The World Health Organization (WHO) gave its seal of approval last week on two new drugs that could help treat hepatitis C. Both drugs are taken orally and have the potential to help the nearly 150 million infected with the virus across the world. The main concern about these new drugs comes from the staggering cost of the medications, causing some to worry that they may be useful for many but potentially available to only a very select few.

Hepatitis C is a virus that spreads through contact with blood, which has historically included transplants and transfusions, sharing needles, or unsafe sexual activity. The virus can have a damaging effect on the liver if left untreated. However, the two drugs endorsed by the WHO, known as Solvadi and Olysio, both seem to be the most effective treatments to date at fighting the virus, thus making them the frontrunners for battling this worldwide public health concern.

The cost of the new treatments are exceptionally high, with estimates that Solvadi could run at about $1000 a day. Olysio is said to run around $733 per day at its current price. According to some, the main reason behind this cost is the lengthy periods of development and the investments needed to bring the drug to market. Each drug could take 10-20 years and billions of dollars to develop and the pharmaceutical companies responsible want to see returns on their investments.

It is possible that the cost could be curbed in the near future. Expectations of competition, including one drug that appears to be more effective, are cited as one of the main reasons for hope in this area. Insurance companies, as well as the drug makers themselves, will also aid in offsetting the cost through policy coverage and discount programs. The drug is also expected to be priced according to a country’s economic standing, making it more available in lower income areas.

Despite the existence of these programs to reduce cost, the financial strain is still cited as the greatest obstacle to these new medications being readily available to the millions who need them. With tested success rates reaching 90 percent, as opposed to the 70 percent success rate of past front-running drugs, the benefits of these new treatments could result in long-term reductions in worldwide health care costs and human suffering.