Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026

11:34
High-throughput Screening for Broad-spectrum Chemical Inhibitors of RNA Viruses
Published on: May 5, 2014
[Neovir therapy in acute hepatitis C]
S L Maksimov1, N D Iushchuk, I M Roslyĭ
1State Medical Stomatology University, State Clinical Infectious Hospital No. 2, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow, Russia.
Summary
This study found Neovir ineffective for treating acute viral hepatitis. Most patients still had hepatitis C virus RNA and elevated liver enzymes after three months of treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acute viral hepatitis poses a significant public health challenge.
- Interferon-alpha inducers are explored for antiviral therapies.
- Limited treatment options exist for acute viral hepatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Neovir, an interferon-alpha inducer, in treating acute viral hepatitis.
- To assess viral load and liver enzyme levels following Neovir therapy.
Main Methods:
- A total of 15 male patients aged 16-44 with acute viral hepatitis were enrolled.
- Intramuscular injections of Neovir (250 mg) were administered 2-3 times weekly for 3 months.
- Hepatitis C virus RNA levels and liver enzymes (AlaT, AsaT, alkaline phosphatase) were monitored.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis C virus RNA was detectable in 84.6% of patients post-therapy.
- Alanine aminotransferase (AlaT), aspartate aminotransferase (AsaT), and alkaline phosphatase levels remained twofold above normal.
- No significant improvement in virological or biochemical markers was observed.
Conclusions:
- Neovir therapy demonstrated ineffectiveness in clearing hepatitis C virus RNA.
- The treatment failed to normalize elevated liver enzyme levels in patients with acute viral hepatitis.
- Further research into alternative or combination therapies is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
Inhibitors Of Virion Release
Viral replication and dissemination rely on efficient mechanisms for host cell entry, genome replication, assembly, and release. Influenza viruses, such as types A and B, are negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses with a segmented genome, that depend on two critical surface glycoproteins to carry out these processes: hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). HA initiates infection by binding to sialic acid residues on the surface of host epithelial cells, facilitating receptor-mediated...
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...

