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Treatment of chronic hepatitis C
1Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
Minerva Medica
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Current hepatitis C treatments combine pegylated interferon-alfa and ribavirin, achieving a 55% sustained virological response. New direct-acting antivirals promise higher cure rates for chronic hepatitis C.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C treatment has evolved, with response-guided therapy improving outcomes.
- Current standard treatment involves pegylated interferon-alfa and ribavirin, yielding a 55% sustained virological response rate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of hepatitis C treatment.
- To discuss emerging antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis C.
Main Methods:
- Review of current treatment protocols for chronic hepatitis C.
- Discussion of novel antiviral agents targeting hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication.
Main Results:
- Response-guided therapy with pegylated interferon-alfa and ribavirin achieves approximately 55% sustained virological response.
- New direct-acting antivirals, including protease inhibitors and host-targeting agents, are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Emerging direct-acting antivirals are expected to significantly improve sustained virological response rates.
- These novel therapies hold promise for achieving a permanent cure for chronic hepatitis C.
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