Simeprevir: A Review of Its Use in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Simeprevir (Olysio (TM); Galexos (TM); Sovriad(A (R))) is an orally-administered NS3/4A protease inhibitor for use in combined drug regimens against chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This article reviews studies relevant to the EU simeprevir label. In proof-of-concept studies, simeprevir had potent antiviral activity against all HCV genotypes, except genotype 3. In trials in patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection, week-12 sustained virological response (SVR12) rates in treatment-na < ve patients and prior relapsers were significantly higher with simeprevir plus peginterferon-alpha/ribavirin (PR) [79-89 %] than with placebo plus PR (36-62 %). In prior partial/null responders, the SVR12 rate with simeprevir plus PR (54 %) was noninferior to that with telaprevir plus PR (55 %). Simeprevir plus PR was also efficacious in patients with HCV genotype 1/HIV-1 co-infection. In prior null responders without severe liver fibrosis (cohort 1) and treatment-na < ve patients with severe liver fibrosis (cohort 2) treated with simeprevir plus sofosbuvir, the SVR12 rate for the two cohorts combined was 92 %. In patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection, the SVR12 rates with simeprevir plus PR were 83, 87 and 40 % in treatment-na < ve patients, prior relapsers and prior null responders, respectively. Grade 3-4 adverse event, serious adverse event and treatment withdrawal rates with simeprevir plus PR were similar to those with placebo plus PR. Skin rashes with simeprevir were mostly mild or moderate; serious photosensitivity reactions occur, but are rare. Simeprevir is efficacious and generally well tolerated in patients with chronic HCV genotypes 1 and 4 infection. Studies of simeprevir in interferon-free regimens and in other subpopulations with HCV infections will be of interest.