What is "samatasvir"

Samatasvir (IDX-719) is an experimental drug for the treatment of hepatitis C. It was originally developed by Idenix, and development has been continued by Merck & Co. following their acquisition of Idenix. Samatasvir has shown good results in Phase II trials.

Samatasvir is a highly potent and selective inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus NS5a replication complex. While it showed promising results when administered as a monotherapy, it is most likely that samatasvir would be marketed as a combination product with other anti-hepatitis drugs to increase efficacy, as with most other novel treatments for Hepatitis C currently under development. Trials of samatasvir in combination with other antiviral drugs such as simeprevir and ritonavir are also underway.