title: Treating hepatitis C - what's new?
abstract: Chronic hepatitis C infection causes cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma, and is the most common indication for liver transplantation. Hepatitis C is curable and complications can be prevented. Until recently, treatment regimens involved peginterferon alfa. Although effective, their widespread use is limited by treatment-related toxicity. A number of direct-acting drugs for hepatitis C, such as sofosbuvir, have recently been developed and target multiple steps in the viral life cycle. These drugs are used in combination in interferon-free regimens. Short courses are highly effective with minimal toxicity.
authors: Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital; University of Melbourne, Melbourne.
authors: Alex J
authors: AJ
authors: Thompson
authors: University of Melbourne, Melbourne.
authors: Jacinta A
authors: JA
authors: Holmes
keywords: asunaprevir; daclatasvir; hepatitis C; peginterferon; protease inhibitors; ribavirin; sofosbuvir