A once-daily combo of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir cleared hepatitis C in 98% of adherent, treatment-naive patients over just 8 weeks in a phase 2 trial. The regimen worked across multiple virus genotypes and required no food restrictions. With no serious drug-related side effects, it could offer a simpler alternative to existing treatments.
A new once-daily pill combination for hepatitis C is showing impressive results. In a phase 2 trial spanning 13 countries, 275 treatment-naive adults with chronic hepatitis C took bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir together for just 8 weeks. The regimen targets the virus through two different proteins and can be taken with or without food — a practical edge over the current gold-standard 8-week option, glecaprevir-pibrentasvir, which has food requirements and drug interaction concerns.
The results were largely encouraging, though cirrhosis remained a complicating factor. Most virologic failures were tied to nonadherence rather than the drugs themselves, and the 98% response rate held steady at 24 weeks among adherent patients.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Hepatitis C affects millions globally, and while effective treatments exist, tolerability and adherence remain real-world challenges. A food-agnostic, well-tolerated 8-week regimen with broad genotype coverage could meaningfully expand treatment access — especially for patients with complex medication regimens.
