Study shows hepatitis C cure possible while cutting a third of the drug costs

Burman’s Specialty Pharmacy, a Diplomat company, announced a study showing that more than a quarter of hepatitis C patients may be treated with an eight-week therapy, four weeks shorter than the drug manufacturers originally expected.

This represents potential for a huge cost savings in a health care ecosystem where hepatitis C treatments have posed a looming problem for payor organizations.

According to the study – reported in 'Specialty Pharmacy News' June edition – among 1,093 genotype 1a and 1b patients who have completed treatment over the last six months, 385, or 35%, had a clinical profile that qualified them for eight weeks, instead of 12 weeks, of therapy with Harvoni (ledipasvir 90mg/sofosbuvir 400mg), Gilead Sciences new already blockbuster combination drug, the high price of which has come under considerable criticism and scrutiny..