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Abstract Details
New hope for hepatitis C virus: Summary of global epidemiologic changes and novel innovations over 20 years
World J Gastroenterol. 2021 Aug 7;27(29):4818-4830.doi: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i29.4818.
Brittany B Dennis1, Leen Naji2, Yasmin Jajarmi1, Aijaz Ahmed3, Donghee Kim4
Author information
Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, ON, Canada.
Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton L8P 1H6, ON, Canada.
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, United States.
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, United States. dhkimmd@stanford.edu.
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health concern associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Before the approval of second-generation direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), interferon therapy and liver transplantation constituted the mainstay of treatment. The introduction of well-tolerated oral DAAs in late 2013 has revolutionized HCV management with over 95% cure rates. The predominance of HCV-related liver transplantations has declined following the widespread approval of DAAs. Despite the unparallel efficacy observed among these novel therapies, pharmaceutical costs continue to limit equitable access to healthcare and likely contribute to the differential HCV infection rates observed globally. To reduce the burden of disease worldwide, essential agenda items for all countries must include the prioritization of integrated care models and access to DAAs therapies. Through transparent negotiations with the pharmaceutical industry, the consideration for compassionate release of medications to promote equitable division of care is paramount. Here we provide a literature review of HCV, changes in epidemiologic trends, access issues for current therapies, and global inequities in disease burden.