Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in the future

Abstract

Two direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) against hepatitis C virus (HCV): telaprevir and boceprevir, are now available in combination with peginterferon plus ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection. Although these drugs are potent inhibitors of HCV replication, they occasionally result in severe adverse events. In the present clinical trials, in their stead, several second‐generation DAAs are being investigated. Most of them are being viewed with high expectations, but they also require the combination with peginterferon plus ribavirin. In the near future, we might be using all‐oral DAAs and interferon‐free regimens for the treatment of HCV‐infected patients, and these would be potent inhibitors of HCV and have less adverse events.