Simeprevir is an antiviral medication used to treat Hepatitis C. It functions as a protease inhibitor, specifically targeting the NS3/4A protease of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). This protease is crucial for viral replication and processing of viral polyproteins. Simeprevir’s inhibition of NS3/4A leads to disrupted viral maturation and replication, ultimately reducing the viral load in patients.
Mechanism of Action
NS3/4A Protease Inhibition: Simeprevir binds to the NS3/4A serine protease, an enzyme essential for the cleavage of the HCV polyprotein into functional proteins necessary for viral replication.
Viral Load Reduction: By inhibiting this protease, simeprevir disrupts the life cycle of HCV, leading to a decreased replication rate and lowered viral load.
