Open AccessHepatitis C eradication: A long way to go
Author(s) -
Yasir Waheed
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v21.i43.12510
Subject(s) - sofosbuvir , medicine , hepatitis c , pandemic , hepatitis c virus , global health , regimen , environmental health , public health , immunology , covid-19 , ribavirin , virus , pathology , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health problem with high morbidity and mortality. About 185 million people are living with HCV, of which 80% are living in low and middle income countries. With the development of new highly effective treatments for HCV, it is considered that the eradication of HCV may only be one step away. The major problem with new treatment options is its high price. The price of sofosbuvir-based treatment for one patient in the United States is US$85000-110000, while the actual production cost of a 12 wk direct-acting antiviral regimen is less than US$250. Another major hindrance in HCV eradication is the lack of quality management of blood transfusion screens. Due to the lack of HCV screening, 75% of people in the United States with HCV infection are unaware of their positive HCV status. The control of massive HCV pandemic will require a significant financial investment, political will, and support from medical, pharmaceutical, and civil organizations around the globe.