Highly effective HCV treatment: once daily oral Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir

The hepatitis C virus (HCV), a single-stranded RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae with six major genotypes, infects up to 150 million people worldwide. Chronic hepatitis C virus infection causes progressive liver fibrosis, which can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is now an effective oral regimen. New research findings are summarized in this short video from NEJM:



This is a ribavirin-free single-tablet regimen. There 2 medications in the single tablet:

- Sofosbuvir is a nucleotide analogue inhibitor of the HCV NS5B polymerase approved for the treatment of HCV in combination with a variety of other agents, including NS5A inhibitors, ribavirin, and peginterferon–ribavirin.

- Velpatasvir is a new pangenotypic HCV NS5A inhibitor with antiviral activity against HCV replicons in genotypes 1 through 6.

The rate of sustained virologic response among patients receiving sofosbuvir–velpatasvir was 99%.

See the NEJM article, "Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir for HCV Genotype 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 Infection":
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1512610#t=abstract

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Exam preparation: NEJM Knowledge+ Adaptive Learning Explained

"At the heart of NEJM Knowledge+ is a smart, adaptive engine that will transform your learning experience. This adaptive learning platform quickly assesses the subjects you know well, and identifies the areas where you need reinforcement. It then delivers more of what you need and less of what you already know, continually adjusting based on your performance. Adaptive learning ensures that you’ll spend your time efficiently, focusing on what you need to learn and review.

Take a look at how adaptive learning helps you tackle the challenges of lifelong learning and board preparation. Learn more about NEJM Knowledge+ http://knowledgeplus.nejm.org"

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Cytisine is better than nicotine-replacement therapy in helping smokers quit (NEJM video)

Cytisine, also known as baptitoxine and sophorine, is an alkaloid that occurs naturally in several plant genera. In this trial in New Zealand, cytisine was superior to nicotine-replacement therapy in helping smokers quit. The findings are summarized in the NEJM video. Cytisine was first marketed in Bulgaria in 1964 (called Tabex) and then became widely available in other European countries.

Read the full NEJM Original Article: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1407764

Related reading:

Quitting smoking: Still a challenge, but newer tools show promise - CCJM http://buff.ly/1xCK2fP

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