HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase as a target for antiviral development

The lack of a highly effective and safe treatment option for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has spurred aggressive efforts to identify new, more effective therapies. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase encoded by HCV, which is strictly required for viral replication, has been the focus of intense drug discovery activity. This is in large measure due to successes in targeting the polymerases from other viral systems, coupled with recent advances in experimental systems for studying the HCV polymerase. Both nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors of HCV polymerase have been identified through the innovative use of new screening tools and rational drug design. Some of these compounds have encouraging profiles and could be further developed into therapeutics. Initiation of clinical trials in the near future promises to yield exciting new information on the ability of these compounds to achieve sustained responses in suppressing HCV replication.