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A Revolution in Treatment for Hepatitis C Infection: Mitigating the Budgetary Impact

Elliot Marseille1, James G Kahn2

  • 1Health Strategies International, Oakland, California, United States of America.

Plos Medicine
|June 1, 2016
PubMed

Insights

New Hepatitis C virus (HCV) drugs are costly, similar to early Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Strategies are needed to ensure access to these life-saving treatments in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV treatment has a history of evolving pricing and availability.
  • New direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) present a current challenge regarding cost and accessibility.
  • Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) face significant barriers in providing access to high-cost medications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the historical trajectory of HIV ART pricing and availability with that of new HCV drugs.
  • To explore and discuss strategies for ensuring treatment accessibility for HCV in LMIC, despite high drug costs.
  • To provide insights into overcoming economic challenges in global health for infectious disease treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of historical data on ART pricing and availability.
  • Review of current market dynamics for new HCV medications.
  • Discussion of potential strategies for treatment provision in resource-limited settings.

Main Results:

  • Historical parallels exist between the introduction of HIV ART and new HCV drugs concerning initial high costs and access challenges.
  • High drug prices remain a primary obstacle for widespread HCV treatment adoption in LMIC.
  • Various strategies, including tiered pricing and negotiation, are being considered to improve access.

Conclusions:

  • Lessons learned from HIV ART rollout can inform strategies for equitable HCV drug access.
  • Proactive planning and innovative financing models are crucial for addressing high-cost medications in LMIC.
  • Ensuring access to effective HCV treatment in LMIC is essential for global public health and disease control.

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