5. SIGNIFICANCE Pakistan has an enormous burden of chronic HCV infection. The cost of treatment is prohibitive and is unaffordable for a large proportion of our population2, 3. A short course therapy comparable to the standard regimen would have significant implications; a striking decrease in financial burden on the health care system of the country, as well as the patients and a reduction in patient exposure to both medications, resulting in decreased treatment related adverse effects. In addition a larger number of patients will be able to afford the treatment due to a decrease in treatment duration and in turn the overall cost.