Dasabuvir

Antiviral medication used to treat hepatitis C

Dasabuvir
Chemical structure of Dasabuvir

Dasabuvir is an antiviral drug used in the treatment of hepatitis C, a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is part of a combination therapy that targets the hepatitis C virus (HCV) to prevent it from multiplying in the body.

Mechanism of Action

Dasabuvir is a non-nucleoside NS5B polymerase inhibitor. The NS5B protein is an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase that is crucial for the replication of the hepatitis C virus. By inhibiting this enzyme, dasabuvir disrupts the replication process of the virus, thereby reducing the viral load in the patient's body.

Clinical Use

Dasabuvir is used in combination with other antiviral medications, such as ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, in a regimen known as Viekira Pak. This combination therapy is effective against certain genotypes of the hepatitis C virus, particularly genotype 1. The use of dasabuvir in combination therapy has been shown to achieve high rates of sustained virologic response (SVR), which is considered a cure for hepatitis C.

Administration

Dasabuvir is administered orally, typically in the form of tablets. The standard dosage involves taking the medication twice daily with food, as part of the combination therapy regimen.

Side Effects

Common side effects of dasabuvir include fatigue, nausea, itching, and insomnia. More serious side effects can occur, and patients are advised to report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider. The combination therapy can also interact with other medications, so it is important for patients to inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking.

Pharmacokinetics

Dasabuvir is metabolized primarily in the liver and has a half-life that allows for twice-daily dosing. It is excreted in both urine and feces. The pharmacokinetic profile of dasabuvir can be affected by liver function, and dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with hepatic impairment.

Development and Approval

Dasabuvir was developed by AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2014 as part of the Viekira Pak regimen for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection.

Related Pages

• Hepatitis C
• Antiviral drug
• NS5B polymerase inhibitor
• AbbVie