New hepatitis C drug treatment 'shows promise'

Conclusion Although designed as an RCT, the study had an analysis of drug effectiveness that becomes more like a single cohort of people receiving an active treatment, with no comparison arm. People were assigned to the five-drug combination or matching placebos for 12 weeks. During this time, the side effects in both treatment groups were monitored and these could be compared, with itching and anaemia occurring more commonly in the active treatment group. However, the double-blind drug treatment period was completed at 12 weeks and response outcomes were then assessed 12 weeks later. Twelve weeks later, the active treatment group demonstrated high response rates, with sustained virological response present in almost all (96%) of those who had been treated. Problematically, however, there is no comparison group for these people. At the end of the 12-week double-blind treatment period, all people in the placebo group went on to receive 12 weeks' active treatment with the five-drug combination. This means that at the time the outcomes were assessed in the active treatment group, the placebo group had also just completed 12 weeks of active treatment. The response rates for the placebo group are not reported. Overall, the results suggest that the oral combination of ABT-450, ritonavir and ombitasvir (in one formulation) and dasabuvir and ribavirin may have potential in the treatment of hepatitis C. However, the safety and effectiveness of this combination now need to be compa...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medication Medical practice Source Type: news