Sofosbuvir

Definition

Sofosbuvir is a direct-acting antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It is a nucleotide analog that inhibits the HCV NS5B polymerase, which is essential for viral replication. By blocking this enzyme, sofosbuvir effectively reduces the viral load in patients, leading to higher rates of sustained virologic response (SVR).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sofosbuvir was approved by the FDA in December 2013 as part of combination therapies for treating HCV infections.
2. It is often used in combination with other antiviral medications, such as ledipasvir or velpatasvir, to enhance efficacy and broaden the treatment spectrum.
3. Sofosbuvir has a high barrier to resistance, meaning it remains effective even against certain strains of the virus that may be resistant to other treatments.
4. The medication is generally well-tolerated, with few side effects, making it a preferred option for many patients with hepatitis C.
5. The development of sofosbuvir represented a major advancement in hepatitis C treatment, contributing to the potential cure for the disease and significantly improving patient outcomes.

Review Questions

• How does sofosbuvir function at a molecular level to combat hepatitis C infection?
  • Sofosbuvir acts as a nucleotide analog that specifically targets the HCV NS5B polymerase enzyme, crucial for the replication of the hepatitis C virus. By inhibiting this enzyme, sofosbuvir prevents the synthesis of viral RNA, effectively reducing the viral load in infected patients. This mechanism not only decreases active viral replication but also contributes to achieving sustained virologic response rates.
• Discuss the advantages of using sofosbuvir in combination with other direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C treatment.
  • Using sofosbuvir in combination with other direct-acting antivirals allows for a multi-target approach to treating hepatitis C. This strategy enhances overall efficacy by attacking different stages of the viral life cycle, thus minimizing the risk of developing resistance. Combination therapy can also shorten treatment duration and improve patient compliance by increasing treatment success rates.
• Evaluate the impact of sofosbuvir on public health regarding hepatitis C management and treatment accessibility.
  • The introduction of sofosbuvir has significantly transformed hepatitis C management by offering a highly effective treatment option with a favorable safety profile. This advancement has led to improved outcomes for patients and greater public health implications, as higher cure rates contribute to reducing transmission rates within communities. Furthermore, its relatively straightforward oral dosing regimen enhances treatment accessibility for diverse patient populations, addressing a critical need in global health initiatives aimed at eradicating hepatitis C.

Related terms

Hepatitis C: A viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs):

A class of medications that target specific steps in the hepatitis C virus life cycle, leading to viral suppression and clearance.

Sustained virologic response (SVR): The absence of detectable HCV RNA in a patient's blood 12 or 24 weeks after completing antiviral treatment, indicating a successful treatment outcome.