Antiviral medications are developed by Gilead Sciences, Inc, USA. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, sold under the trade name Harvoni among others, is a medication used to treat hepatitis C. It is a combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir. Cure rates are 94% to 99% in people infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1. Some evidence also supports use in HCV genotype 3 and 4. It is taken daily by mouth for 8–24 weeks.
The initial recommended treatment depends on the type of hepatitis C virus with which a person is infected.
HCV genotype 1a: 12 weeks of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir OR 12 to 24 weeks of paritaprevir, ombitasvir, dasabuvir, and ribavirin.
HCV genotype 1b: 12 weeks of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir OR 12 weeks of paritaprevir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir.
HCV genotype 2: 12 to 16 weeks of sofosbuvir and ribavirin.
HCV genotype 3: 12 weeks of sofosbuvir, ribavirin, and pegylated interferon
HCV genotype 4: 12 weeks of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir OR paritaprevir, ritonavir, ombitasvir, and ribavirin, OR 24 weeks of sofosbuvir and ribavirin.
HCV genotype 5 or 6: sofosbuvir and ledipasvir.
Under the licensing agreement Cadila Healthcare, Cipla, Hetero Labs, Mylan Laboratories, Ranbaxy Laboratories,
Sequent Scientific and Strides Arcolab have the right to develop and market generic versions of sofosbuvir and a related drug, ledipasvir, in 91 developing countries.
Indian brands for Harvoni: Resolf-L by Reddy's Lab, Hepcvir-L by Cipla, Myhep Lvir by Mylan
Those who suspects chronic Hepatitis C infection, should undergo Liver function tests (LFT) and assessment of genotype, viral load etc in consultation with an Hepatologist.
