Samatasvir Explained
Samatasvir (IDX-719) is an experimental drug for the treatment of hepatitis C. It was originally developed by Idenix, and development has been continued by Merck & Co. following their acquisition of Idenix. Samatasvir has shown good results in Phase II trials.[1]
Samatasvir is a highly potent and selective inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus NS5A replication complex.[2] While it showed promising results when administered as monotherapy, it is probable that samatasvir would be marketed as a combination product with other anti-hepatitis drugs to increase efficacy and reduce the chance of resistance developing, as with most other novel treatments for hepatitis C currently under development. Trials of samatasvir in combination with other antiviral drugs such as simeprevir are also underway.
See also
Notes and References
- Vince B, Hill JM, Lawitz EJ, O'Riordan W, Webster LR, Gruener DM, Mofsen RS, Murillo A, Donovan E, Chen J, McCarville JF, Sullivan-Bólyai JZ, Mayers D, Zhou XJ . 6 . A randomized, double-blind, multiple-dose study of the pan-genotypic NS5A inhibitor samatasvir in patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1, 2, 3 or 4 . Journal of Hepatology . 60 . 5 . 920–7 . May 2014 . 24434503 . 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.01.003 . free .
- Bilello JP, Lallos LB, McCarville JF, La Colla M, Serra I, Chapron C, Gillum JM, Pierra C, Standring DN, Seifer M . 6 . In vitro activity and resistance profile of samatasvir, a novel NS5A replication inhibitor of hepatitis C virus . Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy . 58 . 8 . 4431–42 . August 2014 . 24867983 . 4136001 . 10.1128/AAC.02777-13 .
