Virology

Biography

Biography: Syed Amir Abbas Naqvi

Abstract

Hepatitis C, a chronic, lifelong and life-threatening incurable disease has finally been transformed into a readily curable one. The treatment of hepatitis C has evolved over the years. Initially used IFN monotherapy. Subsequently, combination of ribavirin and IFN or PEG-IFN were used. For the first time, since its discovery in 1989, hepatitis C can be cured without ribavirin and pegylated interferon. PegIFN-based treatment regimens have well-documented adverse event (AE) profiles including influenza-like symptoms and depression, which have led to unfavorable discontinuation rates in clinical trials, and RBV also has associated side effects including teratogenicity, hemolytic anemia, and rash. PegIFN used to be too toxic for some patients to complete their treatment, had variable and low overall success rate and above all it was associated with a significant relapse rate.During the past 2 years, treatment regimens with new antiviral drugs have achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of up to 90%-100%. These drugs will also benefit patients with severe fibrosis or cirrhosis by reducing disease progression, hepatic decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir has emerged as an important component of currently recommended regimens. Antiviral agents with different mechanisms of action are combined in order to increase efficacy and prevent resistance but for a more finite duration. We currently expect an overall low long-term relapse rate.