Used in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, this compound functions as a nucleotide analog inhibitor of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. It works by incorporating into the growing viral RNA chain, causing premature termination and thus inhibiting viral replication. It is often part of combination antiviral therapy regimens designed to achieve high rates of sustained virologic response, effectively clearing the virus from the body. Its broad genotypic activity makes it useful across multiple HCV genotypes, particularly in combination with other direct-acting antivirals.