New treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) may be highly effective but are very expensive that may compel doctors and patients to consider delaying treatment. However, a new study shows that immediate treatment of HCV-infected patients with minimal or no scarring can be cost-effective, especially when lower treatment costs are assumed.
Hepatitis C is a liver disease spread through infected blood; it can lead to issues like cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. The Center for Disease Control, USA, has estimated that there are 3.2 million people in the US suffering from chronic hepatitis C — many of whom may not even know they are infected. Several medications can help treat the disease.
UnitedHealth Suggests Gilead's Harvoni as Preferred Hepatitis C Treatment
UnitedHealth Group Inc, the largest U.S. health insurer, has mentioned Gilead Sciences Inc's Harvoni as the preferred hepatitis C treatment on its 2015 commercial drug coverage list.
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"The devastating effects of hepatitis C continue to threaten the health of many Americans, with baby boomers at particular risk. This analysis of treatment available for hepatitis C describes specific scenarios when immediate or earlier treatment can be both cost-effective and increase quality of life," said Dr. John Ward, co-author of the Hepatology study and director of CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis. This study was published online March 16 in Hepatology.
Source: Medindia
Mylan Soon to Distribute Hepatitis C Drugs in India
Mylan, US drug maker soon to distribute two drugs in India to treat liver diseases. Mylan Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, has received exclusive rights to distribute the branded medicines Sovaldi for liver diseases and Havaroni for chronic hepatitis C.
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Drug for Hepatitis C to be Launched in India by Gilead SciencesThe pill could treat six genotypes of hepatitis C if approved by regulators and is a combination of sofosbuvir and GS-5816. | Advertisement
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After Calls for New Drugs, Spain Vows Hepatitis C Action
New measures to fight hepatitis C has been promised by Spain's government Monday, following protests by patients who complained authorities were denying them the latest drugs.
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