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Updated: May 9, 2026

Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
Direct-acting antiviral agents and the path to interferon independence
Warren N Schmidt1, David R Nelson2, Jean-Michel Pawlotsky3
1Department of Internal Medicine and Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa; Roy G. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Abstract:
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health problem; there are approximately 120 to 130 million chronic infections worldwide. Since the discovery of HCV 24 years ago, there has been a relentless effort to develop successful antiviral therapies. Studies of interferon-α-based therapies have helped define treatment parameters, and these treatment strategies have cured a substantial percentage of patients. However, interferon-α must be injected; there are problems with tolerability, adherence, and incomplete response in a large percentage of patients. New drug candidates designed to target the virus or the host have recently been introduced at an unprecedented pace. In phase I-III studies, these agents have exceeded expectations and achieved rates of response previously not thought possible. We are, therefore, entering a new era of therapy for HCV infection and interferon independence.
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