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Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus
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Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus

Published on: October 1, 2015

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Direct anti-HCV agents

Xingquan Zhang1

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica. B
|February 24, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is now curable with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Newer DAAs offer high cure rates for all genotypes, surpassing older treatments and making HCV elimination a reality.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is distinct from HIV and HBV as it is curable.
  • Current direct antiviral agents (DAAs) target key HCV proteins: NS3/4A protease, NS5B polymerase, and NS5A.
  • First-generation DAAs (protease inhibitors) improved cure rates but were supplanted by more effective, less toxic second-generation drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolution and efficacy of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
  • To highlight the advancements in HCV treatment leading to high cure rates.
  • To discuss ongoing research and future directions in HCV drug development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of direct antiviral agent (DAA) development for hepatitis C virus (HCV).
  • Analysis of treatment outcomes comparing first-generation and second-generation DAAs.
  • Summary of current clinical trials for novel fixed-dose combination HCV therapies.

Main Results:

  • First-generation DAAs (boceprevir, telaprevir) increased genotype 1 HCV cure rates to 70% when added to standard therapy.
  • Second-generation DAAs (sofosbuvir, simeprevir, combination therapies) achieve cure rates over 90% for all HCV genotypes without interferon.
  • The goal of "cure HCV" is now achievable for most patients.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a curable disease due to advancements in direct antiviral agents (DAAs).
  • Second-generation DAAs have revolutionized HCV treatment, offering high efficacy and tolerability across all genotypes.
  • Future research focuses on overcoming drug resistance and reducing treatment costs, with new fixed-dose combinations in late-stage trials.

Keywords:
Cure HCVDirect antiviral agentsHepatitis C virusNS3/4A protease inhibitorSustained virologic response

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