title: Interferon-free hepatitis C therapy: how close are we?
abstract: Two oral direct-acting antivirals (DAA) are now available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection and several generations of DAA are in development. Expectations are that, at some time in the near future, hepatitis C will be 'curable' with an all-oral DAA regimen. This article reviews the current problems associated with interferon-based hepatitis C treatments that are combined with DAAs, including adverse events and complications of therapy, contraindications, drug-drug interactions and cost. The article further discusses difficulties with new drug development and provides an opinion on the research issues still to be dealt with and the requirements for the successful implementation of such a strategy. These include lack of efficacy in certain populations, unexpected side effects, antiviral resistance, late relapse, lack of cooperation between drug developers and cost.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Liver Disease Center, Scripps Clinic, The Scripps Translational Science Institute and The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. pockros.paul@scrippshealth.org
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Pockros
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D055808:Drug Discovery / Q000191:economics*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D024882:Drug Resistance, Viral / Q000187:drug effects; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000187:drug effects*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007372:Interferons