ABT-450/r–Ombitasvir and Dasabuvir with or without Ribavirin for HCV

Among previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 1 infection, three new antiviral agents, with or without ribavirin, resulted in high rates of sustained virologic response. Omission of ribavirin resulted in reduced response in genotype 1a infection but not in genotype 1b infection. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide health issue, with 3 million to 4 million new infections yearly and infection rates as high as 5% in some countries. 1 Chronic infection leads to liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer in a large proportion of infected persons, and hepatitis C accounts for 25% of all liver cancers, representing the leading indication for liver transplantation. 1 – 3 Genotype 1 is the most common HCV genotype worldwide and includes 11 subgenotypes, of which 1a and 1b are responsible for the vast majority of infections. 4 Genotype 1b infection is the most prevalent form worldwide, particularly . . .