A Shorter Treatment for Hepatitis C

Mavyret (glecaprevir and pibrentasvir) approved to treat hepatitis C virus

(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

It's called Mavyret, and it's a combination of two medications: glecaprevir and pibrentasvir.

The FDA approved this combination to treat adults with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1-6 who have no liver disease or mild liver disease.

HCV infection leads to inflammation of the liver and can result in the liver not working as it should. There are six distinct HCV genotypes (strains).

Mavyret is to be given for eight weeks, which is shorter than the standard 12-week treatment.

"This approval provides a shorter treatment duration for many patients, and also a treatment option for certain patients with genotype 1 infection, the most common HCV genotype in the United States, who were not successfully treated with other direct-acting antiviral treatments in the past," said Dr. Edward Cox, director of the FDA's Office of Antimicrobial Products, in a press release.

Side effects of Mavyret may include headache, feeling tired and nausea. This new medication is not recommended for those with moderate liver disease and is never to be given in adults with severe liver disease.

Speak with your health care provider about the best HCV treatment for you.

The FDA granted approval of Mavyret to AbbVie Inc.

Written By Anyssa Garza, PharmD, BCMAS