Beyond interferon and ribavirin: Antiviral therapies for hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in humans is associated with the progressive liver failure. A new stage in HCV therapy has emerged with the development of Specifically Targeted Antiviral Therapies for HCV (STAT-C) directly inhibiting viral replication. In combination with pegylated interferon, HCV protease inhibitors have the potential to transform patient care by increasing the cure rate, decreasing side effects and shortening the duration of treatment. In the future, we foresee a shift in the current treatment regiment towards all oral STAT-C inhibitors.

Section editors:Gary Woodnutt – CovX, San Diego, USA.Paul-Henri Lambert – Centre of Vaccinology, University of Geneva, Switzerland.