Dr Gail Bridges Explains the High Real-World Cure Rate for HCV

Real-world results for hepatitis C drugs have been very closely aligned to the clinical trial outcomes, which is likely due to a combination of factors, such as the effectiveness of the agents and better knowledge of using direct-acting antivirals, according to Gail Bridges, PharmD, of Accredo Health.

Transcript

How do the real-world results of the hepatitis C virus drugs Harvoni and Viekira Pak hold up to the results that were reported in the clinical trials?

Our data indicate that Accredo's patients achieve results that are right on point with the clinical trials. In our study patients achieved an average sustained viral response rate, which is really the clinical surrogate marker for cure, of 96%. And this was on par with the mid-90% range that each of these individual therapies described in their clinical trials.

Why do you think the real-world outcomes hold up so well to the clinical trial results?

I think a number of factors contribute to the successful results that we saw in our study. First, clearly these are very effective agents and we are becoming savvier as a medical community about use of the direct-acting antivirals. We have very robust guidelines to help us make smart choices, to help prescribers and plan sponsors match up patients with the regimen that most closely meets their specific needs. And, lastly, we placed a great deal of emphasis on adherence and education specific to hepatitis C, the drugs and the disease, to help these patients really succeed with these therapies.