And if I’m understanding the incomprehensibly inequal US system properly (correct me if I’m wrong here) those who have jobs which are too low-level to attract more than a base rate of insurance…so their health provider would not cover such expensive treatment plus they don’t qualify for Medicaid?

Who would you call a ‘suitably qualified doctor’ though? Apart from the public clinics who have had some experience already with those taking generics as well as overseeing pharma-sponsored clinical trials, and Dr J who would be arguably the most experienced GP in the country re the new meds, most GPs would have little to no experience supervising tx (mine certainly wasn’t prepared to, but I was fortunate my public liver clinic specialist agreed)

Agreed, Chejai. Think many doctors take the purely ‘evidence-based’ model of hep, and only consider symptoms valid if you’re got clear clinical evidence of liver damage…as you say, for those of us who do not show up overtly in the numbers, the effects can still be real, and considerable. And if you’ve had documented psych issues in the past, its can be commonly put down to something existing “only in your head” which is frustrating.

Could be the next breakthrough treatment. Sounds a bit like some of the new anti-cancer agents which are showing promise for those where traditional chemo is no longer viable. My best friend has metastasised kidney cancer and after the regular meds (with all their attendant awful sx) stopped working, he was put on one of these new immunotherapy drugs which function by “taking the brakes off” the immune system, allowing it to mount a stronger and more effective attack against cancer…instead of simply using a broad-spectrum poison to try and knock it out. He’s got so few symptoms now he’s worrying it isn’t working as he doesn’t feel “sick enough”. Fingers well crossed.

Welp, I think EvilJoy’s shown her hand well and truly now, in response to berrinice’s rather innocuous post…”spent billions developing….” uh yeah

And nice comeback, while it lasts

Uh….I have absolutely no idea what you mean lol

And her last post is rich in hidden irony, considering the identity of VB (my emphasis)

The fact that she is doing everything in her power to prevent often desperately ill people from finding out about the fastest accessible cure is what is reprehensible.

just don’t start believing the spammer’s scare tactics and bogus marketing PR that does NOT apply to U.S. citizens or mean that our system will not work for her

With you on that fox. It does seem positive beyond what I could personally invisage, as a born cynic.

Here’s hoping its a game-changer all round.