The cure for hepatitis C is now possible but very expensive; which statement is true?

• A. It is always self-resolving without treatment
• B. It has a cheap, universal cure
• C. It is now treatable but very expensive
• D. It cannot be cured

Answer: (C)

The important idea here is that hepatitis C can now be cured with modern antivirals, but cost is a major barrier to access. Direct-acting antivirals can achieve a sustained virologic response in the vast majority of patients (about 95%), often after 8–12 weeks of treatment, which means cure for most people. Because of the high price of these therapies, they are not universally affordable, and access varies widely by country and healthcare system. Some people do clear the virus spontaneously, but this is not reliable enough to count on for everyone. The notion of a cheap, universal cure isn’t accurate given current costs and availability. Saying it cannot be cured is incorrect because the standard regimens can cure the majority of patients.