AbbVie’s combination treatment of ABT-493 and ABT-530 has boasted high cure rates among all genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Researchers conducted Phase II studies of the pair of experimental medications among people with genotypes 1 through 6 of hep C who did not have cirrhosis, as well as those with genotypes 1 and 3 who had cirrhosis, and were treated with the pair of experimental medications.

Among those with genotypes 1, 2 and 3, who were treated for eight weeks, a respective 97 percent, 98 percent and 96 percent were cured. All those with genotypes 4 through 6, who were treated for 12 weeks, were cured. The treatment was safe and well tolerated.

“If these results are confirmed in the larger phase iii studies, then this new regimen should provide a safe and effective pangenotypic [meaning it works on all genotypes] regimen [that] is ribavirin-free and of only eight weeks’ duration for most patients,” says ed gane, md, a professor of medicine at the university of auckland, new zealand, and one of the researchers of the regimen’s trials, referring to advance studies of the treatment. The new trials are giving abt-493 and abt-530 for eight, 12 or 16 weeks to people with all genotypes, including those with and without cirrhosis.