Long-Term Effect of the Portuguese Universal Access Program to New Generation Direct-Acting Antivirals for the Treatment of Hepatitis C

Martins, José Carlos Amado; Rodrigues, Josemar; Martins, Ana Patrícia; Andreozzi, V.; Vandewalle, B.; Félix, J.; Alves, Elisabete; Mota-Filipe, Hélder

doi:10.1016/s0168-8278(16)01518-x

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…As of July 2017, 17,591 patients had been authorised treatment, 11,972 patients had initiated treatment and 6639 (96.5%) patients were clinically cured [ 82 ]. The programme has averted 3477 premature liver deaths, 339 liver transplants and 5417 cases of cirrhosis [ 83 ], and saved the government over € 271 million on treatment of hepatitis C complications [ 83 ]. A national plan to improve care is currently under development [ 84 ].…”

Section: Case Study 2: Portugalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pathways to ensure universal and affordable access to hepatitis C treatment

Douglass

Pedrana

Lazarus

et al. 2018

BMC Med

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Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have dramatically changed the landscape of hepatitis C treatment and prevention. The World Health Organization has called for the elimination of hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. However, the discrepancy in DAA prices across low-, middle- and high-income countries is considerable, ranging from less than US$ 100 to approximately US$ 40,000 per course, thus representing a major barrier for the scale-up of treatment and elimination. This article describes DAA pricing and pathways to accessing affordable treatment, providing case studies from Australia, Egypt and Portugal. Pathways to accessing DAAs include developing comprehensive viral hepatitis plans to facilitate price negotiations, voluntary and compulsory licenses, patent opposition, joint procurement, and personal importation schemes. While multiple factors influence the price of DAAs, a key driver is a country’s capacity and willingness to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies. If negotiations do not lead to a reasonable price, governments have the option to utilise flexibilities outlined in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. Affordable access to DAAs is underpinned by collaboration between government, civil society, global organisations and pharmaceutical companies to ensure that all patients can access treatment. Promoting these pathways is critical for influencing policy, improving access to affordable DAAs and achieving hepatitis C elimination.

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Section: Case Study 2: Portugalmentioning

confidence: 99%