Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States, has produced a 5-minute animation that provides details to help laypersons visualize and understand obscure terms and concepts presented in press releases and scientific materials. For example, the press release “Microbiotix Announces Exclusive Worldwide Licensing Agreement for HCV NS5B Non-Nucleoside Polymerase Inhibitors,” uses the term, NS5B.

This video shows viewers where NS5B comes into play in the viral replication process and why it’s important.  I learned that HCV attaches to a plasma lipid particle in the blood stream and together they travel to the liver.  This animation is the best I’ve seen thus far to help me understand HCV’s life cycle.  I’ve stopped it and replayed certain parts a few times.