Brand Name: Zepatier
Generic Name: elbasvir and grazoprevir

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)
Manufacturer: Merck & Co. Inc.
FDA Approval Date: January 2016

What is Zepatier and its mechanism of action?

Zepatier is a combination drug approved for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 and 4 infections. Zepatier is a fixed-dose combination tablet of elbasvir 50 mg and grazoprevir 100 mg taken orally. Zepatier is a direct-acting antiviral agent, meaning it will directly block the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus.

Elbasvir prevents virus replication by interfering with the HCV enzyme called NS5A. Grazoprevir prevents viral replication by inhibiting NS3/4A protease, which is essential for viral replication. Blocking different steps in the viral lifecycle inhibits proper viral replication, thus reducing viral load.

What is Zepatier used for treating?

Zepatier is an FDA-approved combination drug used with or without ribavirin to treat chronic (HCV) in adults with genotypes 1 or 4 infections.

Hepatitis is defined as inflammation of the liver and Hepatitis C is a type of hepatitis caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and liver failure in the US. Currently, there are 6 different genotypes of HCV and genotype 1 is the most prevalent in the US. 

Next: Zepatier Cure Rates, Side effects

Also Read: Harvoni (ledipasvir and sofosbuvir), Dosage, Side Effects, Cost, and Prescribing Information for Hepatitis C