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Asunaprevir-containing regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection

Sheng-Shun Yang1, Jia-Horng Kao

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|September 2, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) treatment is shifting to interferon- and ribavirin-free regimens. Asunaprevir (ASV), an NS3 protease inhibitor, shows promise with fewer side effects in combination therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Viral Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases and Microbiology

Background:

  • Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection poses a significant global health burden, causing decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Current interferon (IFN)-based therapies have limitations including adverse effects, contraindications, and poor tolerability, impacting patient adherence and treatment success.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the preclinical and clinical data of asunaprevir (ASV), a novel NS3 protease inhibitor.
  • To evaluate the role of ASV in emerging interferon- and ribavirin-free HCV treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical profiles and clinical proof-of-concept studies involving asunaprevir (ASV).
  • Analysis of viral resistance, host genetic factors (polymorphism), and the potential of ASV in future HCV therapeutic regimens.

Main Results:

  • Asunaprevir (ASV), as part of combination therapies, demonstrates promising efficacy with a favorable safety profile compared to traditional treatments.
  • Emerging data suggests ASV can be utilized in both interferon/ribavirin-containing and interferon/ribavirin-free regimens.

Conclusions:

  • Asunaprevir (ASV) represents a significant advancement in the development of direct-acting antivirals for HCV.
  • The integration of ASV into IFN/RBV-free strategies offers a more tolerable and potentially more effective approach to HCV eradication.

Keywords:
NS3 protease inhibitorasunaprevirdirect-acting antiviralshepatitis C virusinterferonribavirin

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