Taribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
BACKGROUND
The current standard therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), combination therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, is plagued by a number of side effects, most notably anemia. This anemia is typically managed with a reduction of ribavirin dosing, which may lead to reduced efficacy. Taribavirin, an oral prodrug of ribavirin, which has been shown to induce a lesser degree of anemia, is being investigated for the treatment of chronic HCV.


OBJECTIVE
To summarize the clinical trials involving taribavirin and its potential role in the treatment of chronic HCV.


METHODS
Information was obtained via searches for data related to taribavirin, as well as other current and investigational therapies for chronic HCV. Press releases discussing otherwise unpublished trial outcomes were obtained from the website of Valeant Pharmaceuticals, the producer of Viramidine (taribavirin).


CONCLUSIONS
Taribavirin may increase adherence to therapy for chronic HCV by reducing the need for dose reduction due to anemia. A recent Phase II trial investigating early and sustained virological response showed no statistically significant differences between ribavirin 1000/1200 mg and taribavirin at 800-, 1200-, or 1600-mg dosing, while illustrating a lesser degree of anemia in 800- and 1200-mg dosing of taribavirin. Ongoing studies will continue to examine the efficacy of combination therapy with taribavirin in the place of ribavirin.
Kearney
Keith R
KR
Lankenau Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, 100 Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA. KearneyK@mlhs.org
Thornton
James J
JJ
Navarro
Victor J
VJ
D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D000818:Animals; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011355:Prodrugs; D012254:Ribavirin; C026956:taribavirin