Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronic infection leading to progression to cirrhosis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of the antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C is to eradicate the virus and to halt the progression of liver disease. Interferon was the sole treatment at first, followed by a first breakthrough, the development of pegylated interferon. The second breakthrough was a development of direct acting antiviral agents（DAA） which specifically block the viral protein essential for viral replication. By the combination of pegylated interferon plus DAA, HCV could be successfully eradicated in 90% of patients. Recent evidences suggest that combination of DAAs without co-administration of pegylated interferon could also achieve high rate of HCV eradication. The main stream of therapy is now shifting from interferon based therapy to interferon free therapy. Development of DAAs that are active against resistant mutations to drugs may lead to complete conquer of HCV.
