Novel interferons for treatment of hepatitis C virus.
The current standard of care for treatment of hepatitis C is pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Despite the large number of new oral agents under development, interferon will likely remain the backbone of future therapy. Interferon has unique antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, which have been critical in limiting resistance to protease inhibitors and improving efficacy. Hence, optimizing pharmacokinetics and promoting adherence to interferon dosing regimens will become even more critical as new regimens enter the clinical arena. This review highlights novel interferons under development that may offer therapeutic advantages over the formulations currently available.
Clark
Virginia
V
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
Nelson
David R
DR
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D055808:Drug Discovery; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000187:drug effects*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D007372:Interferons / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D007372:Interferons