Hepatitis C sufferers are hoping PHARMAC is on their side, when it comes to a new treatment.

Professor Edward Gane has received the Liley Medal for his role in developing the sofosbuvir treatment for Hepatitis C.

He says the treatment - which can cure Hepatitis C with few side effects in just 12 weeks - has recently been approved by Medsafe.

"PHARMAC are currently working through the funding decision with the companies."

Mr Gane says it is an expensive treatment - but hopes PHARMAC sees its worth.

He says compared to the current treatment, which takes years and is poorly tolerated, sofosbuvir is very effective.

"The ability to use short duration treatments which are well tolerated and very effective, will give us a chance to really prevent these complications, and I think eventually it will gives us a chance to eliminate Hepatitis C."