
For the past three years, various governments and patient advocacy groups have clamored for lower-cost hepatitis C medicines, given the high cure rate for these pricey new drugs. Now, a new study finds that upfront treatment with cheaper generic versions can offer a substantial payback.
Using a mathematical model for patients in India, researchers found that copycat versions costing around $300 would increase life expectancy by more than eight years and reduce lifetime health care costs by more than $1,300 per person. Moreover, treatment became cost effective in two years and upfront costs could be recovered inside of 10 years, according to the analysis published in PLOS ONE.
Facts that are … puzzling? “researchers found that copycat versions costing around $300…” And where will this $300 course of treatment come from vs. current $1,000/pill? Or does this imply $300/pill without saying it?
Hi Observer
Thanks for the note. The researchers used a model and based it on the price for which generic versions of some drugs are available at that price.
There is a link to the study, so you can read more.
ed at pharmalot