Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia-related Issues => Topic started by: Poirot on August 08, 2014, 05:41:11 AM

Title: Hep C - Treatment with Sovaldi
Post by: Poirot on August 08, 2014, 05:41:11 AM

Anyone on the group here, in the USA, who has started treatment of Hep C with Sovaldi?

If yes, could you share your experience?

thanks

Poirot

Title: Re: Hep C - Treatment with Sovaldi
Post by: Andy Battaglia on August 12, 2014, 01:48:43 AM

It works very well based on the trials, but is quite expensive. How long before Cipla makes their own version?

Title: Re: Hep C - Treatment with Sovaldi
Post by: Poirot on August 22, 2014, 04:09:20 AM

Quote from: Andy on August 12, 2014, 01:48:43 AM

How long before Cipla makes their own version?

Under the new patent laws in India, Cipla can not make the drug unless the govt of India decides on compulsory licencing.

While NGOs have been putting pressure on GoI, Hep C is still not much of a priority for the health system in India.

I am also waiting for the new drug, due for release in end 2014, early 2015 - which does not the require the combination of interferon and ribavarin.

Title: Re: Hep C - Treatment with Sovaldi
Post by: Poirot on August 22, 2014, 05:57:07 AM

While doing some further research, I found this article:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/New-Hepatitis-C-drug-99-cheaper-in-India/articleshow/39719323.cms

So, there is a possibility that the pricing would be affordable in India (through direct payments or through funding supported by local NGOs working in this segment)

And, apparently the Indian govt did "threaten" to compulsorily licence the drug if Gilead were not receptive to lowering prices.

Poirot