Modelling How Refractoriness to Interferon Compromises Interferon-Free Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection globally affects 130-150 million people. It causes both acute and chronic infections. Due to the severe side effects and low success rates of interferon based treatments, which formed the standard treatment for HCV, the treatment paradigm shifted to direct acting antivirals (DAAs). DAAs have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. Clinical trials with combinations of DAAs have recorded >90% response with shorter treatment durations and fewer side effects than earlier treatments involving IFN. Outside the controlled setting of a clinical trial, however, response rates with DAA combinations are much lower (