Number of people treated for hepatitis C virus infection in 2014-2023 and applicable lessons for new HBV and HDV therapies

Abstract

Background & Aims: The year 2023 marked the 10-year anniversary of the launch of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Monitoring HCV treatment trends by country, region, and globally is important to assess progress toward the World Health Organization’s 2030 elimination targets. Additionally, historical patterns can help predict the uptake of future therapies for other liver diseases. Methods: The number of people living with HCV (PLHCV) treated between 2014–2023 across 119 countries was estimated using national HCV registries, reported DAA sales data, pharmaceutical companies’ reports, and estimates provided by national experts. For the countries with no available data, the average estimate of the corresponding Global Burden of Disease region was used. Results: An estimated 13,816,000 (95% uncertainty intervals: 13,221,000–16,415,000) PLHCV were treated, of whom 12,748,000 (12,226,000–15,231,000) were treated with DAAs, of which 11,081,000 (10,542,000–13,338,000) were sofosbuvir-based DAA regimens. Country-level data accounted for 97% of these estimates. In high-income countries, there was a 41% drop in treatment from its peak, and reimbursement was a large predictor of treatment. In low- and middle-income countries, price played an important role in expanding treatment access through the public and private markets, and treatment continues to increase slowly after a sharp drop at the end of the Egyptian national program. Conclusions: In the last 10 years, 21% of all HCV infections were treated with DAAs. Regional and temporal variations highlight the importance of active screening strategies. Without program enhancements, the number of treated PLHCV stalled in every country/region, which may not reflect a lower prevalence but may instead reflect the diminishing returns of existing strategies.