Telaprevir

Telaprevir

Telaprevir is an antiviral medication used in the treatment of hepatitis C. It is a protease inhibitor, specifically targeting the NS3/4A serine protease of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Telaprevir was approved for medical use in the United States in 2011.

Medical uses

Telaprevir is used in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection in adults. It is used in patients with compensated liver disease, including cirrhosis, who are treatment-naive or who have previously been treated with interferon-based treatment.

Mechanism of action

Telaprevir is a direct-acting antiviral agent that inhibits the replication of the HCV. It binds to the NS3/4A serine protease, preventing the cleavage of the HCV polyprotein, a process that is necessary for the formation of the HCV's nonstructural proteins. By inhibiting this process, telaprevir prevents the virus from replicating and infecting new cells.

Side effects

Common side effects of telaprevir include rash, anemia, nausea, fatigue, headache, pruritus, and anal or rectal discomfort. Serious side effects may include severe skin reactions, anemia, and birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

History

Telaprevir was developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 2011. It was marketed under the brand name Incivek in the United States and Incivo in other countries.

See also

• List of antiviral drugs
• Hepatitis C treatment

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