Hepatitis C virus: Promising discoveries and new treatments

Abstract

Despite advances in therapy, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains an important global health issue. It is estimated that a significant part of the world population is chronically infected with the virus, and many of those affected may develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. The virus shows considerable variability, a characteristic that directly interferes with disease treatment. The response to treatment varies according to HCV genotype and subtype. The continuous generation of variants (quasispecies) allows the virus to escape control by antivirals. Historically, the combination of ribavirin and interferon therapy has represented the only treatment option for the disease. Currently, several new treatment options are emerging and are available to a large part of the affected population. In addition, the search for new substances with antiviral activity against HCV continues, promising future improvements in treatment. Researchers should consider the mutation capacity of the virus and the other variables that affect treatment success.

Antiviral Activity and Resistance Analysis of NS3/4A Protease Inhibitor Grazoprevir and NS5A Inhibitor Elbasvir in Hepatitis C Virus GT4 Replicons

“…In the phase 3 C-EDGE clinical trials (25)(26)(27), a fixed-dose combination of elbasvir and grazoprevir administered for 12 weeks resulted in a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR 12 ) of 95% among HCV treatment-naive GT4-infected patients. The elbasvir-grazoprevir combination is a valuable option, among others (4,28), for patients chronically infected with GT4 HCV. [1,2-c] [1,3] (Fig.…”

“…Approximately 20% of individuals chronically infected with HCV can be expected to develop liver cirrhosis and, of these, 6% will decompensate to end-stage liver disease, with an additional 4% developing hepatocellular carcinoma. A number of treatment options are now available with combinations of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) that inhibit distinct viral targets, including NS3/4A protease, NS5A protein, and NS5B polymerase, have now become the standard of care (4). However, there are patient populations that are not adequately treated by the available regimens, such as those with decompensated cirrhosis or those for whom access to approved drugs remains an issue.…”

Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 3a Based on Complete Core Protein in Peshawar, Pakistan

“…These genotypes are further divided into closely akin multiple sub-types. These subtypes are different from each other by 15% in nucleotide sequences (5,6).…”

“…A large number of closely related viral variants are continuously produced in this progressive disease due to mutation at the nucleotide level and higher multiplication rate of HCV. In vivo, these variants circulate as quasispecies (5,7). Geographically, genotypes of HCV have distinctive distributions.…”

Stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous assay of pibrentasvir and glecaprevir: Method development, validation and application to tablet dosage forms

“…As per WHO (World Health Organization), 350000 to 500000 people die each year because of this virus associated liver diseases. Though this virus was found worldwide, majorly affected regions included North Africa, Central Asia and East Asia [2,3]. After better studying the properties of RNA, proteins and life cycle of hepatitis C virus, effective antiviral treatments were developed.…”