Alisporivir (Debio-025) is a cyclophilin inhibitor with potent anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity.

Alisporivir (Debio-025) is a cyclosporine A analog and introduces a novel category of cyclophilin inhibitors without immunosuppressive effects. It targets CypA, vital for HCV replication, by inhibiting its action which is necessary for the virus's survival[1]. Additionally, Alisporivir disrupts the HCV protein's harmful impact on mitochondrial membrane potential, safeguarding mitochondrial function from virus-induced collapse without causing apoptosis, calcium overload, or reactive oxygen species (ROS) production[2]. It also promotes antigen presentation in hepatoma cells, thereby boosting the activation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells by 40% and increasing MHC-I and beta-2 microglobulin expression across various cell lines, indicating an enhanced immune response[4]. In studies, low doses effectively halted SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV replication within cellular models. Notably, pairing alisporivir with ribavirin further amplified its efficacy against MERS-CoV in these contexts[3].

Combination treatment with alisporivir and ribavirin does not protect against SARS-CoV infection in a mouse model[3].