[Treatment of hepatitis C infection: towards eradication of chronic virus].

Hepatitis C virus multiplies efficiently in the body and causes a chronic infection. The current treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is effective only in some patients. The viral genome codes for no more than ten proteins, several of which are, however, proving to be suitable targets for small-molecular inhibitors. Two protease inhibitors have been approved for therapeutic use. Preliminary results anticipate good efficiency for the new drugs either combined with previous therapy or by using combinations of the new inhibitors.