Products
Pibrentasvir was approved in the United States, many countries, and the EU in 2017 as a fixed-dose combination with glecaprevir in film-coated tablet form (Maviret).
Structure and properties
Pibrentasvir (C57H65F5N10O8, Mr = 1113.2 g/mol) exists as a white to slightly yellow crystalline powder.
Effects
Pibrentasvir has antiviral properties. The effects are due to binding to the viral protein NS5A (Non-Structural Protein 5A). Unlike other HCV antiviral drugs, the drug target is not an enzyme but a phosphoprotein that plays a role in RNA replication and assembly.
Indications
For the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6).
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Tablets are taken once daily with food.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
There is a potential for drug-drug interactions. Pibrentasvir is a substrate of P-glycoprotein and BCRP.
Adverse Effects
The most common potential adverse effects of combination therapy include headache, fatigue, and nausea.