In a recent real-world analysis of Merck’s Zepatier (grazoprevir/elbasvir), the regimen cured hepatitis C virus (HCV) at high rates.

Publishing their findings in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults treated with Zepatier with or without ribavirin who had genotypes 1 or 4 of hep C. Researchers collected data from health care providers and specialty pharmacies through a cloud-based disease management program from Trio Health.

Out of 470 individuals who were treated with Zepatier in 2016, 95 percent had genotype 1 of hep C, 80 percent were being treated for the first time and 70 percent did not have cirrhosis. Eighty-nine percent received 12 weeks of treatment.

Among the 424 people who finished treatment, 99 percent (396 of 402) of those with genotype 1 and 95 percent (21 of 22) of those with genotype 4 achieved a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after completing therapy (SVR12, considered a cure). Among the 114 people with Stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease, 113 (99 percent) were cured.

To read the study, click here.