Allergy Drug Treats Hepatitis C in Mice

A common over-the-counter allergy drug, chlorcyclizine HCl (CCZ), lowered hepatitis C virus levels in infected mice.

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection. Several treatments are available that can cure the disease. However, the drugs have side effects and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The researchers identified multiple allergy-relieving antihistamines that also have antiviral activity. Among them was an over-the-counter drug called CCZ.

The researchers found that the drug inhibited HCV infection of human liver cells. The drug also inhibited HCV infection in mice implanted with human liver cells. Mice treated for 4 to 6 weeks had reduced levels of the virus, with no evidence of drug resistance.

The researchers will now study how CCZ affects humans.

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