Gilead Sciences reports positive data from hepatitis C drug trials

Gilead Sciences has reported clinical data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the compound sofosbuvir in investigational hepatitis C virus (HCV) applications.

Results from the BOSON study of Sovaldi (sofosbuvir 400 mg) in combination with ribavirin or with pegylated interferon demonstrated that the therapy was associated with high cure rates across all patients with genotypes 2 and 3 HCV.

Separately, results from a phase II study highlighted the effectiveness of Harvoni (ledipasvir 90 mg/sofosbuvir 400 mg) in patients with genotypes 4 or 5 infection.

Dr Armand Abergel of the department of hepatology and gastroenterology at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire-Estaing at the Universite d'Auvergne, said: "This data provides important evidence that the all-oral, ribavirin-free Harvoni regimen is both safe and effective for many patients with genotype 4 or 5, regardless of prior treatment experience."

Currently, Sovaldi is approved in combination with other agents in patients with genotypes 1 to 4, while Harvoni is indicated for patients with genotype 1.

Data from these studies will be presented in oral sessions at the upcoming annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver.