From non-A, non-B hepatitis to hepatitis C virus cure

摘要: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) was discovered in the late 1980s. Interferon (IFN)-α proposed as an antiviral treatment for chronic at about same time. Successive improvements IFN-α-based therapy (dose finding, pegylation, addition of ribavirin) increased rates sustained virologic response, i.e. curing HCV infection. These were further improved by adding first available direct-acting (DAA) drugs to combination pegylated IFN-α and ribavirin. An IFN-free era finally started 2014, yielding response over 90% patients treated 8 24 weeks with all-oral regimens. Major challenges however remain implementation these new strategies, not only low- middle-income countries, but also high-income countries where price therapies is still prohibitive. Elimination infection through certain areas possible raises major public health issues.