Abstract

SOFOSBUVIR: NEW AND PROMISING TREATMENT FOR HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION- A REVIEW

Dr. Noel M Isaac*, Dr. Mini Johnson Christudas, Dr. Umesh M

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis C is a life threatening disease caused by Hepatitis C virus. Until recently, ribavirin in combination with peg interferon was considered to be the standard in treatment for HCV infection. However, the need for a newer agent became evident when patients with advanced liver disease, liver transplant receivers, hard to treat hepatitis and in those who can‟t tolerate or receive peg interferon therapy came into picture. Sofosbuvir, a viral nucleotide HCV polymerase inhibitor was formulated to provide a solution for such difficulties. With the introduction of sofobuvir, a greater cure rate with minimum treatment duration for HCV infection was made into a reality and when in combination with either ribavirin with or without peg interferon, visibly out ranked the older standards in therapy.

Keywords: Hepatitis C, Peg interferon, Ribavirin, Sofosbuvir, Efficacy, Safety.