Dasabuvir: a new direct antiviral agent for the treatment of hepatitis C

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized the care of infected patients. Among these novel compounds are non-nucleoside analogs, which bind viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase resulting in a conformational change inhibiting RNA synthesis.

Areas covered: Efficacy and tolerability of treatment regimens containing the non-nucleoside analog polymerase inhibitor dasabuvir (ABT-333).

Expert opinion: Dasabuvir-containing regimens achieve high rates of sustained virologic response in HCV genotype 1a and 1b–infected patients when combined with other DAAs, namely paritaprevir (ABT-450), ritonavir and ombitasvir (ABT-267). In the populations studied, dasabuvir seems to be well tolerated and safe. The major limitations of this novel drug are its genotype-restricted activity, the necessity to include ribavirin for HCV genotype 1a and the emergence of resistance if not combined with other DDAs.

Keywords:

• ABT-333
• antiviral agents
• dasabuvir
• hepatitis C
• polymerase inhibitor
• sustained virological response

Declaration of interest

P Martin acts as a consultant and investigator for Abbvie. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.