Review for 10.1186/s12876-017-0580-2 (2017)

Reviewer’ s report
Title: Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of simeprevir and TMC647055/ritonavir with or
without ribavirin and JNJ-56914845 in HCV genotype 1 infection
Version: 0Date: 25 Oct 2016
Reviewer: Peter Ferenci
Reviewer's report:
This is a phase 2a study of a drug combination which is not longer pursued by the sponsor. The
study design was appropriate in 2012, but is out of date today. The results are quite disappointingcompared to what can be achieved by licenced therapeutic DAA combinations. I understand thatpublication of such studies is important, but is of no interest to the readers of the journal.
Are the methods appropriate and well described?
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.
YesDoes the work include the necessary controls?
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.
YesAre the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.
YesAre you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an
additional statistical review?If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require furtherassessment in your comments to the editors.
I am able to assess the statisticsQuality of written English
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:
AcceptableDeclaration of competing interests
Please complete a declaration of competing interests, considering the following questions:
1. Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an
organisation that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of thismanuscript, either now or in the future?
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financially from the publication of this manuscript, either now or in the future?
3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the
manuscript?
4. Have you received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that holds
or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?6. Do you have any non-financial competing interests in relation to this paper?
If you can answer no to all of the above, write 'I declare that I have no competing interests' below.
If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.
International Ad boards: Merck/MSD, BMS, Roche, Abbvie, Janssen, Idenix, Achilleon, Madaus
Rottapharmunrestricted research grant Roche,Gilead, Madaus Rottapharm
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