Advances in Antiviral Therapies for Chronic Hepatitis C: Improving Patient Outcomes

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a major global health issue, with millions of people affected worldwide. The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized the management of CHC, offering higher cure rates and improved patient outcomes. This review explores the latest antiviral treatments for CHC, emphasizing the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and patient outcomes. DAAs such as sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir have demonstrated significant improvements in cure rates (exceeding 95%) and patient satisfaction due to fewer side effects and shorter treatment durations. These therapies have reduced the burden of liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, challenges such as drug resistance, accessibility, and affordability remain. The future of hepatitis C management lies in the development of pan-genotypic therapies, effective vaccines, and global initiatives to improve treatment accessibility.