Current and Future Medications for Hepatitis C (cont.)

Medical Author:

Mary L Windle, PharmD

Medical Editor:

Simmy Bank, MD, MB, ChB

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

BS Anand, MD

Researchers are studying the following drugs for use in treating hepatitis C:

Thymosin alpha-1 (Zadaxin, by SciClone) is a protein that enhances the body’s immune system to counteract viruses.
BILN 2061 (by Boehringer Ingelheim) is an HCV protease inhibitor that blocks an enzyme released by HCV, thereby inhibiting viral replication.
ISIS 14803 (by Isis Pharmaceuticals and Elan) is a nucleoside analog that disrupts proteins during viral cell division, thereby decreasing the ability of HCV to multiply.
Other interferons are being investigated, including recombinant interferon beta-1a (by Serono Lab), omega interferon (by BioMedicines), and VX-497 (by Vertex Pharmaceuticals).