TARGETING HEPATITIS C: AN INSIGHTFUL MINI-REVIEW ON THE LATEST BREAKTHROUGHS IN DRUG THERAPY
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Keywords
FDA, Hepatitis C virus, Hepatitis, Antiviral drugs
Abstract
Introduction: Hepatitis C Virus is a highly infectious and potentially fatal ailment resulting in liver damage and inflammation, can be treated by anti-HCV medications. Latest updates in the development of anti-HCV medications are required for robust clinical decisions.
Objective: To provide an overview of the most recent advancements in the pharmacological treatment of HCV, this mini-review collected published data on recently approved drugs for HCV treatment from research articles, focusing on identifying the most effective options for treating HCV.
Recently Approved anti-HCV medications: It was discovered that only four Direct Acting Antiviral Agents (DAAs) have been approved by the FDA in recent years: Epclusa®, which contains sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (NS5B and NS5A inhibitor); Zepatier®, which contains elbasvir and grazoprevir (NS5B and NS3/4A protease inhibitor); Mavyret®, which contains glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (NS3/4A protease and NS5A inhibitor); and Vosevi®, which contains sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir (NS5B, NS5A, and NS3/4A protease inhibitor).
Conclusion: These drugs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating HCV. However, the cost of treatment with anti-HCV medications is prohibitive. Therefore, the development of cost-effective anti-HCV drugs is required in the future. The unavailability of these advanced treatments in Pakistan calls for strategic efforts to introduce these drugs while ensuring accessibility.
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Muhammad Jawad Hassan
Department of Pharmacy, Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
Naveed Alam
Al Nafees Medical College, Isra University, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
Rubina Kousar
School of Biological Sciences and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
Sohail Riaz
Faculty of Pharmacy, Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad Expressway, Islamabad 747424, Pakistan
Muzaffar Abbas
Faculty of Pharmacy, Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad Expressway, Islamabad 747424, Pakistan
Nasreen Ghani
Institute of Nursing Sciences, Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Gulfam Ali Shahzad
Riphah International University, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Syed Nadeem Ul Hasan Mohani
Department of Pharmacy, Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
Falak Hamid
Institute of Nursing Sciences, Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Jadoon Khan
HoD, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan.