Epclusa is the first approved single tablet regimen to treat all six major genotypes of hepatitis C virus.
Gilead Sciences announced that Epclusa (sofosbuvir 400mg/velpatasvir 100mg), a once daily pan-genotypic, pan-fibrotic and interferon-free HCV single tablet regimen (STR) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, will be made available via the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme starting on 1 June 2019.
The reimbursement of Epclusa is approved for adult patients with genotypes 1-6 HCV infection,2 including as a 12-week treatment for patients with or without compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A) and as a 12-week treatment regimen in combination with ribavirin (RBV) for patients with decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B or C).
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MoHW), there are an estimated 400,000 people living with chronic hepatitis C in Taiwan today. The MoHW has a goal of eliminating HCV nationally by 2025, five years ahead of the World Health Organization’s global target for viral hepatitis elimination.
Epclusa received marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Commission in 2016. It is also approved for use in 54 other countries and geographies worldwide, including Taiwan. [APBN]