Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health problem; there are approximately 120 to 130 million chronic infections worldwide. Since the discovery of HCV 24 years ago, there has been a relentless effort to develop successful antiviral therapies. Studies of interferon-α-based therapies have helped define treatment parameters, and these treatment strategies have cured a substantial percentage of patients. However, interferon-α must be injected; there are problems with tolerability, adherence, and incomplete response in a large percentage of patients. New drug candidates designed to target the virus or the host have recently been introduced at an unprecedented pace. In phase I-III studies, these agents have exceeded expectations and achieved rates of response previously not thought possible. We are, therefore, entering a new era of therapy for HCV infection and interferon independence.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 728-737 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2014 |
Keywords
- DAA
- NS3/4A Protease Inhibitor
- Non-nucleoside
- Nucleoside/Nucleotide
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology