New hepatitis C virus drug discovery strategies and model systems Journal Article

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Authors: Hussain, S.; Barretto, N.; Uprichard, S. L.
Article Title: New hepatitis C virus drug discovery strategies and model systems
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide and the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Current treatment options are expensive, not effective in all patients and are associated with serious side effects. Although preclinical, anti-HCV drug screening is still hampered by the lack of readily infectable small animal models, the development of cell culture HCV experimental model systems has driven a promising new wave of HCV antiviral drug discovery. AREAS COVERED: This review contains a concise overview of current HCV treatment options and limitations with a subsequent in-depth focus on the available experimental models and novel strategies that have, and continue to enable, important advances in HCV drug development. EXPERT OPINION: With a large cohort of chronically HCV-infected patients progressively developing liver disease that puts them at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic decompensation, there is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutics that are well tolerated and effective in all patients and against all HCV genotypes. Significant advances in HCV experimental model development have expedited drug discovery; however, additional progress is needed. Importantly, the current trends and momentum in the field suggests that we will continue to overcome critical experimental challenges to reach this end goal.
Journal Title: Expert opinion on drug discovery
Volume: 7
Issue: 9
ISSN: 1746-045X; 1746-0441
Publisher: Unknown  
Journal Place: England
Date Published: 2012
Start Page: 849
End Page: 859
Language: eng
DOI/URL:

10.1517/17460441.2012.711312

10.1517/17460441.2012.711312
Notes: LR: 20130715; GR: R01 - AI07881/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States; GR: R01 AI078881/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States; GR: R21 - AI097809/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States; GR: R21 AI097809/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States; JID: 101295755; 0 (Antiviral Agents); NIHMS444274; OID: NLM: NIHMS444274; OID: NLM: PMC3664227; 2012/08/04 [aheadofprint]; ppublish