The Australian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Conference 2017 is aimed at equipping medical practitioners with strategies to achieve this goal by the next decade.The conference has used key note speakers from around the world to deliver these strategies.

In one of the sessions titled Poster walk: DAA treatment therapies, we reviewed several recent research articles with results that, when fully implemented, will enhance the elimination of viral hepatitis in Australia.

One of the research articles we reviewed was titled: High SVR rates with eight and twelve weeks of pangenotypic Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir: integrated efficacy and safety analysis of genotype 1-6 patients without cirrhosis.

In this presentation, we learnt that a new medication for the treatment of hepatitis C is being registered in Australia very soon. It is highly effective against all genotypes, so no genotype testing is necessary; a cost saving measure. It is also highly effective in 8 weeks, again a cost saving measure and a boost for compliance.

It can be used in renal impairment and has very few drug interactions. I am fascinated with this new medication because it would be suitable for many of my patients with compliance problems, renal problems and who are on many medications with possibilities of drug interactions with anti retroviral medications.

I have no bias or interest with any drug company. My interest is with what will enhance the elimination of viral hepatitis in Australia.

Access various Posters for DAA Treatment Therapies from AVHEC17 here