Used in combination with other antiviral agents, particularly ritonavir and ombitasvir, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, specifically genotype 1. It acts as a potent inhibitor of the HCV NS3/4A protease, an enzyme essential for viral replication. By blocking this enzyme, the drug prevents the virus from processing polyproteins needed for producing functional viral particles, thereby reducing viral load. Its use is typically part of a direct-acting antiviral regimen that offers high cure rates with shorter treatment durations and fewer side effects compared to older interferon-based therapies.