Danoprevir

Danoprevir (also known as RG7227 or ITMN-191) is a protease inhibitor used in the treatment of hepatitis C. It was developed by InterMune Inc and Roche, and is currently in Phase II clinical trials.

Mechanism of Action

Danoprevir works by inhibiting the NS3/4A protease, an enzyme that is essential for the replication of the hepatitis C virus. By blocking this enzyme, danoprevir prevents the virus from multiplying, thereby reducing the amount of virus in the body.

Clinical Trials

Phase II clinical trials have shown that danoprevir, when used in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin, can significantly reduce the level of hepatitis C virus in the body. In one study, 85% of patients who received this combination therapy had undetectable levels of the virus after 24 weeks of treatment.

Side Effects

Common side effects of danoprevir include fatigue, headache, nausea, and rash. In some cases, danoprevir can cause serious liver problems, including liver failure. Patients taking danoprevir should have their liver function monitored regularly.

Future Developments

While danoprevir has shown promise in clinical trials, further research is needed to determine its long-term efficacy and safety. Future studies may also explore the use of danoprevir in combination with other antiviral drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C.

See Also

• Hepatitis C
• Protease inhibitor
• Clinical trial
• InterMune
• Roche