Okay, what am I missing here?

According to this article …

https://hepatitiscnewdrugs.blogspot.com/2017/07/hepatitis-c-genotype-3-fda-approved-and.html

… Gilead filed for approval of Vosevi (Sof/Vel/Vox) on Dec 8, 2016 and is scheduled for decision on August 8, 2017.

And AbbVie filed for approval of MAVIRET (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) on Dec 19, 2016 and is expected to get a decision on August 2, 2017.

First, why the discrepancy in timelines?
Second, are they giving Maviret with an NS5B or not?
Third, why no mention of the timeline of Merck’s product?

Thanks.
1 – Now we’ll see if AbbVie has the string pulling abilities of Gilead … I doubt it.
3 – Okay, makes sense now.

2 – Hmmm. Getting a combination approved for treatment without the use of an NS5B has to mean that:
a – That’s got to be some damn good medicine ….
b – It’s got to make Gilead nervous ….
c – There should be some downward price pressure on NS5Bs …
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Edit: Especially seeing as it’s only an 8 week treatment!
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I suspect that any doctor working within the financial constraints of health insurance plans or government funded programs will prescribe it that way if it’s approved that way …. but …

I have a difficult time believing that any doctor prescribing generics to people who can/will self-pay would forgo the extra help of an NS5B.
Edit: Or prescribing for only 8 weeks.
Am I right?
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Side note: Look up one post, on the right side, in the gray bar.

#25000