatitis Website
Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of
California, San Francisco

Phyllis Tien, MD
Staff Physician, San Francisco VA Medical Center
Associate Professor of Medicine, University of
California, San Francisco

Alexander Monto, MD
Director, Liver Clinic, San Francisco VA Medical
Center
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine
University of California, San Francisco

Helen S. Yee, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, San Francisco VA
Medical Center
Associate Clinical Professor of Pharmacy,
University of California, San Francisco
Adjunct Professor, University of the Pacific

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37

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