Recent executive-level hires and director appointments at venture capital firms and biopharma and medtech start-ups.

A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, "Start-Ups Look For A Place In Coming Hepatitis C Combo Regimens." features profiles of AiCuris, Avila Therapeutics, Okairos, Viroblock and Zirus. Plus these Start-Ups Across Health Care: Arineta, HemoShear, Hygieia and Silver Bullet Therapeutics.

Viroblock SA is taking a decidedly pragmatic approach to commercializing a solution of two ingredients "generally recognized as safe" that when combined appear to inactivate viruses. The company is looking to leverage a liquid mixture that contains liposomes and cyclodextrin, a chemical frequently harnessed for its ability to bond with hydrophobic substances to fight viral infections.

With more than 50 drugs in development for hepatitis C, what comes next after first-generation protease inhibitors and what opportunity might there be for small start-up firms in a space where so many Big Pharma and specialty pharma companies are active? Approvals of direct-acting antiviral therapies are just around the corner in hepatitis C, and smaller companies are looking to provide parts of the puzzle in next-generation drug cocktails that will tackle the growing disease. However, in order for small companies to succeed in this highly competitive space they'll need highly differentiated products. START-UP profiles AiCuris, Avila Therapeutics, Okairos, Viroblock and Zirus.