The numbers of patients actually infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) can only be estimated, but many go on to develop chronic disease and some will develop hepatocellular carcinoma. Only about half of patients with chronic disease achieve a sustained viral response. This supplement presents information on ways in which therapeutic approaches and agents, such as pegylated interferon and ribavirin, are advancing. Robert Brown discusses the possibilities of tailoring therapy according to the likelihood of achieving and SVR. Kenneth Sherman reviews the data on the treatment of patients with HIV and HCV co-infection. Finally, Eugene Schiff rounds up information from studies of emerging therapies. These articles aim to highlight the ways in which management of hepatitis C might be improved in the future.