title: Review article: 2014 UK consensus guidelines - hepatitis C management and direct-acting anti-viral therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Therapeutic options for the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have evolved rapidly over the past two decades, with a consequent improvement in cure rates. Novel therapeutic agents are an area of great interest in the research community, with a number of these agents showing promise in the clinical setting.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess and present the available evidence for the use of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of HCV, updating previous guidelines.
  
  
  METHODS
  All Phase 2 and 3 studies, as well as abstract presentations from international Hepatology meetings were identified and reviewed for suitable inclusion, based on studies of new therapies in HCV. Treatment-naïve and experienced individuals, as well as cirrhotic and co-infected individuals were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sofosbuvir, simeprevir and faldaprevir, along with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, have a role in the treatment of chronic HCV infection. The precise regimens are largely dependent on the patient characteristics, patient and physician preferences, and cost implication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Therapies for chronic HCV have evolved dramatically in recent years. Interferon-free regimens are now possible without compromise in the rate of sustained viral response. The decision as to which regimen is most appropriate is multifactorial, and based on efficacy, safety and cost.
authors.affiliation: Gut Group, Medical Research Institute, NHS Tayside Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Austin
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Barclay
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dundas
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Dusheiko
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Foster
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Leen
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Millson
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Ryder
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tait
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ustianowski
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Dillon
mesh_terms: D000621:Aminoisobutyric Acids; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006575:Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007930:Leucine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011392:Proline / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D011804:Quinolines; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069616:Simeprevir; D000069474:Sofosbuvir; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014542:Uridine Monophosphate / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000621:Aminoisobutyric Acids; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D006575:Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D009842:Oligopeptides; D011804:Quinolines; D013449:Sulfonamides; D013844:Thiazoles; D012254:Ribavirin; D007372:Interferons; C552340:faldaprevir; D011392:Proline; D000069616:Simeprevir; D014542:Uridine Monophosphate; D007930:Leucine; D000069474:Sofosbuvir