April 23, 2015, Vienna, Austria: Interim data presented today at The International Liver CongressTM 2015 from the HCV-TARGET study show that all-oral, direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C (HCV) is well tolerated and highly effective in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Sustained virologic response (SVR) at 4 weeks was shown to be: sofosbuvir/ribavirin: 75%; sofosbuvir/simeprevir: 77%; sofosbuvir/simeprevir/ribavirin: 81%.
These results demonstrate that all-oral, direct-acting antiviral regimens are better tolerated and achieve higher rates of SVR in HCV patients with decompensated cirrhosis than older interferon-based therapy.
Importantly, markers of hepatic and synthetic liver function such as bilirubin and albumin values also improved during short-term follow-up. The analyses were restricted to patients with cirrhosis and a MELD score (scoring system to assess the severity of chronic liver disease) of ? 10 who had not undergone liver transplantation. Such well tolerated and highly efficacious therapy which can improve liver function presents an excellent option for many patients who do not have access to liver transplantation.
HCV-TARGET is an international research consortium of leading HCV investigators who have established a common research database and are conducting a longitudinal observational study to answer important questions about HCV therapy with direct-acting antiviral agents.
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About The International Liver Congress™
This annual congress is the biggest event in the EASL calendar, attracting scientific and medical experts from around the world to learn about the latest in liver research. Specialists share research studies and findings, and discuss the hottest topics related to liver disease. This year, the congress is expected to attract approximately 10,000 delegates from all corners of the globe. 2015 is a very special year for EASL and the hepatology community as they will celebrate the 50th annual meeting. The International Liver Congress™ takes place from April 22-26, 2015, Vienna, Austria.
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Since EASL's foundation in 1966, this not-for-profit organisation has grown to over 4,000 members from more than 100 countries around the world. EASL is the leading liver association in Europe, it attracts the foremost hepatology experts and has an impressive track record in promoting research in liver disease, supporting wider education and promoting changes in European liver policy.
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