COCP 6 week HCV results
I admit I had been interested in this trial. I currently don't even completely dismiss it's potential.
But here is the problem.....
Lets say you've developed a parachute that works great (Mavyret 6 week or Gilead 8/12 week program) but the competition wants part of the pie; they are going to market an improved parachute that's smaller or lighter by 25%. And it does work..... 8 out of 12 times. : )
So that was with 3 compounds, (Epclusa for 6 weeks and COCP compound for the first 2 weeks) and so because it's SO important.....6 weeks, and not 8 weeks they will also attempt extending the COCP duration or add yet a 4th drug. It likens comparison to the hitchhiker scene in "There's something about Mary"; 7 minute Abs.
The problem with HCV is if you don't quite get rid of it, the virus simply returns full force, but with resistant variants that are harder still to eliminate. Treating patients right up to that tipping point isn't safe or prudent. (IMHO)
Given the nature of the trial we are still looking at a small sample, and one can easily imagine that other challenges would be whether the program would work in all genotypes or in more difficult to treat patients.
The results of this trial do not inspire confidence.
