boceprevir

Boceprevir is a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) small molecule used in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection, particularly in adults with compensated liver disease, including cirrhosis. It acts as a selective inhibitor of the HCV NS3/4A serine protease, an enzyme essential for viral replication. Boceprevir binds covalently but reversibly to the active site serine residue of the NS3/4A protease via its ketoamide group, thereby blocking cleavage of the viral polyprotein into mature proteins required for HCV replication. The drug was developed by Schering-Plough and later by Merck following their merger[1][6][2][5]. Boceprevir has been discontinued and is no longer marketed in several regions due to advances in hepatitis C therapy[7].

Brand names

Victrelis

Other names

Boceprevirum