Hepatitis C virus replication and potential targets for direct-acting agents.

ABSTRACT: We finally stand at the brink of novel, oral, direct-acting antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Basic science research has lead to a greater understanding of the viral life cycle and identified numerous potential targets for therapy. Early compounds were plagued by inconsistent in vivo activity and side effects that led to discontinuation of investigational efforts. However, several agents have now progressed to phase 2 human studies and two protease inhibitors have completed enrolment for their phase 3 clinical trials and look promising. Thus, while it appears that protease inhibitors will likely be the next available drugs for the treatment of HCV infection, the quest for additional therapeutic agents will continue. The future of HCV therapy lies in multidr

SUBMITTER: O'Leary JG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3002563 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature