Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Here, we briefly review the virology, diagnosis and therapy of hepatitis C. Standard therapy with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin results in a sustained virological response in 40-50% of genotype 1- and in about 80% of genotype 2- or 3-infected patients. Recent progress has allowed the identification of novel antiviral targets and therapeutic strategies. These will likely complement existing therapeutic modalities in the near future.