Brand name:Epclusa
Generic name: sofosbuvir and velpatasvir

Medication class: Direct-acting Antiviral Agent
Similar Drugs: daclatasvir (Daklinza), sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), simeprevir (Olysio), ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni), ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (Technivie), ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir (Viekira Pak), elbasvir/grazoprevir (Zepatier)

Manufacturer: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Approval date: June 28, 2016

What is Epclusa and its mechanism of action?

Epclusa is a fixed-dose combination tablet of sofosbuvir 400 mg and velpatasvir 100 mg used for the treatment of hepatitis C. Sofosbuvir is a prodrug that is metabolized (converted) to a nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor. It is a direct-acting antiviral agent, meaning it will directly block the life cycle of the hep C virus. It prevents virus replication by interfering with the HCV enzyme called NS5B.

Velpatasvir is an inhibitor of HCV NS5A enzyme, which is required for viral replication. Velpatasvir is a new pan-genotypic HCV NS5A inhibitor with antiviral activity against HCV replicons in genotypes 1 through 6. Inhibition of NS5A blocks viral production at an early stage of assembly. 

Both drugs in Epclusa interfere with enzymes needed by HCV to multiply and make new viruses, thus reducing the overall viral load. The efficacy of Epclusa has been established in subjects with HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.  

What is Epclusa used for treating?

Epclusa is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 infections:

• Without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis
• With advanced cirrhosis (decompensated) in combination with ribavirin

Roughly 130 to 150 million people globally have chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. In the United States, an estimated 3 to 4 million people are chronically infected with HCV, and approximately half are unaware. HCV is a viral disease that causes liver inflammation that can lead to diminished liver function or liver failure. There are 6 different distinct HCV genotypes, 1 through 6, with genotype 1 being the most prevalent (approximately 75%). Epclusa is indicated for adults with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection from any of the 6 genotypes.

Next: Cure Rates (SVR), Dosing

Also Read: Zepatier (elbasvir & grazoprevir), Dosage, Side Effects, Cost, Cure Rates, And Prescribing Information For Hepatitis C