Treatment outcomes and costs of a simplified antiretroviral treatment strategy for hepatitis C among Hepatitis C Virus and Human Immuno deficiency Virus co‐infected patients in Ukraine

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To demonstrate the use of a standard dose of ledipasvir (LDV) and sofosbuvir (SOF), with or without ribavirin, to treat hepatitis C and hepatitis C/HIV co‐infection in Ukraine. METHODS: Eligible HCV viraemic adults from two clinics in Kyiv were treated with LDV/SOF with or without weight‐based ribavirin for 12 weeks. Clinical assessments were performed at screening and at week 24, and as needed; treatment was dispensed every 4 weeks. The primary outcome was sustained virologic response (SVR) 12 weeks after treatment, with analysis by intention to treat. Cost per patient was estimated in USD (2018) over the 24‐week period. RESULTS: Of 868 patients included in the study and initiated on therapy, 482 (55.5%) were co‐infected with HIV. The common genotypes were 1 (74.1%) and 3 (22%). Overall, SVR was achieved in 831 of the 868 patients (95.7%). SVR in patients with hepatitis C alone and hepatitis C/HIV co‐infection was 98.4% and 93.6%, respectively. Adverse events were infrequent and usually mild. Using generic medication, cost per patient was estimated at US$680. CONCLUSION: A standard dose of LDV and SOF, with ribavirin as per protocol, resulted in good outcomes for patients with both hepatitis C alone and co‐infected with hepatitis C/HIV. Program costs in Ukraine were modest using generic medication.