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World J Hepatol. May 27, 2014; 6(5): 326-339
Published online May 27, 2014. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v6.i5.326
NS3 protease inhibitors for treatment of chronic hepatitis C: Efficacy and safety
Igor Bakulin, Victor Pasechnikov, Anna Varlamicheva, Irina Sannikova
Igor Bakulin, Anna Varlamicheva, Central Scientific Research Institute of Gastroenterology of Moscow Clinical Scientific Center, 111123 Moscow, Russia
Victor Pasechnikov, Irina Sannikova, Stavropol State Medical University, 355020 Stavropol, Russia
Author contributions: Bakulin I, Pasechnikov V, Varlamicheva A and Sannikova I analyzed publications and results of clinical trials; Varlamicheva A and Sannikova I wrote the manuscript; Bakulin I and Pasechnikov V corrected the manuscript and modified the language.
Correspondence to: Igor Bakulin, MD, PhD, Chief of the Department of Hepatology, Central Scientific Research Institute of Gastroenterology of Moscow Clinical Scientific Center, 86, Entuziastov highway, 111123 Moscow, Russia. passetchnikov@mail.ru
Telephone: +7-925-5186538 Fax: +7-499-3720023
Received: November 2, 2013
Revised: February 8, 2014
Accepted: April 11, 2014
Published online: May 27, 2014
Processing time: 207 Days and 8.5 Hours
Abstract

A new treatment paradigm for hepatitis C is that the treatment must include an existing direct-acting antiviral agent, namely, a protease inhibitor (PI) combined with PEGylated interferon-α and ribavirin. The currently marketed PIs and PIs in clinical trials have different mechanisms of action. The development of new PIs aims for an improved safety profile and higher effectiveness. This article reviews NS3/4A protease inhibitors, focusing on major criteria such as their effectiveness and safety. Specific attention is paid to dosing regimens and adverse event profiles of PIs administered in clinical settings.

Keywords: Protease inhibitor; PEGylated interferon-α; Ribavirin; Antiviral treatment; Adverse event; Response-guided therapy; Hepatitis C virus

Core tip: This article reviews NS3/4A protease inhibitors, focusing on major criteria such as effectiveness and safety. Specific attention is paid to dosing regimens and adverse event profiles of protease inhibitor administered in clinical settings.