USE OF 17-KETOSTEROID COMPOUNDS AND DERIVATIVES, METABOLITES AND PRECURSORS THEREOF IN THE TREATMENT OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS AND OTHER TOGAVIRUSES

摘要

The invention provides the use of 17-ketosteroid compounds, as well as derivatives, metabolites and precursors of such compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of any of these compounds, collectively defined herein as the "compounds of the present invention", in the treatment of prevention of hepatitis C type virus and/or hepatitis G type virus in patients in need of such treatment. In addition, the invention provides methods to treat or prevent togavirus infections, including infections by one or more alphaviruses, flaviviruses, such as yellow fever virus, hepatitis C virus and hepatitis G virus, rubella viruses, or pestiviruses, such as bovine virus diarrhea virus. In addition, the invention provides combination therapies including administration of one or more compound of the present invention, as defined herein, and administration of one or more compound selected from plasma concentration-enhancing compounds, macrophage stimulating factor, oxidation agents, ribavirin and alpha interferon, and/or oxygen ventilation. The compounds of the present invention may also be used to ameliorate or reduce one or more symptoms associated with a togavirus infection.