Is hepatitis C virus eradication around the corner only 25 years after its discovery?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), identified approximately 25 years ago, is recognised as the cause of several clinical conditions besides chronic hepatitis. New compounds with direct antiviral activity have recently been introduced. These drugs promise to outdo old therapies based on interferon and ribavirin both in terms of improved safety and virological response. In fact, these drugs may pave the way to complete eradication of the disease. However, their actual price is exceedingly high and a strategy is necessary to guarantee wide and sustainable access to new therapies.