Novel drugs for hepatitis C virus

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus is a major public health issue and a leading cause of chronic liver disease. The current treatment—pegylated interferon and ribavirin—is associated with significant adverse events and sustained virologic response rates of only approximately 50% in genotype-1 patients. New drugs in development include novel interferons, ribavirin analogs, NS3 protease and NS5B polymerase inhibitors, and cyclophilin inhibitors. The primary goal of drug development is to improve efficacy; secondary goals include shortening the duration and increasing the tolerability of treatment. Viral resistance and toxicity must be overcome before acceptance of new drugs. Future therapy may likely be approved in the United States and European Union by 2011, including a combination of these novel agents, with interferon and ribavirin remaining key components.