Ritonavir

Products Ritonavir is commercially available as a monopreparation in the form of film-coated tablets (Norvir). It was approved in many countries, in the United States and in the EU in 1996, and is also used as a pharmacokinetic booster in combination with antiviral agents (eg, lopinavir). Norvir syrup is no longer marketed in many countries. … Ritonavir

Paritaprevir

Products Paritaprevir was approved in many countries in 2014 in film-coated tablet form (Viekirax, combination drug). Effects Paritaprevir has antiviral properties against HCV. The effects are due to binding to the NS3/4A protease complex. HCV NS3 serine protease is an enzyme involved in viral replication. To increase availability and allow once-daily administration, paritaprevir is combined … Paritaprevir

Sofosbuvir

Products Sofosbuvir is commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets (Sovaldi). It was approved in the United States and EU in 2013 and in many countries in 2014. The very high price of the drug has been a source of debate. Sofosbuvir is also combined fixed with ledipasvir (Harvoni). Cheaper generics are available in … Sofosbuvir

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is characterized by partial scarring of individual renal corpuscles. It is a group of different diseases that can lead to nephrotic syndrome in the majority of cases. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. What is focal segmental glomerulosclerosis? Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis represents a collective term for several different diseases that lead … Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Interferons: Function & Diseases

Interferons are tissue hormones composed of relatively short-chain polypeptides, proteins, or glycoproteins. Together with interleukins and other groups of substances, they belong to the cytokines that initiate and control the immune responses of the immune system. Interferons are produced mainly by cells of the immune system, but also by fibroblasts, and primarily control antiviral and … Interferons: Function & Diseases

Elbasvir

Products Elbasvir was approved in many countries in 2016 as a fixed-dose combination with the protease inhibitor grazoprevir in film-coated tablet form (Zepatier). Structure and properties Elbasvir (C49H55N9O7, Mr = 882.0 g/mol) Effects Elbasvir (ATC J05AX68) has antiviral properties. The effects are due to binding to the viral protein NS5A (Non-Structural Protein 5A). Unlike other … Elbasvir

Dasabuvir

Products Dasabuvir is commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets. It was approved in many countries in 2014 (Exviera). Structure and properties Dasabuvir (C26H27N3O5S, Mr = 493.6 g/mol) has a non-nucleoside structure. It exists in the drug as a sodium salt and as a monohydrate. Effects Dasabuvir (ATC J05AX16) has antiviral properties. The effects … Dasabuvir

Ombitasvir

Products Ombitasvir was approved in the EU and many countries in 2014 in film-coated tablet form (Viekirax, combination drug). Structure and properties Ombitasvir (C50H67N7O8, Mr = 894.1 g/mol) Effects Ombitasvir (ATC J05AX66) has antiviral properties against HCV virus. The effects are due to binding to the viral protein NS5A (Non-Structural Protein 5A). Unlike other HCV … Ombitasvir

Boceprevir

Background It is estimated that more than 180 million people worldwide are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus. Potential severe complications of hepatitis include cirrhosis, liver carcinoma, and liver failure. Of the various genotypes of the virus, genotype 1 in particular responds poorly to current treatment (50%). Standard drugs used include subcutaneous peginterferon alfa … Boceprevir

Condoms: Effect, Uses & Risks

Condoms are aids to contraception and to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. The thin rubber sheaths are slipped over the erect penis, preventing sperm from entering the female body. Condoms are among the most popular contraceptives because they are considered relatively safe when used properly. What are condoms? Condoms are thin rubber latex sheaths … Condoms: Effect, Uses & Risks