Title:Daclatasvir: The First of a New Class of Drugs Targeted Against Hepatitis C Virus NS5A
Volume: 21
Issue: 12
Author(s): I. Gentile, F. Borgia, N. Coppola, A.R. Buonomo, G. Castaldo and G. Borgia
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Combination therapy, daclatasvir, hepatitis C virus, Interferon-free, pegylated-interferon, polymerase inhibitors,
resistance, ribavirin.
Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects about 160 million people worldwide. It is treated with pegylatedinterferon
(peg-IFN) and ribavirin, and in the case of patients affected by genotype 1, also with a protease inhibitor (telaprevir
or boceprevir). Despite a good success rate, IFN-based combinations are contraindicated in several patients (e.g.
decompensated cirrhosis, patients with psychiatric disorders, severe heart diseases or autoimmune disorders) and are associated
with frequent adverse events that ultimately reduce their use. Numerous oral drugs are in an advanced phase of
clinical development, and in some cases, in IFN-free combinations. This review focuses on preclinical and clinical data
regarding daclatasvir (BMS-790052), which is a highly selective HCV NS5A replication complex inhibitor effective
against HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4. In vitro data show that daclatasvir exerts a very potent antiviral effect against several
HCV genotypes. Its pharmacokinetics is optimal and allows once-a-day oral administration. Its adverse event profile
is good. Clinical data regarding its efficacy in combination with peg-IFN, ribavirin or other direct antiviral agents are impressive
(rates of sustained virological response range between 60% and 100% in treatment-naïve patients). The only
drawback of this drug appears to be a relatively low genetic barrier to resistance. In conclusion, daclatasvir, especially in
combinations with other antiviral agents, is a very promising drug for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
