Researchers are launching trials of a $300 generic hepatitis C virus (HCV) regimen that could help expand treatment of the virus in poorer nations, HIVandHepatitis reports. The Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) will conduct trials with at least 800 participants, who will have all genotypes of the virus, in Thailand and Malaysia. The researchers will test Gilead Sciences’ nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and Pharco Pharmaceutical’s NS5A inhibitor ravidasvir. They will compare Sovaldi and ravidasvir with a regimen of Sovaldi and Bristol-Myers Squibb’s NS5A inhibitor Daklinza (daclatasvir).

The trials were announced ahead of the 51st International Liver Congress in Barcelona.

The only factor that will determine individuals’ eligibility for the trials will be their cirrhosis status. Those who do not have cirrhosis will be treated for 12 weeks; those who do have cirrhosis will receive 24 weeks of therapy.

The research will provide information about drug-drug interactions between the hep C drugs and other medications, including antiretrovirals (ARVs) for HIV. The studies will include people coinfected with HIV.

Findings from the research may be available as soon as 2017.

To read the HIVandHepatitis article, click here.

To read a press release about the study, click here.