Response to AASLD editorial/message from the president.

A commentary [1] criticized our systematic review regarding the use of direct-acting agents (DAAs) in chronic hepatitis C [2]. The following represents our major disagreements. Sustained virological response (SVR) is a non-validated surrogate outcome. The principles of evidence-based medicine require that it be validated in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) by showing parallel benefits in clinical outcomes [3]. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.