The 400,000 people carrying the hepatitis C virus in France will not be able to benefit from this new therapeutic breakthrough and the new treatment from the Gilead laboratory, Sovaldi (sofosbuvir).
“Thanks to these treatments, in particular Sofosbuvir and Simeprevir, we will be able to cure more than 90% of severe patients with hepatitis C ! It is therefore the hope of a cure that comes with these new treatments ”explains Prof. Victor de Lédinghen, secretary of the French Association for the Study of the Liver (AFEF).
A law that puts the sick in danger!
But French patients will not be able to benefit from it because of a law. “On October 29, the deputies adopted in first reading the text of the bill for the financing of social security (PLFSS) for 2014, including article 39”, recalls the AFEF (French Society of Hepatology).
“Awkward article which should particularly concern patients with hepatitis C” explains AFEF.
Indeed, this article provides that only patients whose treatment indication is included in the ATU (Temporary Authorization for Use) (awaiting liver transplantation or relapsing after a transplant) will have access to reimbursement for new drugs. In France, sofosbuvir is available at a cost of 56,000 euros (666 euros per tablet) and a treatment of 12 weeks.
For other patients, even those who have no other therapeutic alternative, it will take several months. The time required, between 8 and 12 months to fix the prices and the reimbursement rate.
“The authorities must be aware that such a law can endanger patients with hepatitis C with cirrhosis, for whom a risk of fatal complications exists. »Says AFEF indignantly.
Extending ATU indications to save lives
“To reduce the risk of death for these hundreds of patients, it is necessary to extend the ATU indications for new hepatitis C treatments to the most serious patients. »Announces Professor Victor de Lédinghen.
Discovered in 1989, hepatitis C has taken on the appearance of an epidemic over the past two decades.
In mainland France, 400,000 to 500,000 people are thought to have chronic hepatitis C, of which 30,000 are believed to be co-infected with HIV.
