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Abstract
Introduction: Boceprevir is an NS3/NS4A serine protease inhibitor that was approved for use in Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 patients by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2011. The approval of this protease inhibitor marked a major paradigm shift in the treatment of HCV, as it was one of the first of many new small molecules specifically designed and approved for HCV.
Areas covered: In this article, the authors summarize boceprevir's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. In addition, they review Phase II and III trials of boceprevir as well as its clinical efficacy, dosing and safety.
Expert opinion: Boceprevir is a potent protease inhibitor for the treatment of genotype 1 HCV. It has a well-tolerated side-effect profile and increases the likelihood of SVR in naïve and previously treated patients. The impending release of newer more efficacious direct-acting antivirals may limit the use of boceprevir for patients infected with HCV.
Acknowledgment
V Martel-Laferriere reviewed the article and provided valuable insights.
Declaration of interest
D Dieterich serves as a paid lecturer, consultant and is a member of scientific advisory boards of companies which either develop or assess medicines used for the treatment of viral hepatitis. These companies include Gilead Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Achillion, Tibotec, Idenix, Merck, Kadmon, Bayer Healthcare, Genentech, Hoffman-La Roche and Bristol-Myers Squibb. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest.