Vaniprevir

Vaniprevir

Vaniprevir is a protease inhibitor used in the treatment of Hepatitis C. It is a second-generation protease inhibitor developed by Merck & Co., and is specifically designed to target the NS3/4A serine protease of the Hepatitis C virus.

Mechanism of Action

Vaniprevir works by inhibiting the NS3/4A serine protease, an enzyme that the Hepatitis C virus requires for replication. By blocking this enzyme, Vaniprevir prevents the virus from replicating within the host's liver cells.

Clinical Trials

Vaniprevir has undergone Phase II and Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of Hepatitis C. In these trials, it has shown significant efficacy in reducing viral load, particularly in patients with genotype 1 Hepatitis C, which is the most common form of the virus in the United States and Europe.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Vaniprevir include fatigue, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can cause severe skin reactions and liver damage.

Regulatory Status

As of 2021, Vaniprevir is approved for use in Japan, but not in the United States or Europe. In Japan, it is marketed under the brand name MK-7009.

See Also

• Protease inhibitor (pharmacology)
• Hepatitis C
• Clinical trial
• Merck & Co.

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