The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance recommending three different treatment options for some people with hepatitis C. 

For the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, the NICE drafts recommend:

• Daclatasvir (Daklinza, Bristol-Myers Squibb)
• Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir (Harvoni, Gilead Sciences)
• Ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir with or without dasabuvir (Viekirax with or without Exviera, Abbvie)

Hepatitis C is a virus that infects the liver. It is spread by contact with infected blood, for instance by using contaminated needles for injecting drugs or sharing razors or toothbrushes. The virus can cause inflammation of, and damage to the liver, preventing it from working properly.

About a third of people infected with the hepatitis C virus will eventually develop liver cirrhosis, where normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. A small number of people with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis also go on to develop liver cancer.

Professor Carole Longson, Director of the NICE Centre for Health Technology Evaluation, said: “Hepatitis C is a major public health challenge. It is difficult to diagnose, with estimates suggesting around 50% of people with the condition in England remain undiagnosed.

For more details, go to: http://www.nice.org.uk/news/press-and-media/nice-recommends-new-treatment-options-for-hepatitis-c