Decades ago, in the 1970s, cases of transfusion-associated hepatitis, called non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH), were often chronic, but the cause was unknown. It took nearly 20 years to identify the hepatitis C virus (HCV) as the culprit. Early treatments with interferon-α (IFNα) had low cure rates and poor tolerability. Despite advances, chronic HCV remains a major global health issue, causing liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver transplants. However, modern antiviral treatments now achieve over 98% cure rates with all-oral therapies, and effective screening has significantly reduced HCV transmission through blood transfusions.

In 2016, the WHO aimed to reduce new HCV infections by 90% by 2030, targeting HCV elimination. The history of HCV research is a model of successful biomedical research, from identifying the virus to developing diagnostics and therapies, culminating in a global elimination program. These advances were achieved through collaborations between scientists, physicians, and the pharmaceutical industry. The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton, and Charles M. Rice for their significant contributions to HCV research.

Reference: Manns MP, Maasoumy B. Breakthroughs in hepatitis C research: from discovery to cure. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Aug;19(8):533-550. doi: 10.1038/s41575-022-00608-8. Epub 2022 May 20. PMID: 35595834; PMCID: PMC9122245.