Phase 1A/1B dose-escalation and -expansion study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, food effects and antitumor activity of pamiparib in advanced solid tumours.

BACKGROUND: Pamiparib, a PARP1/2 inhibitor, demonstrated antitumor activity in preclinical models. METHODS: This Phase 1A/1B dose-escalation/dose-expansion study enrolled adults (≥18 years) with advanced/metastatic cancer. The dose-escalation phase evaluated the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and pharmacokinetics; the dose-expansion phase evaluated the antitumor activity and food effects. RESULTS: Patients (N = 101) were enrolled in dose-escalation (n = 64) and dose-expansion (n = 37). During BID dose-escalation, dose-limiting toxicities were Grade 2 nausea (n = 1, 40 mg; n = 1, 80 mg); Grade 2 nausea and Grade 2 anorexia (n = 1, 120 mg), Grade 2 nausea, Grade 3 fatigue and Grade 3 paraesthesia (n = 1, 120 mg); MTD was 80 mg BID and RP2D was 60 mg BID. Common adverse events (AEs) were nausea (69.3%), fatigue (48.5%) and anaemia (35.6%); the most common Grade ≥3 AE was anaemia (24.8%). There was a dose-proportional increase in pamiparib exposure; no food effects on pharmacokinetics were observed. In the efficacy-evaluable population (n = 77), objective response rate (ORR) was 27.3% (95% CI, 17.7-38.6%). Median duration of response was 14.9 months (95% CI, 8.7-26.3). In the epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)-evaluable population (n = 51), ORR was 41.2% (95% CI, 27.6-55.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Pamiparib was tolerated with manageable AEs, and antitumor activity was observed in patients with EOC. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02361723.

Optimal Timing of Administration of Direct-acting Antivirals for Patients With Hepatitis C-associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Liver Transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the optimal timing of direct acting antiviral (DAA) administration in patients with hepatitis C-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing liver transplantation (LT). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In patients with hepatitis C (HCV) associated HCC undergoing LT, the optimal timing of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) administration to achieve sustained virologic response (SVR) and improved oncologic outcomes remains a topic of much debate. METHODS: The United States HCC LT Consortium (2015-2019) was reviewed for patients with primary HCV-associated HCC who underwent LT and received DAA therapy at 20 institutions. Primary outcomes were SVR and HCC recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: Of 857 patients, 725 were within Milan criteria. SVR was associated with improved 5-year RFS (92% vs 77%, P < 0.01). Patients who received DAAs pre-LT, 0-3 months post-LT, and ≥3 months post-LT had SVR rates of 91%, 92%, and 82%, and 5-year RFS of 93%, 94%, and 87%, respectively. Among 427 HCV treatment-naïve patients (no previous interferon therapy), patients who achieved SVR with DAAs had improved 5-year RFS (93% vs 76%, P < 0.01). Patients who received DAAs pre-LT, 0-3 months post-LT, and ≥3 months post-LT had SVR rates of 91%, 93%, and 78% (P < 0.01) and 5-year RFS of 93%, 100%, and 83% (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The optimal timing of DAA therapy appears to be 0 to 3 months after LT for HCV-associated HCC, given increased rates of SVR and improved RFS. Delayed administration after transplant should be avoided. A prospective randomized controlled trial is warranted to validate these results.

Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir for 8, 12, or 24 Weeks in Hepatitis C Patients Undergoing Dialysis for End-Stage Renal Disease.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated 8, 12, or 24 weeks of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in patients with hepatitis C virus and end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis. METHODS: Primary efficacy end point was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment. Primary safety end point was treatment discontinuation because of adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Ninety-four percent (89/95) achieved sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment. Six patients died during treatment (n = 4) or before study completion (n = 2); no deaths were related to treatment. No patients discontinued treatment because of AEs. Thirteen percent had serious AEs; none were related to treatment. DISCUSSION: Treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir was safe and effective in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis.

Effective Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection With Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir in 2 Teenagers With HIV Coinfection: A Brief Report.

ABSTRACT: We present the efficacy and safety of 12 weeks of therapy with a fixed dose of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in 2 teenagers with HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfection. Patient 1 presented with compensated cirrhosis, whereas patient 2 had evidence of previous hepatitis B virus infection. Both patients achieved a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment. No serious adverse effects were reported.

A Pragmatic, Randomized Controlled Trial of Oral Antivirals for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C: The PRIORITIZE Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Multiple direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens are available to treat HCV genotype 1 infection. However, comparative effectiveness from randomized controlled trials of DAA regimens is unavailable. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We conducted a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (NCT02786537) to compare the effectiveness of DAAs for HCV genotype 1a or 1b on viral response, safety, tolerability, and medication nonadherence. Adults with compensated liver disease, HCV genotype 1, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and with health insurance likely to cover ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) were recruited from 34 US viral hepatitis clinics. Participants were randomized (± ribavirin) to LDV/SOF, elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR), and paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir+dasabuvir (PrOD; treatment arm stopped early). Primary outcomes included sustained viral response at 12 weeks (SVR12), clinician-recorded adverse events, patient-reported symptoms, and medication nonadherence. Between June 2016 and March 2018, 1,609 participants were randomized. Among 1,128 participants who received ≥1 dose of EBR/GZR or LDV/SOF (± ribavirin), SVR12 was 95.2% (95% CI, 92.8%-97.6%) and 97.4% (95% CI, 95.5%-99.2%), respectively, with a difference estimate of 2.2% (-0.5% to 4.7%), falling within the "equivalence" interval (-5% to 5%). While most (56%) participants experienced adverse events, few were serious (4.2%) or severe (1.8%). In the absence of ribavirin, discontinuations due to adverse events were rare. Patient-reported symptoms and medication nonadherence were similar. Study limitations were dropout due to insurance denial and loss to follow-up after treatment, limiting the ability to measure SVR12. CONCLUSIONS: This pragmatic trial demonstrated high SVR12 for participants treated with EBR/GZR and LDV/SOF with few adverse effects. Overall, the two regimens were equivalent in effectiveness. The results support current HCV guidelines that do not distinguish between ribavirin-free EBR/GZR and LDV/SOF.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with sofosbuvir in a hemodialysis patient: a case report.

The treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in chronic hemodialysis patients remains an issue of great concern for nephrologists. In 2008 the kidney disease improving global outcomes working group suggested the use of pegylated interferon in end stage kidney disease patients treated by dialysis. Since then, series and some clinical trials on different direct-acting antiviral agents have shown better efficacy and tolerance than interferon-based regimens. Data on the efficacy, tolerance and the right dose of sofosbuvir in this population are still unclear. We report a case of chronic HCV genotype 1b infection in a 47-year-old patient on maintenance hemodialysis successfully treated by a combination of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir for 12 weeks. Evolution was marked by the complete regression of the hepatic cytolysis, a complete and sustained virologic response with HCV viral load undetectable for a 24 months follow-up period. No adverse reaction was found. The treatment of HCV genotype 1 or 4 infection in patients on maintenance hemodialysis is possible with sofosbuvir based regimens with a good efficacy/safety ratio in the absence of current recommended drugs for patients with eGFR<30ml/min/1.73m2. The prescription of sofosbuvir should be encouraged amongst this population in this setting.

Human Mass Balance and Metabolite Profiling of [14 C]-Pamiparib, a Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor, in Patients With Advanced Cancer.

Pamiparib, a selective poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1/2 inhibitor, demonstrated tolerability and antitumor activity in patients with solid tumors at 60 mg orally twice daily. This phase 1 open-label study (NCT03991494; BGB-290-106) investigated the absorption, metabolism, and excretion (AME) of 60 mg [14 C]-pamiparib in 4 patients with solid tumors. The mass balance in excreta, blood, and plasma radioactivity and plasma pamiparib concentration were determined along with metabolite profiles in plasma, urine, and feces. Unchanged pamiparib accounted for the most plasma radioactivity (67.2% ± 10.2%). Pamiparib was rapidly absorbed with a median time to maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) of 2.00 hours (range, 1.00-3.05 hours). After reaching Cmax , pamiparib declined in a biphasic manner, with a geometric mean terminal half-life (t1/2 ) of 28.7 hours. Mean cumulative [14 C]-pamiparib excretion was 84.7% ± 3.5%. Pamiparib was mainly cleared through metabolism, primarily via N-oxidation and oxidation of the pyrrolidine ring. A dehydrogenated oxidative product (M3) was the most abundant metabolite in biosamples. A mean of 2.11% and 1.11% of [14 C]-pamiparib was excreted as unchanged pamiparib in feces and urine, respectively, indicating near-complete absorption and low renal clearance of parent drug. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) phenotyping demonstrated CYP2C8 and CYP3A involvement in pamiparib metabolism. These findings provide an understanding of pamiparib AME mechanisms and potential drug-drug interaction liability.

Sofosbuvir-based therapies associated with regression of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C virus infection: A prospective observational study.

ABSTRACT: Oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment leads to >95% sustained virological response (SVR) and could be clinically useful in regression of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We evaluated if ledipasvir/sofosbuvir or sofosbuvir + ribavirin is associated with regression of fibrosis in HCV patients who achieved SVR.In this prospective cohort study performed at 3 sites in Japan, patients with genotype 1 and genotype 2 were given standard treatment of ledipasvir 90 mg/sofosbuvir 400 mg and sofosbuvir 400 mg + 200-1000 mg/day ribavirin, respectively, for 12 weeks. Liver fibrosis was assessed using Mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) and other fibrosis markers (platelet count, Fib-4 index, liver stiffness measurement [LSM]) in patients who achieved SVR.A total of 98.1% of (n = 101/103) patients in genotype 1 cohort and 100% (n = 16/16) in the genotype 2 cohort achieved SVR12. Based on per-protocol analysis, M2BPGi levels showed a significant decrease (-2.2  cut-off index [COI], P < .0001) at week 48 after treatment initiation. Forty-three patients showed a significant decrease in Fib-4 index (-1.2, P < .0001), and 44 patients showed improvement in LSM (-5.9 kPa, P < .0001).Achievement of SVR after antiviral therapy was associated with fibrosis regression. M2BPGi correlated well with LSM at week 48 after treatment initiation, supporting the sustainable benefit of HCV therapy.

Raptinal silver nanoparticles: new therapeutic advances in hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model.

Raptinal is a novel antineoplastic agent that induces an expeditious intrinsic apoptotic pathway, in addition to the shutdown of mitochondrial function for cancerous cells, because of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) that have been shown to provide a worthy approach to overcome tumors. In this study, Both Raptinal and Raptinal-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were tested as the first time in hepatocellular carcinoma-induced mice to evaluate its efficacy and targeting to HCC. Seventy-two albino male mice of comparable age were classified into six groups; early stage of HCC was induced using diethyl nitrosamine (DEN)/carbon tetrachloride (CCL4). Liver function was assessed in all groups using ALT, AST, total bilirubin, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) as well as histopathological examination. Quantitative gene expression of key apoptotic gene markers p53, cytochrome c, and caspase 3 was assessed in all liver homogenates. The results showed that Raptinal-loaded AgNPs group had significant increase in both apoptotic genes of cytochrome c and Caspase 3 at P = 0.0001 compared with Raptinal-free drug group. AFP levels were significantly decreased in Raptinal-loaded AgNPs group compared with both Raptinal-free drug and HCC groups at P = 0.0001. Degenerative changes in the hepatocytes with focal necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in histopathology confirm the biochemical analysis. Our study is considered one of the first studies using Raptinal in vivo. Moreover, it showed that Raptinal and/or the combination between Raptinal and AgNPs showed a promising therapeutic agent in treating early HCC.

Pamiparib dose escalation in Chinese patients with non-mucinous high-grade ovarian cancer or advanced triple-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of pamiparib, an investigational PARP1/2 inhibitor, was established as 60 mg twice daily (BID) in a first-in-human (FIH) study (NCT02361723). METHODS: Chinese patients with advanced non-mucinous high-grade ovarian cancer (HGOC) or triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) whose disease either progressed despite standard therapy, or for which there is no standard therapy were enrolled in the dose-escalation (DE) portion of a phase 1/2 study (NCT03333915). The primary endpoint was safety/tolerability; secondary objectives were pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity. BRCA1/2 mutation status was retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Nine HGOC and six TNBC patients (N = 15; n = 4, 20 mg; n = 4, 40 mg; n = 7, 60 mg) were enrolled; as of 30 September 2019, one HGOC patient remained on treatment. Seven patients (n = 5, HGOC; n = 2, TNBC) had germline BRCA1/2 mutation (gBRCAmut ); all HGOC patients were resistant/refractory to platinum. Asthenia and nausea (n = 12 each) were the most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Decreased hemoglobin was the most common grade 3 TRAE (n = 3); no grade ≥4 AEs were observed. No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were reported. Pamiparib plasma exposure was similar to exposure observed in the FIH study after a single-dose administration, albeit slightly higher at steady state. Among 13 RECIST-evaluable patients, two with HGOC (gBRCAmut , n = 1) achieved a confirmed partial response and six with HGOC (gBRCAmut , n = 4) achieved stable disease; all TNBC RECIST-evaluable patients (n = 5) reported progressive disease. CONCLUSIONS: Pamiparib was generally well tolerated in Chinese patients, with durable responses observed in patients with HGOC. Based on these results, pamiparib 60 mg BID was confirmed as the RP2D.

Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir in Adolescents With Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 4 With and Without Hematological Disorders: Virological Efficacy and Impact on Liver Stiffness.

BACKGROUND: Egypt has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Anti-HCV antibodies were detectable in 3% of children in Upper Egypt. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for chronic HCV genotype 4 in adolescents with/without hematological disorders and to determine the effect of sustained virological response (SVR) on liver stiffness. METHODS: Sixty-five adolescents were recruited. There were 3 patient groups: group 1, 44 treatment-naive without hematological disorders; group 2, 6 previously treated; and group 3, 15 treatment-naive with hematological disorders. All patients received sofosbuvir 400 mg/ledipasvir 90 mg per day for 12 weeks. Serum HCV RNA levels were measured before treatment, at week 12, and at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). Liver stiffness and the aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index (APRI) score were estimated at baseline and at SVR12. RESULTS: SVR12 was 100%. At SVR12, there was a significant improvement in liver stiffness in all groups. The APRI score showed significant improvements in groups 1 and 3 (P < .001 and P = .004, respectively). The treatment was well tolerated, with minimal and self-limited side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of chronic HCV in adolescents using ledipasvir/sofosbuvir was effective, with a cure rate (at SVR12) of 100%. Significant improvement in liver stiffness was found in all groups.

Comparing direct acting antivirals for hepatitis C using observational data - Why and how?

The World Health Organisation's goal of hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030 will require lower drug prices. Estimates of comparative efficacy promote competition between pharmaceutical companies but direct acting antivirals have been approved for the treatment of HCV without comparative trials. We emulated a randomized trial to answer the question of whether easy to treat patients with genotype 1 HCV could be treated with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) rather than sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL). Patients without comorbidities or end stage liver disease were selected from the British Colombia Hepatitis Testers Cohort. To create a conceptual trial, we matched each patient starting SOF/VEL (a 'case') to the patient starting SOF/LDV with the closest propensity score (a 'control'). We estimated the probability of treatment failure under a Bayesian logistic model with a random effect for each case-control set and used that model to give an estimate of a risk difference for the conceptual trial. Treatment failure was recorded for 27 of 825 (3%) cases and for 29 of 602 (5%) matched controls. Estimates from our model were treatment success rates of 97% (95% credible interval, CrI, 95%-98%) for treatment with SOF/VEL, 95% (95% CrI 93%-97%) for treatment with SOF/LDV and a risk difference between treatments of 2% (95% CrI 0%-4%). This risk difference is evidence that SOF/LDV is not inferior to SOF/VEL for easy to treat patients with genotype 1 HCV. The approach is a template for comparing drugs when there are no data from comparative trials.

Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin and sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir in patients with genotype 1 or 3 hepatitis C virus and severe renal impairment: a multicentre, phase 2b, non-randomised, open-label study.

BACKGROUND: There is a medical need for highly effective, safe, and well tolerated treatments for patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) with severe renal impairment. We investigated the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir with ribavirin or ledipasvir combined with sofosbuvir in a prospective study of patients with genotype 1 or 3 HCV infection and stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease (creatinine clearance by Cockcroft-Gault ≤30 mL/min) who were not on dialysis. METHODS: This phase 2b, open-label, non-randomised, multicentre study in the USA and New Zealand investigated three sequentially enrolled cohorts of patients. Patients were recruited from ten hospitals and clinical research centres and were included if they had genotype 1 or 3 HCV infection, a creatinine clearance less than or equal to 30 mL/min, and were not on dialysis. In cohorts 1 and 2, patients received sofosbuvir (200 mg in cohort 1 and 400 mg in cohort 2) plus ribavirin 200 mg once per day for 24 weeks. In cohort 3, 18 patients received ledipasvir combined with sofosbuvir (90 mg ledipasvir and 400 mg sofosbuvir) once per day for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). Safety and pharmacokinetic data were also collected. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01958281, and is completed. FINDINGS: This study was done between Oct 7, 2013, and Oct 29, 2017. In the sofosbuvir plus ribavirin cohorts, 32 patients were screened, of whom 20 were enrolled and assessed for efficacy and safety (ten patients in each cohort). In the ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir cohort, 33 patients were screened, of whom 18 were enrolled and assessed for treatment efficacy and safety. Four (40%, 95% CI 12-74) of ten patients in cohort 1 and six (60%, 26-88) of ten patients in cohort 2 achieved SVR12. All 18 (100%, 82-100) patients in cohort 3 achieved SVR12. Adverse events were mostly mild or moderate in severity. The most commonly reported adverse events overall were headache (eight [21%] of 38 patients), anaemia (seven [18%] of 38 patients), and fatigue (six [16%] of 38 patients). Eight patients had serious adverse events, none of which were treatment related. There were no treatment-related cardiac events or clinically significant changes in echocardiographic parameters or creatinine clearance by Cockcroft-Gault. INTERPRETATION: In this phase 2b study, ledipasvir combined with sofosbuvir for 12 weeks was safe and effective in patients with genotype 1 HCV infection and stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease who were not on dialysis. FUNDING: Gilead Sciences.

The impact of direct-acting antiviral treatment on lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in chronic hepatitis C patients: temporary? permanent?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In previous studies that investigated the impact of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment on lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in chronic hepatitis C patients have been compared to baseline values with either end of treatment or post-treatment values. The results are inconsistent. We evaluated patients throughout the treatment and after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 121 patients were included in the study. 93 patients were treated with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir±Ribavirin (RBV), and 28 patients were treated with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir+dasabuvir±RBV. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were measured at the onset of treatment, after the1st month of treatment, at the end of treatment, and 6 and 12 months after the end of treatment. RESULTS: 117 patients were genotype 1. Sustained virological response was 98.4%. HOMA-IR values during treatment were significantly higher than at the beginning of treatment (p=0.0001). At 12 months there was a decrease in HOMA-IR, but this was not statistically significant (p=0.2048). TC and LDL levels were significantly increased in the first month of treatment (TC; 159±30, 180±34 mg/dl; LDL; 84±28, 100±30 mg/dl, respectively) (p<0.0001) and this increase was present during and after treatment. There was no statistically significant increase in TG (p=0120). Both treatment regimens showed similar effects on HOMA-IR, TC, and LDL. CONCLUSION: Patients with HCV treated with DAAs drugs showed increased IR, TC, and LDL cholesterol levels during treatment. After the end of treatment, IR goes back to normal, while the elevated TC and LDL levels persist indefinitely.

Clinical effectiveness of pharmacist-led versus conventionally delivered antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus in patients receiving opioid substitution therapy: a pragmatic, cluster-randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Highly effective direct-acting antiviral drugs provide the opportunity to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but established pathways can be ineffective. We aimed to examine whether a community pharmacy care pathway increased treatment uptake, treatment completion, and cure rates for people receiving opioid substitution therapy, compared with conventional care. METHODS: This cluster-randomised trial was done in Scottish community pharmacies. Before participants were recruited, pharmacies were randomly assigned (1:1) to refer patients with evidence of HCV antibodies to conventional care or offered them care in the pharmacy (pharmacist-led care). Pharmacies were stratified by location. All pharmacies were trained to offer dried blood spot testing. All eligible participants had received opioid substitution therapy for approximately 3 months, and those eligible to receive treatment in the pharmacist-led care pathway were HCV PCR positive, were infected with HCV genotype 1 or 3, and were willing to have a pharmacist supervise their antiviral drug administration. Neither pharmacists nor patients were masked to treatment allocation. In both groups, assessment blood samples were taken, infection with HCV was confirmed, and daily oral ledipasvir-sofosbuvir (90 mg ledipasivir plus 400 mg sofosbuvir) for 8 weeks for genotype 1 or daily oral sofosbuvir (400 mg) plus oral daclatasvir (60 mg) for 12 weeks for genotype 3 was prescribed by a nurse (conventional care group) or pharmacist (pharmacist-led care group). In the conventional care group, the patient received care at a treatment centre. Once prescribed, medication in both groups was delivered as daily modified directly observed therapy alongside opioid substitution therapy in the participants' pharmacy where treatment was observed on 6 days per week. The primary outcome was the number of patients with sustained virological response 12 weeks after completion of treatment (SVR12) as a proportion of the number of people receiving opioid substitution therapy at participating pharmacies. Participants were monitored at each visit for nausea and fatigue; other adverse events were recorded as free text. Secondary outcomes compared key points on treatment pathway between the two groups. These key points were the proportion of patients having dry blood spot testing, the proportion of patients initiating HCV treatment, the proportion of patients completing the 8 or 12 week HCV course of treatment, and the proportion of patients with sustained virological response at 12 months. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02706223. FINDINGS: 56 pharmacies were randomly assigned (28 to each group; one pharmacy withdrew from the conventional care group). The 55 participating pharmacies included 2718 patients receiving opioid substitution therapy (1365 in the pharmacist-led care group and 1353 in the conventional care group). More patients met the primary endpoint of SVR12 in the pharmacist-led care group (98 [7%] of 1365) than in the conventional care group (43 [3%] of 1353; odds ratio 2·375, 95% CI 1·555-3·628, p<0·0001). More users of opioid substitution therapy in the pharmacist-led care group versus the conventional care group agreed to dry blood spot testing (245 [18%] of 1365 vs 145 [11%] of 1353, 2·292, 0·968-5·427, p=0·059); initiated treatment (112 [8%] of 1365 vs 61 [4%] of 1353, 1·889, 1·276-2·789, p=0·0015) and completed treatment (108 [8%] of 1365 vs 58 [4%] of 1353, 1·928, 1·321-2·813, p=0·0007). The data for sustained virological response at 12 months are not reported in this study: patients remain in follow-up for this outcome. No serious adverse events were recorded. INTERPRETATION: Using pharmacists to deliver an HCV care pathway made testing and treatment more accessible for patients, improved engagement, and maintained high treatment success rates. The use of this pathway could be a key part of an integrated and effective approach to HCV elimination at a community level. FUNDING: Partnership between the Scottish Government, Gilead Sciences, and Bristol-Myers Squib.

Modeling-Based Response-Guided Glecaprevir-Pibrentasvir Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C to Identify Patients for Ultrashort Treatment Duration.

We recently showed in a proof-of-concept study that real-time modeling-based response-guided therapy can shorten hepatitis C virus treatment duration with sofosbuvir-velpatasvir, elbasvir-grazoprevir, and sofosbuvir-ledipasvir without compromising efficacy, confirming our retrospective modeling reports in >200 patients. However, retrospective modeling of pibrentasvir-glecaprevir (P/G) treatment has yet to be evaluated. In the current study, modeling hepatitis C virus kinetics in 44 cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients predicts that P/G treatment might have been reduced to 4, 6, and 7 weeks in 16%, 34%, and 14% of patients, respectively. These results support the further evaluation of a modeling-based response-guided therapy approach using P/G.

Development of a long-acting direct-acting antiviral system for hepatitis C virus treatment in swine.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of cirrhosis worldwide and kills more Americans than 59 other infections, including HIV and tuberculosis, combined. While direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments are effective, limited uptake of therapy, particularly in high-risk groups, remains a substantial barrier to eliminating HCV. We developed a long-acting DAA system (LA-DAAS) capable of prolonged dosing and explored its cost-effectiveness. We designed a retrievable coil-shaped LA-DAAS compatible with nasogastric tube administration and the capacity to encapsulate and release gram levels of drugs while resident in the stomach. We formulated DAAs in drug-polymer pills and studied the release kinetics for 1 mo in vitro and in vivo in a swine model. The LA-DAAS was equipped with ethanol and temperature sensors linked via Bluetooth to a phone application to provide patient engagement. We then performed a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing LA-DAAS to DAA alone in various patient groups, including people who inject drugs. Tunable release kinetics of DAAs was enabled for 1 mo with drug-polymer pills in vitro, and the LA-DAAS safely and successfully provided at least month-long release of sofosbuvir in vivo. Temperature and alcohol sensors could interface with external sources for at least 1 mo. The LA-DAAS was cost-effective compared to DAA therapy alone in all groups considered (base case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio $39,800). We believe that the LA-DAA system can provide a cost-effective and patient-centric method for HCV treatment, including in high-risk populations who are currently undertreated.

Effect of polar amino acid incorporation on Fmoc-diphenylalanine-based tetrapeptides.

Peptide hydrogels show great promise as extracellular matrix mimics due to their tuneable, fibrous nature. Through incorporation of polar cationic, polar anionic or polar neutral amino acids into the Fmoc-diphenylalanine motif, we show that electrostatic charge plays a key role in the properties of the subsequent gelators. Specifically, we show that an inverse relationship exists for biocompatibility in the solution state versus the gel state for cationic and anionic peptides. Finally, we use tethered bilayer lipid membrane (tBLM) experiments to suggest a likely mode of cytotoxicity for tetrapeptides which exhibit cytotoxicity in the solution state.

Real-life experience of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir single-tablet regimen among chronic hepatitis C patients in Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ledipasvir (LDV) and sofosbuvir (SOF) as single-tablet regimen (STR) has been approved for treatment of chronic HCV infection (CHC) for treatment-naïve or experienced cirrhotic or non-cirrhotic patients. Our aim was to analyse the effectiveness and safety of 12-24 weeks treatment of LDV/SOF (90mg/400 mg)±ribavirin in a real-life setting in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May-Dec 2016, 104 treatment-naïve or experienced adult patients with CHC and with or without cirrhosis (including decompensated cirrhosis) were included in this observational study. Patients were administered LDV/SOF STR± ribavirin once daily for 12 -24 weeks. SVR12 rates and effects of the baseline characteristics on SVR12 rates were assessed. RESULTS: Out of 104 enrolled patients (61.5% female, mean age 62.0 years); 60.6% were cirrhotic, 76.0% previously used peg-IFN, 94.2% had GT1. At the end of the treatment, 77.8% (77/99, no data for 21 patients) had undetectable HCV-RNA and 98.9% (94/95) had SVR12. In the baseline characteristics subgroups, the SVR12 rates varied between 94.4% and 100%, and none of the baseline characteristics had a significant effect on the SVR12 rates. During the study, 6 (5.8%) patients died and none of the deaths was suspected to be related to the LDV/SOF. No treatment-emergent adverse event was reported. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, LDV/SOF±ribavirin yielded very high SVR12 rates, without any safety or tolerability concern in Turkey. The effectiveness of the LDV/SOF treatment was not affected by the patient demographics or medical characteristics such as fibrosis level, cirrhosis status, previous treatment status, HCV-RNA level or HCV genotype.