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Barriers to access to hepatitis C treatment
Hava Yilmaz1, Esmeray Mutlu Yilmaz, Hakan Leblebicioglu
1Ondokuz Mayis University Medical Samsun, Turkey. hyilmaz@omu.edu.tr.
Insights
Hepatitis C treatment access is limited globally, especially in low-income nations, due to cost and knowledge barriers. Overcoming these requires global support and exploring cost-effective therapies like interferon and ribavirin.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global cause of chronic liver disease.
- Treatment accessibility remains a critical issue, with only 1%-30% of patients receiving necessary care.
- Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) represent a major therapeutic advancement but face cost barriers in endemic regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the primary barriers hindering hepatitis C treatment access globally.
- To explore strategies and solutions for overcoming these treatment challenges.
- To highlight the importance of national and international support in HCV control.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes information on HCV treatment access and barriers.
- It examines the role of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) and traditional therapies.
- The analysis considers economic, infrastructural, and knowledge-related constraints.
Main Results:
- Cost is a major impediment to DAA adoption in low- and middle-income countries.
- Lack of knowledge, diagnostic limitations, and insufficient expertise are key barriers.
- Interferon and ribavirin remain first-line treatments in resource-limited settings due to availability and support.
Conclusions:
- Addressing HCV requires multifaceted strategies, including international collaboration and financial support.
- Developing lower-cost DAAs and bio-equivalent drugs is crucial for global access.
- Continuous monitoring of pharmaceutical developments and the counterfeit drug market is essential.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Only 1%-30% of patients in need of treatment may get it. In recent years, the availability of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) has been an important advancement in treating HCV infection. However, due to cost, it is not possible to receive these drugs in many countries where infection is endemic. In these low- and middle-income countries, the main barriers to controlling HCV infection are lack of knowledge about the infection, constraints on diagnostic testing and treatment, and lack of experts. Both national and international support are essential to overcoming these barriers. In low- and middle-income countries, interferon and ribavirin-based therapies still are the first choices due to their availability and to government payment support. In addition, in developed countries, efforts to provide lower-cost DAA drugs continue. Pharmaceutical companies continue to research manufacture of bio-equivalent drugs to reduce treatment costs. Considering the fake drug market, all developments need to be monitored closely by the institutions involved. This review focuses on barriers to hepatitis C treatment and ways to overcome those barriers.
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