Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir Exposure Shows 51.7% Live Birth Rate in Study

Hepatitis C treatment during pregnancy faced fresh scrutiny in November 2026, when researchers released safety data tracking hundreds of cases of drug exposure across nearly a decade.

Key Clinical Takeaways:

• Investigators reviewed 328 pregnancies involving glecaprevir/pibrentasvir exposure between July 2017 and March 2026.
• Documented outcomes for 87 of those pregnancies showed live births at 51.7%, elective abortions at 19.5%, and spontaneous abortions at 28.7%.
• Rates of spontaneous abortion and preterm birth appeared lower than those typically reported among pregnant individuals with hepatitis C not exposed to direct-acting antivirals.

Investigators reviewed 328 pregnancies with reported glecaprevir/pibrentasvir exposure in AbbVie’s global pharmacovigilance database from July 2017 to March 2026. Out of the 87 pregnancies that had known results, live births accounted for 51.7%, elective terminations made up 19.5%, and spontaneous losses comprised 28.7%. Three live births were preterm, and 2 had congenital anomalies with no recurring pattern.

The research team said that the incidence of spontaneous loss and preterm delivery fell below figures documented in pregnant patients with HCV who received no direct-acting antiviral medications. The analysis was presented at The Liver Meeting 2026 held in Denver, Colorado.

Tatyana Kushner pointed out that the majority of exposures failed to provide outcome records and that negative events tend to be overreported, potentially biasing the findings. Treatment was discontinued in 146 of 223 cases with available status, which investigators suggested may reflect a lack of shared decision-making.

“Most exposures lacked outcome data and adverse outcomes are more likely to be reported, which may skew results,” Kushner cautioned.

Furthermore, Kushner elaborated on how counseling regarding care varies across trimesters, instances where holding medication during the initial trimester might be weighed, and the specific prospective evidence still required.

Editors said that Kushner has relevant disclosures with Gilead, GSK, Madrigal, Ipsen, Mirum, and Eiger Biopharmaceuticals. Further prospective data remain necessary to clarify safety profiles and optimize clinical guidance for managing hepatitis C during pregnancy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.