Asunaprevir-containing regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Sheng-Shun; Kao, Jia-Horng
• Is Part Of: Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology. Volume 9:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 9
• Page End: 20
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.3
• DOI: 10.1586/17474124.2014.953930
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-4124

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been a tremendous health burden worldwide with an annual mortality of 300, 000 people due to decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. A combination of interferon (IFN), ribavirin (RBV), and/or direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can eradicate HCV in a various proportion of infected patients. Unfortunately, IFN-based therapy is associated with significant adverse effects, contraindications, and limited tolerability, leading to lower adherence or even treatment discontinuation. With the rapid evolution of newer DAAs or host-targeting agents, emerging HCV therapy is moving towards an IFN- and RBV-free strategy. To this end, a recently developed NS3 protease inhibitor, asunaprevir (ASV), in combination with other DAAs as IFN/RBV-containing or -free regimen, has shown promising results with fewer adverse effects. In this review, preclinical profiles and clinical proof-of-concept studies of ASV, including viral resistance, host polymorphism, and role of ASV in future HCV therapy are reviewed and discussed.</p> </abstract>