Treatment of Hepatitis C Infections with Interferon: A Historical Perspective. (15th August 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Friedman, Robert M.; Contente, Sara
• Other Names: Yu Ming-Lung Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Hepatitis research and treatment. Volume 2010(2010)
• Publication Date: 2010-08-15
• Subjects: Hepatitis -- Periodicals; Hepatitis; Hepatitis; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.3623
• DOI: 10.1155/2010/323926
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-1364

Abstract

Abstract : Interferons were first described in 1957, but it was not until 34 years after their discovery that sufficient quantities of it were available for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, Clinicians now have an excellent understanding of the basis for the effectiveness of interferon alpha (IFN-α ) in the therapy of this disease. Treatment with IFN-α is more efficient when it complemented by the antiviral ribavirin and the IFN-α is conjugated with polyethylene glycol to form peginterferon. In the near future treatment of HCV with IFN-α may involve new anti-HCV agents that are currently under development.