Eight-week hepatitis C treatment shows 98.8% cure rate

A collaborative study involving SGPGIMS and several other prestigious institutions in India has made significant advancements in hepatitis C treatment. The research, published in The Lancet on October 2, 2026, demonstrated that an eight-week course of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir achieved a cure rate of 98.8% among 880 patients. This result is nearly on par with the 99% cure rate associated with the standard 12-week treatment, suggesting that a shorter regimen could be both effective and beneficial for patients. The trial took place across five public hospitals, including KGMU in Lucknow, BHU-IMS in Varanasi, AIIMS, and GB Pant Hospital in New Delhi. The study's robust design utilized statistical expertise from the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow. Over the course of more than a year, researchers monitored patients and ultimately found that those who underwent the eight-week treatment achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) at a rate very close to those on the longer regimen. Key stakeholders in this study included leading hepatology and gastroenterology departments, coordinated by investigators such as Prof Rakesh Aggarwal from ICMR and Dr Radha Krishna Dhiman, director of SGPGIMS.

The study received funding of ₹1.65 crore from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), underscoring the commitment to advancing treatment for hepatitis C in India. The potential to reduce treatment duration by four weeks could lead to significant cost savings for patients and healthcare systems. Hepatitis C is a severe viral infection that can result in chronic liver disease and other serious health issues if left untreated. The introduction of direct-acting antiviral drugs has made hepatitis C highly curable, with cure rates typically exceeding 95%. The findings of this study could have profound implications for public health programs in India, where an estimated 60 lakh people require treatment. Reducing the treatment duration may lower costs and improve access to care, making it easier for more patients to receive the necessary treatment.

Looking ahead, the results of this study could pave the way for broader implementation of the eight-week regimen in India and potentially in other countries facing similar public health challenges. The collaboration among multiple leading hospitals and research institutions not only demonstrates the feasibility of shortening hepatitis C treatment but also establishes a model for future research and treatment protocols. This study represents a significant step towards enhancing the accessibility and affordability of hepatitis C treatment for millions.