HCV News
Week Ending 01/18/2015
Access to Hepatitis C Therapy Listening Session with Community Stakeholders
'Last month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) convened a listening session on the important issue of access to curative treatment for hepatitis C virus infection. While the advent of more effective, second-generation direct-acting antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis C represents a tremendous scientific accomplishment and a potential public health triumph, community leaders and other stakeholders have raised serious concerns about barriers to treatment access.'
Gilead Denied Patent for Hepatitis C Drug Sofosbuvir in India
'The Indian Patent Controller today rejected one of Gilead's key patent applications, which covered the drug sofosbuvir, used to treat hepatitis C (HCV). The oral drug, which first received regulatory approval in the US in November 2013, and has been priced by Gilead at US$84,000 for a treatment course, or $1,000 per pill in the US, has caused a worldwide debate on the pricing of patented medicines. A study from Liverpool University showed that sofosbuvir could be produced for as little as $101 for a three-month treatment course.'
Experts call for improved hepatitis C care
'Many patients with hepatitis C report getting "lost" in the United States health-care system, according to a study published in Hepatology. "Our findings show that many hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients are lost at each stage of the health care continuum from screening to disease confirmation to care and treatment," Kendra Viner, PhD, MPH, of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, said in a journal news release.'
Abbvie Retreats On Gilead, Anthem Deal. Buying Opportunity?
'Gilead Science's (NASDAQ:GILD) hepatitis-C ("HCV") treatment Sovaldi and its successor, Harvoni, have been two of the most successful drug launches in history. On the strength of these treatments, GILD has generated a 178% return (split adjusted) through Friday's close from December 31, 2012. A true threat to Harvoni emerged in early November when Abbvie's (NYSE:ABBV) HCV cocktail achieved a 97% cure rate in patients who had received a liver transplant.'
Triple-drug regimen led to high HCV cure rate
'The addition of a third direct-acting antiviral drug to a sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir regimen reduced the duration of treatment necessary for patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection without cirrhosis to achieve sustained viral response, according to new research data.'
