NICE endorses Epclusa to use in The UK

It is estimated that around 214,000 people in the UK are infected with chronic Hepatitis C. A disease, if left untreated, might cause cirrhosis and liver cancer.  

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has published a guidance in which it endorsed the drug Epclusa for the treatment of Hepatitis C infection on the NHS in England and Wales.

Epclusa is a once-a-day regiment pill for treatment of HCV genotype 1-6. It is a combination of polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and the pan-genotypic NS5A inhibitor . Epclusa was developed by Gilead Sciences and costs £38,980 for a 12-week course of treatment. NHS was able to negotiate a confidential discount with Gilead to improve the drug's cost-effectiveness and ensure that all eligible patients get access.

"The decision by NICE to recommend Epclusa is a positive step for patients who have previously been faced with limited treatment options. Making Epclusa available across England ensures equitable access to effective treatments for all patients with hepatitis C, regardless of genotype," commented William Rosenberg, professor of Hepatology, University College of London and the Royal Free Hospital.