(HCV)

    The landscape of treatment for hepatitis C virus  HCV

infection has evolved substantially since the introduction of highly effective HCV protease inhibitor therapies in 2011. The pace of change is expected to increase rapidly, as numerous new drugs with different mechanisms of action will likely become available over the next few years. To provide healthcare professionals with timely guidance as new therapies are available and integrated into HCV regimens, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) have developed a web-based process for the rapid formulation and dissemination of evidence-based, expert-developed recommendations for hepatitis C management. The International Antiviral Society–USA (IAS–USA) provides the structure and assistance to sustain the process that represents the work of leading authorities in hepatitis C prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The AASLD/IDSA/IAS–USA hepatitis C Guidance addresses management issues ranging from testing and linkage to care, the crucial first steps toward improving health outcomes for HCV-infected persons, to the optimal treatment regimen in particular patient situations. Recommendations are based on evidence and are rapidly updated as new data from peer-reviewed evidence become available. For each treatment option, recommendations reflect the best possible management for a given patient and a given point of disease progression. Recommendations are graded with regard to the level of the evidence and strength of the recommendation. The AASLD/IDSA/IAS–USA hepatitis C Guidance is supported by the membership-based societies and not by pharmaceutical companies or other commercial interests. The Boards of Directors of AASLD and IDSA have appointed an oversight panel of 5 co-chairs and have selected panel members from the 2 societies based on their expertise in hepatitis C research and care. Likewise, the Guidance development process is generally consistent with that used by the IAS-USA (https://www.iasusa.org/about/program-development-policy).
This Guidance should be considered a "living document" in that new sections will be added (eg, Who and When to Initiate Treatment, and Monitoring Patients Who are On or Have Completed Therapy are coming soon) and the Guidance will be updated frequently as new information and treatments become available. This continually evolving report provides guidance on FDA-approved regimens. At times, it may also recommend off-label use of certain drugs or tests or provide guidance for regimens not yet approved by FDA. Readers should consult prescribing information and other resources for further information. Of note, the choice of treatment may, in the future, be further guided by data from cost-effectiveness studies.