Market Insight - Hepatitis C: in search of a breakthrough

Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents an important healthcare problem worldwide. Current estimates suggest that globally about 170 million people, representing approximately 3% of the world's population, are chronically infected, and are at risk of developing liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Estimates indicate that in the US, three to four million people are infected annually. The prevalence of HCV-related disease is increasing, but no vaccine is yet available.

Since HCV was identified as being the causative agent of Hepatitis C (non-A, non-B hepatitis), treatment has progressed rapidly, but morbidity and mortality rates are still predicted to rise. Novel,...