Action Needed to Expand Hep C Treatment

Despite the approval of effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment regimens, high costs prevent the drugs from reaching HCV patients, finds Brian Edlin, MD, associate professor of medicine. In a review article in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Edlin examined the current landscape of HCV—a virus that results in chronic liver disease and affects more than 3 million people in the United States—and advocates changes to make treatment more accessible. Treatment regimens that eradicate HCV were approved in 2014; however, Edlin argues, far too few patients have been able to access the medication due to the tremendous cost. Edlin proposes that physicians and government lead development of a consensus process involving legislators, public health authorities, pharmaceutical leaders, clinical experts, patients, and advocates.

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