Sofosbuvir, used in interferon-free regimens for hepatitis C, acts by inhibiting which viral target?
- A NS3/4A serine protease
- B NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase ✓
- C NS5A phosphoprotein
- D E2 envelope glycoprotein
Correct answer: B. NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
Explanation
Sofosbuvir is a uridine nucleotide prodrug whose active triphosphate form terminates synthesis by the NS5C RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of HCV. This target is conserved across genotypes, giving pangenotypic activity. Distractor A describes simeprevir and glecaprevir class drugs, while C describes daclatasvir and velpatasvir. Knowing the NS protein map of HCV separates these drug classes, a commonly examined pharmacology-virology crossover point.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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