[Hepatitis C therapy: a problem almost solved].

New hepatitis C therapies have recently become available that allow to treat almost all infected patients. The excellent results can be obtained with negligible side effects and no danger of drug interactions. As a consequence, combinations of new direct acting antivirals against hepatitis C virus (HCV) can provide an effective treatment of chronic viral infections. However, such therapeutic potentialities should be weighed against economic constraints that prevent widespread use of these agents. The new drugs may not be used for the treatment of tens of thousands of HCV cases in Italy, and it is likely that reimbursement will be only for patients with advanced liver disease due to HCV. Contemporary medicine has reached a milestone unthinkable only a few years ago, but the paradox of our times is that only a few patients can benefit of it.