Novel therapies for hepatitis C: insights from the structure of the virus

Annu Rev Med. 2012:63:373-87. doi: 10.1146/annurev-med-042010-085715. Epub 2011 Sep 14.

Abstract

For the first time since the discovery of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), therapeutic options for hepatitis C have expanded. Several agents directly effective against HCV are now in development, including both direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) and host cofactor inhibitors. DAAs have been developed to inhibit several HCV proteins, including the NS3/4A serine protease, the NS5B RNA polymerase, NS5A, and NS4B. Host cofactor inhibitors include, but are not limited to, cyclophilin inhibitors, miR122 antagonists, and statins. Development of these agents represents a major advance in HCV therapeutics. This review provides a guide to HCV drugs in various stages of development, including an introduction to their mechanism of action, state of clinical development, efficacy, and side effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Design*
  • Hepacivirus* / drug effects
  • Hepacivirus* / genetics
  • Hepacivirus* / growth & development
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents