Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
09:29
Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
New drugs for hepatitis C virus
1Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Scripps Clinic, The Scripps Research Institute, 10666 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. pockros.paul@scrippshealth.org
Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|December 17, 2008
Summary
New chronic hepatitis C therapies are emerging, with direct antivirals expected soon. Combination therapy with pegylated interferon (IFN) and ribavirin will be crucial to prevent viral resistance.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Virology
- Pharmacology and Drug Development
Background:
- The USA has not approved new chronic hepatitis C therapies in five years, relying on pegylated interferon (IFN)-alpha(2a) and ribavirin.
- Pegylated IFN and ribavirin remain standard treatment, though their mechanisms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape and future directions for chronic hepatitis C treatment.
- To anticipate the integration of novel antiviral agents into existing therapeutic regimens.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical developments and drug approvals in hepatitis C therapy.
- Analysis of potential drug combinations and strategies to overcome viral resistance.
Main Results:
- Multiple new direct-acting antiviral agents are anticipated for US and EU approval between 2011-2013.
- Viral resistance is a significant challenge, necessitating extended combination therapy (at least 24 weeks) with pegylated IFN and ribavirin.
- Development pipelines include ribavirin analogs, long-acting IFNs, hepatoprotectants, and immunomodulators.
Conclusions:
- Pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy is likely to persist, incorporating new direct antivirals.
- Preventing viral resistance through optimized combination therapy duration is essential for treatment success.
- Future hepatitis C treatment may involve combinations of direct antivirals, mirroring advancements in HIV therapy.
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