Samatasvir (IDX-719) is an experimental drug for the treatment of

hepatitis C Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver; it is a type of viral hepatitis. During the initial infection people often have mild or no symptoms. Occasionally a fever, dark urine, a ...

. 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. Samatasvir is a highly potent and selective inhibitor of the

hepatitis C virus The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small (55–65 nm in size), enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus of the family ''Flaviviridae''. The hepatitis C virus is the cause of hepatitis C and some cancers such as liver cancer ( hepato ...

NS5A Nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) is a zinc-binding and proline-rich hydrophilic phosphoprotein that plays a key role in Hepatitis C virus RNA replication. It appears to be a dimeric form without ''trans''-membrane helices. Structure NS5A is deriv ...

replication complex. 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 Simeprevir, sold under the trade names Olysio among others, is a medication used in combination with other medications for the treatment of hepatitis C. It is specifically used for hepatitis C genotype 1 and 4. Medications it is used with includ ...

are also underway.

References

NS5A inhibitors Pyrrolidines Benzimidazoles Carbamates Experimental drugs {{antiinfective-drug-stub

See also

References