Today, South-Korean government decided to put Gilead’s hep-c products on National Health Insurance Coverage from 1st May.
However, Harvoni only for gt 1a and Sovaldi for gt 2. This is because they think Dac/Asun tx is more economical than harvoni for gt 1b. (About 49% of total patients is gt 1b and 50% is gt 2 in Korea)
Without National Health Insurance, a patient has to pay $45,000 for harvoni and $30,000 for sovaldi, which is much cheaper than U.S.
It is suggeted that with health insurance harvoni costs around $10,000 after price negotiation between Gilead and Korean government.
Behind this government prompt decision, there is a shameful story. A few month ago, it was found that a small hospital reused syringes, which leads to 100 gt 1a patients.. Government quickly made this decision for these patients.
Jay
hep-c for 20yrs.
GT1a. Started twinvir(sof-led) 05/03/16.
Before tx: VL=1.7mil. AST, ALT in normal range
2nd week of tx: VL <15. AST, ALT in normal range
6th week of tx: VL < 15. AST, ALT in normal range
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