The 341-nucleotide 5' non-translated region is the most conserved part of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome. It contains a highly structured internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) that mediates cap-independent initiation of translation of the viral polyprotein by a mechanism that is unprecedented in eukaryotes. The first step in translation initiation is assembly of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 3, eIF2, GTP, initiator tRNA and a 40S ribosomal subunit into a 43S preinitiation complex (1, 2). The IRES contains sites that bind independently with the eIF3 and 40S ribosomal subunit components of 43S complexes, and structural determinants that ensure the correct spatial orientation of these binding sites so that the 48S complex assembles precisely at the initiation codon. Since inhibiting this early translation of viral protein should block HCV replication downstream, this early critical step in replication is of great interest as a drug target. All genotypes of HCV use the same pathway; this drug target should be effective for all HCV genotypes.