Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir Tablets)

Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir Tablets) is used for treating chronic hepatitis C. It is classified as a nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor and its mode of action is preventing the virus from spreading by inhibiting the synthesis of RNA. It has been hailed as a breakthrough in the treatment of Hep C due to reports of patients being cured after treatment. In a recent medical study, 89 per cent of patients affected by hepatitis C genotype 1 (the most commonly occurring form of the virus) were successfully cured when given this medicine in combination with ribivarin and peginterferon alfa. This medicine inhibits the hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleotide analog NS5B polymerase, which is the name given to the enzyme required by the virus to replicate itself and spread throughout the body. When taken by mouth, it is quickly converted into the active metabolite, allowing it to target the virus. Following this, it acts in the liver and binds to the viral RNA, which prevents the virus from copying itself and infecting other liver cells. Because of this, the hep C virus cells are no longer able to multiply in the body. This helps to bring the infection under control and the subsequent reduction in HCV inside the body may stop further damage to the liver. It is generally used in combination with other antiviral drugs to boost the immune system`s ability to fight off the infection. Some patients may also be cured of their condition. Patients affected by all 4 genotypes of the virus (1,2, 3 and 4) can be treated with this medicine. It has also been given to patients who are waiting to undergo a liver transplant, to prevent the recurrence of HCV, or to treat patients who are infected with both HCV and HIV-1. It is not used to treat an infection caused by HIV, however.