# Chemical Compounds for Treating Hepatitis C Virus

> A patent describing specific chemical structures designed to stop the Hepatitis C virus from replicating in humans.

- **Patent:** US 8822430
- **Original title:** Antiviral compounds
- **Owner:** Gilead Pharmasset LLC
- **Granted:** 2014
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 11
- **Field:** pharmaceutical, biotech

## What it does

This patent defines a series of chemical structures, specifically compounds containing benzimidazolyl and heteroaryl rings, that act as antiviral agents. These molecules are engineered to interfere with the life cycle of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). By administering these compounds, as described in claims 16 and 17, the patent outlines a method to inhibit the virus's ability to multiply within a human patient. The patent also covers the pharmaceutical compositions, meaning the specific mixtures of these chemicals with carriers that allow them to be safely delivered as medicine.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover general antiviral treatments for viruses other than Hepatitis C.
- Does not cover natural, non-synthetic chemical compounds found in nature.
- Does not cover methods of treating HCV using different chemical scaffolds not defined by the specific formulas in the claims.
- Does not cover medical devices or diagnostic tools for detecting the virus.

## The clever bit

The innovation lies in the specific arrangement of the benzimidazolyl and heteroaryl groups, which allows the molecule to bind precisely to viral proteins, effectively shutting down the virus's replication machinery.

## Real-world examples

1. Direct-acting antiviral medications for Hepatitis C
2. Pharmaceutical formulations for oral HCV therapy

## Why it matters

This patent is part of the intellectual property portfolio that enabled the development of highly effective direct-acting antivirals for Hepatitis C. These drugs transformed HCV from a chronic, often fatal condition into a curable disease. It represents a significant milestone in medicinal chemistry and public health.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does Chemical Compounds for Treating Hepatitis C Virus cover?

A patent describing specific chemical structures designed to stop the Hepatitis C virus from replicating in humans.

### Who owns patent US 8822430?

Gilead Pharmasset LLC owns this patent, granted in 2014.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on September 2, 2034, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 8822430 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 11 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This patent is part of the intellectual property portfolio that enabled the development of highly effective direct-acting antivirals for Hepatitis C. These drugs transformed HCV from a chronic, often fatal condition into a curable disease. It represents a significant milestone in medicinal chemistry and public health.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover general antiviral treatments for viruses other than Hepatitis C.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8822430/epclusa-sofosbuvir-velpatasvir

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US8822430

---

_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._