title: Simeprevir for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection.
abstract: Simeprevir (TMC435, Olysio™), a second-generation hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor, has been recently approved for the treatment of genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. This molecule has very different characteristics from first-generation protease inhibitors. Results from trials show that simeprevir is highly effective and safe, with few adverse events. We discuss the specific features of this new treatment option for HCV infection, in terms of in vitro data, pharmacological data, and clinical trials. We also discuss the impact of Q80K polymorphism at baseline. Studies evaluating interferon-free regimens with simeprevir are ongoing. Future combinations of two or more direct-acting antiviral agents, targeting different viral enzymes and with synergistic antiviral effects, will be approved, allowing treatment of pan-genotypic HCV with optimized sustained virologic responses. Simeprevir will undoubtedly be part of future treatment strategies.
authors.affiliation: Virology Research Unit, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France.
authors.forename: Laure
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Izquierdo
authors.affiliation: Virology Research Unit, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France.
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Helle
authors.affiliation: Virology Research Unit, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France ; Department of Virology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: François
authors.affiliation: Virology Research Unit, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France ; Department of Virology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France.
authors.forename: Sandrine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Castelain
authors.affiliation: Virology Research Unit, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France ; Department of Virology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France.
authors.forename: Gilles
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Duverlie
authors.affiliation: Virology Research Unit, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France ; Department of Virology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France.
authors.forename: Etienne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Brochot
keywords: direct-acting antiviral agent; hepatitis C virus; protease inhibitor; simeprevir