Count Down to Oct 10, 2014 log / What we must do to be ready for Sofosbuvir & Ledipasvir
Beacon said
Oct 14, 2014
Darkstar,
LOL I love that statement and I agree 100%. :)
Beacon said
Oct 14, 2014
P.S. Gilead will probably pick up that co-pay if your household income is <100K. There is no reason your PCP should make you wait till Jan. to see a specialist. He wants to see the real world results? He won't even be the treating physician.
Isis that is what he told me back in May. He said he doesn't want to be too quick to send me to the specialist for treatment (I can't see the specialist without a referral from the PCP, HMO rules) because he wants to make sure there are no problems with the new drugs. He tries to be up a little bit on HCV and since he first discovered I had it seems he trying to play a role in my treatment.
Beacon said
Oct 14, 2014
Malcolm,
Ok so that's like what Isiscat said about $8-9000 for inf/peg + 84,000 for sovaldi compared to Harvoni at $94,500. That what I wanted to compare.
Beacon said
Oct 14, 2014
Interferon and Riba costs ~ 7-8K for a 12 week course. Add the Sovaldi (84K) and the total would be around 92K. Close to what a 12 week course of Harvoni would cost.
IMO, no competent doc would prescribe the Interferon combo for a gt1a, cirrhotic, 63 year old when Harvoni is available. Getting insurance to pay should be doable for most cirrhotics if the doc's office is willing to do the work.
Isis,
Thanks for that info. The two prices are definitely within striking distance of each other. Much too close for this to be an issue. My specialist is an Infectious Disease doc (doesn't seem to any HMO hepatologists in Los Angeles). I've only seen him one time and he seems a little quirky but he was willing to listen to my opinions. He had me take a Fibrosure test at Labcorp which labeled me as a cirrhotic. I know this is not considered a very reliable test but with hcv in my liver for 40 years any test would probably grade me a cirrhotic. :)
Dzdayscomin said
Oct 14, 2014
Healthcare is too important to settle for less than that which will facilitate you getting better both mentally and physically, I would be looking elsewhere, but don't burn any bridges along the road !
Best of luck to you !
Michaele said
Oct 14, 2014
Hi Dzdays, I know what you mean, I was confuse as heck when I left that NP visit. I know she read the email I sent this AM, but doubt she sends reply. If in the event you know anyone in need of tx wanting to move to NC, tell them stay out of Greenvile and go to Raleigh , close to DUKE. My next visit with her is 11/11/14, and if I dont have the meds the appt is to be changed. Im trying not to get upset, but it not working for me. Michaele Maybe I should try to get Dr Who for my tx
Dzdayscomin said
Oct 14, 2014
What does Dr. Oz have to do with anything? Most respected Dr.s think he gives poor advice anyway.
May as well let Oprah be the Dr.
I think at best she sounds un professional and I'd be trying to find something better where they are focus on health care and not celebrity status.
Goodness sakes !
Michaele said
Oct 14, 2014
Hi. I did send an Email to the Dr's NP. I havent heard back, suppose I should call her. I dont want to sound indifferent, but she was the type of person one avoids having to talk to. Told me point blank , " I dont want to hear from you until you have the drugs in your hand." But she made sure I knew that as a child her family was socially involved with Dr. Oz familys . When she was young, she had to keep an eye on him during gatherings. LOL Said he was a brat. I was wondering what the hold up with the drugs is. Perhaps they were waiting for Harvoni , but DR gave impression he didnt want to wait. Thanks Michaele Just sent NP another Email asking what meds were requested, and made sure she knew I still have not heard from Medicare or Pharmacy
-- Edited by Michaele on Tuesday 14th of October 2014 02:27:58 PM
Groupergetter said
Oct 14, 2014
Michaele wrote:
HI, It was my GI/ Hepatologist who sent me to the disease specialist, because she refused to write non interferon because she thought it wouldnt work for me. This is after she said she would and then pretended she did, and when I finally confronted her she said no and referred me. I am F4 and feeling like a puddle of goo. Any how, at first specialist said no, then 5 months later said yes, and I saw his nurse on 9/11/14 and have not heard jack since. I had to go to the GP because of RUQ pain. He gave me Roxicodone and did blood work and another ultra sound. I dont go back to him til 11/7. But if it was really bad I supposed they would have called. I have Part D, so I have no idea what the heck is going on, and feel really stupid as everyone here is so up on stuff. I dont have the energy to sort through all the info and my vision is going. too. But Im happy as heck for everyone who has and who will recieve tx. I was told by GI 1st of 2014 she would tx with non interferon, and well Im still sitting here scratching my head. And still waiting for new dr to come through. .... Michaele Im just numb
-- Edited by Michaele on Sunday 12th of October 2014 06:51:57 PM
-- Edited by Michaele on Sunday 12th of October 2014 06:54:25 PM
Michaele, you need to confirm with your doc what regimen he or she will prescribe, then check with your part D plan for coverage. Fortunately you are in an open enrollment period and can make plan changes. Go to this site:
Beacon, Let me say this in the strongest words possible. It would be malpractice to put you on an interferon based regimen today!
Isiscat2011 said
Oct 14, 2014
P.S. Gilead will probably pick up that co-pay if your household income is <100K. There is no reason your PCP should make you wait till Jan. to see a specialist. He wants to see the real world results? He won't even be the treating physician.
mallani said
Oct 13, 2014
Hi Bruce,
Back in 2011, 48 weeks of Peg/Riba cost $30,000. It probably hasn't changed much.
It's of interest to see the protest about the cost of Incivek ($49,000 for 12 weeks) and Victrelis ($48,000 for 48 weeks).
Does anyone know the cost of Interferon and Ribavirin as I would like to compare the price of the triple combo of Sovaldi/Interferon/Ribavirin to the cost of Harvoni for twelve weeks. This is just in case my specialist might even consider that as an option.
Hi Beacon:
Interferon and Riba costs ~ 7-8K for a 12 week course. Add the Sovaldi (84K) and the total would be around 92K. Close to what a 12 week course of Harvoni would cost.
IMO, no competent doc would prescribe the Interferon combo for a gt1a, cirrhotic, 63 year old when Harvoni is available. Getting insurance to pay should be doable for most cirrhotics if the doc's office is willing to do the work.
Beacon said
Oct 13, 2014
Matt,
We are both BCBS and I believe they update their drug formulary on a quarterly basis. So at first Harvoni will be a non-formulary drug. For me that would be a $50 co-pay as opposed to a $5 co-pay. Both Solvaldi and Olysio are in the BCBS formulary and Harvoni will probably added in December. But first I must deal with my PCP and my next appointment is on 10/16/14 to review my latest bloodwork. He told me at the last visit in May that he wanted me to see my specialist (an ID doc) in Jan 15 as he wanted to see real world results of the new one pill combo. I'm going to remind him that Sovaldi has now been in the real world for nearly a year.
Does anyone know the cost of Interferon and Ribavirin as I would like to compare the price of the triple combo of Sovaldi/Interferon/Ribavirin to the cost of Harvoni for twelve weeks. This is just in case my specialist might even consider that as an option.
Michaele said
Oct 13, 2014
Hi Matt, Good luck and God Bless your next go round with treatment. Thanks for advice.... Michaele
Matt Chris said
Oct 13, 2014
Hello Michaele
You need to get ready to treat with Harvoni , follow the threads on Harvoni it will help you to get ready for your Nov 11, appointment
matt
Michaele said
Oct 12, 2014
HI, It was my GI/ Hepatologist who sent me to the disease specialist, because she refused to write non interferon because she thought it wouldnt work for me. This is after she said she would and then pretended she did, and when I finally confronted her she said no and referred me. I am F4 and feeling like a puddle of goo. Any how, at first specialist said no, then 5 months later said yes, and I saw his nurse on 9/11/14 and have not heard jack since. I had to go to the GP because of RUQ pain. He gave me Roxicodone and did blood work and another ultra sound. I dont go back to him til 11/7. But if it was really bad I supposed they would have called. I have Part D, so I have no idea what the heck is going on, and feel really stupid as everyone here is so up on stuff. I dont have the energy to sort through all the info and my vision is going. too. But Im happy as heck for everyone who has and who will recieve tx. I was told by GI 1st of 2014 she would tx with non interferon, and well Im still sitting here scratching my head. And still waiting for new dr to come through. .... Michaele Im just numb
-- Edited by Michaele on Sunday 12th of October 2014 06:51:57 PM
-- Edited by Michaele on Sunday 12th of October 2014 06:54:25 PM
Ro said
Oct 12, 2014
Thank you for sharing this information.. I too have printed it out and am just waiting....not sure what Highmark Blue Cross of PA is going to do this time around....
shadow10cats said
Oct 11, 2014
I have no idea when / if my insurance company will provide me a date w/ Mr. Harvoni but I have a discount coupon all printed out and sitting in front of me just ready for my Dr,. to provide the prescription! I have CDPHP (NYS employees plan HMO)
I imagine when they provide it, Harvoni's cost for me will be my higherst allowable co-pay which is now either $50 or $75. Even that I will happily pat but this coupon freezes my out of pocket cost to a maximum of $5 and it's good for 6 months. I believe they also have one for those w/o insurance coverage.
Here is the link to print yours out:
http://www.mysupportpath.com/
Isiscat2011 said
Oct 10, 2014
Hi Matt:
Not yet but soon I'm sure. You probably already have this but here is the FDA search engine for NDCs:
I was moved to #1 spot my doc's list of 85 priority patients, so here is hoping Blue Cross does not hold me back.
Tomorrow as soon as approval is announced my info will be turned in for Ins. approval...fingers crossed!
Will be looking for the official FDA ID#
The anticipation is unbearable.....I have not been this excited about an impending treatment since the very first treatment I had in 2004 (altho unsuccessful...) I am really hopeful this time
pl1952 said
Oct 8, 2014
Hey Matt! I have 2 1/2 more months to wait on S/L...Saw my Dr. on 9/23 and he said with all new drugs there are kinks to be ironed out and for everything to run smoothly on their end..So my next appt. is mid Dec. .I was so disappointed, but he made sense..I've been waiting for treatment since February. I see the change in my husband who finished his treatment several months ago, and I'm anxious...Good luck to everyone who's been hanging in there!
Matt Chris said
Oct 8, 2014
Hey All
If on Friday the FDA approved Harvoni (S&L) they will assign a official FDA Drug ID #
This ID # is what your health insurance company will need to start the prescription process.
If anyone finds out the number , please post here.
matt
Fireman Rob said
Oct 7, 2014
Matt,
This is great news indeed! Let's hope insurance company Standard Of Care changes in 2015. How awesome would that be to take interferon off the shelf for good!
-Rob
Matt Chris said
Oct 7, 2014
Hey All Hep-C friends
Well this week has finally arrived, it been a long long 8 months of waiting for the FDA and Gilead to release this long thought of and almost dreamed of panacea.
(One daily pill Hep-C cure with minimal side FX's) I hope it lives up to the billing.
If you have never been in treatment before and are in fairly good health getting the treatment drugs might take a little longer, but it will come one way or another. Your medical team will be a big factor on pushing your Insurance and advocating for you. This can be something that we might not have as much control over but at least it informs us of how much our Medical team really cares.
For those of us that are relapsers, non-responders, and cirrhotics it should go faster and possible smoother.
Being prepared for that initial visit with your doctor is the first order of importance. Our records of treatment, protocol and tests to bring along to the visit can save time and money.
If you have seen only one doctor and he has all your records you might be in great shape, but if not here is a list of important docs to bring.
#1 Biopsy report of liver, and or Fibroscan and any CT, MRI, Ultrasound
#2 History of treatment with supporting documents , date of treatment, relapse date and Clinical trial results.
#3 Your written diagnosis from second or third opinion doctors, along with there current recommendations.
#4 All liver function test results old and current.
One of the reasons I bring this up is because I researched how my health insurance carrier (BCBS) handles these specialty drugs requests from doctors. Because of the shear cost of these drugs the insurance company immediately puts the request through the Clinical review dept. which in BCBS means its goes under the eyes of Prime Therapeutics which is a Benefit design, cost control, consultation and Clinical analytics / outcomes company.
They will look at everything that the doctor is requesting along with ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS to make there recommendations to the insurance people. So for time and expediency we should be prepared the best we can which should shorted any time from initial request to delivery of drugs.
excited matt
TazKat said
Jul 22, 2014
u got that toght with Oct.. that will be second labs for me, if still negative, then cure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Isiscat2011 said
Jul 22, 2014
Same day as my appointment, skewed. October is going to be an interesting month.
The S/L combo has been a Plan A for me ever since I started reading about it!
skewedButNotBroken said
Jul 22, 2014
I made an appointment for October 16th to see Dr. Martin at the University of Miami. I'm still trying to get approved for Sovaldi/Olysio but more than likely I'll be denied so I need to set things in motion for plan B (Sovaldi/Ledipasvir).
Isiscat2011 said
Jul 20, 2014
Huey wrote:
It seems like the insurance companys would be letting down these employers who pay into this so they have workers who are healthy and productive ,if they insist on giving them drugs that will make them too sick to work. Just because it is cheaper
Insurance companies are in the insurance for profit business, period. They are not concerned with how employers are impacted nor do they care about side effects unless the side effects are so severe that patients need to be hospitalized (thus increasing the insurance co's expenditures).
You are applying a standard of decency that simply doesn't apply in the corporate world (with very few exceptions). They have their own rules and rule number one is: make money. Rule number two is make more money. :)
Huey said
Jul 20, 2014
I wonder if those who work and are insured by there employer and have to maintain income just to go through this treatment will get approved by insurance for the S/:L combo wile others Retired for instance will have to suffer the harsher side effects or pay out of pocket for it?
It seems like the insurance companys would be letting down these employers who pay into this so they have workers who are healthy and productive ,if they insist on giving them drugs that will make them too sick to work. Just because it is cheaper
Obomacare and this is discouraging employers from keeping the employer sponsored insurance. This would be terrible mistake. .
Isiscat2011 said
Jul 20, 2014
Abbvie isn't my first choice either and I think there is a strong possibility that come December Abbvie will undercut Gilead's pricing. If that happens we may not have a choice for the S/L option. I see Oct through Dec as a small window of opportunity where Gilead will have no competition and doctors will prescribe S/L for those who get there first. After Abbvie enters the race all bets are off. Check this out:
"Ten out of 10 doctors would pick Gilead in a cost-neutral environment," says Mark Schoenebaum, the New York-based head of health care research at International Strategy & Investment Group LLC. " (Payers are arguing), 'If we get a discount for a less convenient drug, we're fine using the less convenient drug.' They need someone to play ball."
The Abbvie combo is not only less convenient but it will almost certainly carry some harsher side effects (it also has significant drug-drug interactions). Nonetheless, once Abbvie enters the market Abbvie will be the tx of choice for insurance companies if it costs less. If Abbvie's pricing is the same as Gilead's (a cost-neutral environment) doctors and patients will have a choice and Gilead will be the winner. Abbvie would be pretty stupid NOT to undercut Gilead's pricing despite what its CEO is saying now.
I don't mean to harp on this and if Abbvie's prices are the same as Gilead's then it is a non issue. I just don't want to see anyone miss out who really wants the S/L combo. My plan is to do my best to get in on it before December because after that all bets are off.
Beacon said
Jul 20, 2014
Matt,
So far I have been maintaining well judging by my albumin, bilirubin, platelets, etc. but the waiting begins to play with your mind when you really think about it. Another thing with me is that I am treatment naïve so I need to get interferon buried in a grave on another galaxy. Oh and bury ribavirin at Inf's side and RIP to them. :) Then I woke up.
Beacon said
Jul 19, 2014
Isis,
I hear what you are saying. I think with FDA approval that may loosen up my PCP's thinking. SVR-wise the Abbie combo is pretty good but includes ribavirin and therefore not my 1st choice and we'll see about price comps.
With my insurance (Blueshield HMO) I have to go through my PCP with a referral in order to see a specialist. Another thing is I don't see a single hepatologist in any of my offered plans and the few GI's don't seem to be trained in hepc. In other words I'm limited by my insurance options. My ID doc said he is advising all of his non-cirrhotic patients to wait for better options but for those like me with cirrhosis he said they should treat now. So since this was Sept 2013 he wanted me to start on the old triple therapy that was the SOC before Solvaldi/Olysio approval. I told him I would wait for better options. I go back to see my PCP on Oct 16 and at that time I will tell him I would like to see the ID doc and then talk to the ID about my "current" options. That way I can take my PCP out of the equation (it seems that since he "discovered my HVC he feels he has a say in my treatment). The ID doctor I think will go along with my suggestions and then on to the next obstacle===insurance approval.
Isiscat2011 said
Jul 18, 2014
Hi Groupergetter:
No way to know whose insurance will cover what at this point but where there is a will there is a way. Keep in mind there will also be patient assistant programs.
I'm with pl1952--we will just have to face the obstacles as they come-- I never expect these things to be easy so if they are I will be pleasantly surprised.
I'll just do what I have to. If I have to kill a few insurance guys so be it; too many of 'em anyway. lol
pl1952 said
Jul 18, 2014
Hi guys, my appt. is 9/23 for S/L...I think I'll probably need a whole new workup of blood tests since my last ones were months ago...I'm really looking forward to getting treated and I'll just barrel through any obstacles that I run into. This fatigue that I have is debilitating....I can't wait for the fall....
-- Edited by pl1952 on Saturday 19th of July 2014 12:10:39 AM
Groupergetter said
Jul 18, 2014
My appointment is October 15th. I presume the Sovaldi/Ledipasvir tx..... if I have insurance that will cover it? Had such high hopes for the S&O. Whatever happens, will remain much more guardedly optimistic. Truly happy and thankful for those reaching SVR. Knowing others have this demon out of their lives, brings joy to mine.
Isiscat2011 said
Jul 18, 2014
My PCP thinks Insurance companies will still try to force people (who are not Interferon intolerant) to do Interferon first because insurance companies are that evil. I agree they are that evil but am hoping docs fight back on this one.
Insurance companies are influenced by FDA approval, Matt, but what they are really influenced by is the bottom line. They have to pay for SOC tx so the question will be what is SOC tx. Having said that insurance cos can always exclude or limit payment for "specialty" drugs.
-- Edited by Isiscat2011 on Friday 18th of July 2014 06:53:30 AM
Matt Chris said
Jul 18, 2014
Hey Beacon
Interesting thought from your PCP, I would look at my current condition and how I was maintaining. If the FDA approves the drugs they will be available shortly after Oct 10.
I will be pushing ahead for immediate treatment after my Oct 14 visit to my Hepatologist, but will be writing my insurance company BCBS to inform them ahead of time my intentions, and previous HCV treatment history and three different doctor opinions on treatment recommendations. Weather that will help I don't know but it certainly can't hurt.
How much BCBS is influenced by FDA recommendations I don't know, but they have to start somewhere and us cirrhotics patients will get first consideration.
Maybe waiting could be helpful in getting it sorted out, but like you I have been waiting over 40 years to be free of HCV and that is to long.
matt
Isiscat2011 said
Jul 18, 2014
Hi Beacon:
I'm in a similar position to you and here are my thoughts on the subject for what they are worth. Waiting until Jan won't tell you much. It will be mid- April at the very earliest before we see any real world SVR results and even those will be anecdotal. I wouldn't expect to see problems "right out of the gate" in terms of safety; that also will take some time. We have seen enough people on Sovaldi to know it may have side effects, probably worse for cirrhotics, but nothing like we saw with the Interferon/Riba/Incivek combo (which we did see right out of the gate). The ledipasvir shouldn't add many side effects; probably fewer than the Olysio.
Something else that I am considering is that the Abbvie combo should be out in Dec. If it is cheaper there is a risk that insurance will opt for that combo instead. So, if you want the S/L combo, it might be good to jump on it before the insurance co. has another option. (This is assuming Interferon is not still an option when the S/L combo is approved.)
Finally, since you are cirrhotic best to treat sooner rather than later on the all orals. We cirrhotics just don't have the time it will take to see how the all orals play out in the real world.
A word on infectious disease docs. They are fine if you aren't cirrhotic but for cirrhotics you should find a hepatologist or a GI with hepatology training and with hepc tx experience. Many Hepatologists appointments are booked 3 months in advance; I'd start looking for one now.
Beacon said
Jul 17, 2014
I went to see my PCP today just for my every 3 month checkup. I mentioned to him about there being a one pill combo coming out with FDA approval most likely on Oct 10 and that there were large clinicals with high cure rates even for cirrhotics. I was thinking about seeing my specialist in October. But my PCP said he would like to give it some time and wait to make sure there are no problems right out the gate and therefore he wants me to wait until January to see the specialist. That seems like a long wait. My specialist is an Infectious Disease doctor. He gives me some confidence, but he must focus on many infectious diseases in his specialty and hvc is just one. I've only seen him once and he actually spent more time chatting with my wife than me. lol. I could raise hell but would it do any good? I asked my PCP what he thought about insurance approval for the new one pill and he said that FDA approval and people getting cured would help to get approval. Hopefully the new drug will get on the Blue Shield formulary in December which will make it easier to get. Solvaldi and Olysio are both there now.
suziq said
Jul 12, 2014
Hi,
Just ran across an article on Vitamin D and how it might affect your chances of reaching SVR. Thought I might mention simply getting your health in order before starting treatment. I could not have been accepted for my trial if my diabetes and blood pressure (which I take meds for) had not been under control. My general health ( for my age) is pretty good. So you might want to take care of little health problems before the new meds are approved so you will be in top shape to reach SVR. I was not allowed supplements for 30 days before or during my trial and don't think they are a good idea during treatment--BuT I was told to take B-12 during the trial. A trip to the dreaded dentist might be a good idea as well. Click on Healio below to read the entire article.
Does Vitamin D Deficiency Affect SVR and Fibrosis?
In a recent meta-analysis over at Healio, researchers reported advanced fibrosis, and reaching SVR were both affected by low vitamin D levels in patients with hepatitis C.
?This meta-analysis shows that a low vitamin D status in CHC patients is associated with a higher likelihood of having advance liver fibrosis (ALF) and lower odds of achieving SVR, suggesting the utility of vitamin D screening in HCV-infected patients,? the researchers wrote.
As a side note, it is never advised to start taking any supplements without first talking to your doctor, particularly fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K. *Some supplements in high amounts can be dangerous.
SuziQ
-- Edited by suziq on Saturday 12th of July 2014 10:06:19 PM
-- Edited by suziq on Saturday 12th of July 2014 10:10:19 PM
-- Edited by suziq on Saturday 12th of July 2014 10:11:29 PM
Huey said
Jul 12, 2014
Isiscat2011 wrote:
Matt Chris wrote:
This is part of the early history of the development of Sofosbuvir, this article follows Raymond Schinazi life and Jeremy Clark the chemists that came up with this compound.
Looks to me like Jeremy Clark invented it and Raymond Schinazi was just the money man who reaped the rewards of the invention. Clark filed a lawsuit against Schinazi in 2008 in federal court in Alabama alleging fraud among other things. The lawsuit was dismissed by summary judgement in 2010 for lack of jurisdiction. Clark was pro se, which means he didn't even have a lawyer; he was all on his own. As far as I can tell Clark's case was never even heard on the merits. Very sad. Meanwhile, Schinazi personally made >4 million from the sale of Pharmasset to Gilead.
Thanks for posting this Matt. Interesting back story that once again shines a bit of light on the dark and greedy side of big pharma.
So what we need to do is get in touch with Jeremy Clark,,, and ask him to do what Linus Torvalds did to Bill Gates.. if he reinvents and pattens the Lic to the public then Gilead is screwd!
Isiscat2011 said
Jul 11, 2014
Matt Chris wrote:
This is part of the early history of the development of Sofosbuvir, this article follows Raymond Schinazi life and Jeremy Clark the chemists that came up with this compound.
Looks to me like Jeremy Clark invented it and Raymond Schinazi was just the money man who reaped the rewards of the invention. Clark filed a lawsuit against Schinazi in 2008 in federal court in Alabama alleging fraud among other things. The lawsuit was dismissed by summary judgement in 2010 for lack of jurisdiction. Clark was pro se, which means he didn't even have a lawyer; he was all on his own. As far as I can tell Clark's case was never even heard on the merits. Very sad. Meanwhile, Schinazi personally made >4 million from the sale of Pharmasset to Gilead.
Thanks for posting this Matt. Interesting back story that once again shines a bit of light on the dark and greedy side of big pharma.
longld said
Jul 11, 2014
So the pricing will likely be more than the $1000/dose for Sovaldi? If you thought the screaming was loud for Sovaldi pricing, just wait.....! Or maybe Gilead will market it differently based on what they have learned and to reduce the current noise.......?
Matt Chris said
Jul 11, 2014
This is part of the early history of the development of Sofosbuvir, this article follows Raymond Schinazi life and Jeremy Clark the chemists that came up with this compound.
I wonder whether the Geno 3's will be included in the FDA approval. The Geno 2 are doing fine with Sovaldi/ Riba, but Geno 3's achieve 100% SVR if Riba is added to 12 weeks of Sovaldi/ Ledipasvir.
Thanks for the link,, If I ever have a relapse I would be tx naive for the S/L combo so I may have had a little ruffer time with this my first Tx but I gain this advantage.
mallani said
Jul 11, 2014
Hi Matt,
I wonder whether the Geno 3's will be included in the FDA approval. The Geno 2 are doing fine with Sovaldi/ Riba, but Geno 3's achieve 100% SVR if Riba is added to 12 weeks of Sovaldi/ Ledipasvir.
What is Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir and how in the hell do you pronounce them? Maybe this way
So-fos-bu-vir - Le-dip-as-vir Of course Gilead will think up some stupid fancy name, I remember one forum member saying "who the hell can say these names lets just call them hep killer 1 and hep killer 2" LOL
Rather than get into all the technical nitty gritty its understood as a once-daily fixed-dose combination of the NS5A inhibitor ledipasvir (LDV) 90 mg and the nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir (SOF) 400 mg for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection in adults.
One of the most important points to remember is its only for Genotype 1 patients (GT1) both sub group GT1a and GT1b
This once daily one pill combo has been for many years described as a panacea (dream cure) but it truly has arrived after decades of man made injectable Interferon (a truly Love-Hate drug)
The mechanics or physical science of the drugs can be discussed if someone wants to bring it up, but the inventors of this should be considered for a Nobel prize.
Their is numerous more interesting history (back story) and the science about these drugs, so please add to "The What" portion of our thread
matt
-- Edited by Matt Chris on Friday 11th of July 2014 06:07:48 AM
jimbob said
Jul 10, 2014
I am thrilled you guys are finally getting someting that,hopefully, will end this disease. Not just for you but all who have struggled thru previous txs. It will be interesting to hear your stories during tx,...um, maybe not if there's no sx!
-- Edited by jimbob on Thursday 10th of July 2014 10:28:30 PM
Darkstar,
LOL I love that statement and I agree 100%. :)
P.S. Gilead will probably pick up that co-pay if your household income is <100K. There is no reason your PCP should make you wait till Jan. to see a specialist. He wants to see the real world results? He won't even be the treating physician.
Isis that is what he told me back in May. He said he doesn't want to be too quick to send me to the specialist for treatment (I can't see the specialist without a referral from the PCP, HMO rules) because he wants to make sure there are no problems with the new drugs. He tries to be up a little bit on HCV and since he first discovered I had it seems he trying to play a role in my treatment.
Malcolm,
Ok so that's like what Isiscat said about $8-9000 for inf/peg + 84,000 for sovaldi compared to Harvoni at $94,500. That what I wanted to compare.
Interferon and Riba costs ~ 7-8K for a 12 week course. Add the Sovaldi (84K) and the total would be around 92K. Close to what a 12 week course of Harvoni would cost.
IMO, no competent doc would prescribe the Interferon combo for a gt1a, cirrhotic, 63 year old when Harvoni is available. Getting insurance to pay should be doable for most cirrhotics if the doc's office is willing to do the work.
Isis,
Thanks for that info. The two prices are definitely within striking distance of each other. Much too close for this to be an issue. My specialist is an Infectious Disease doc (doesn't seem to any HMO hepatologists in Los Angeles). I've only seen him one time and he seems a little quirky but he was willing to listen to my opinions. He had me take a Fibrosure test at Labcorp which labeled me as a cirrhotic. I know this is not considered a very reliable test but with hcv in my liver for 40 years any test would probably grade me a cirrhotic. :)
Healthcare is too important to settle for less than that which will facilitate you getting better both mentally and physically, I would be looking elsewhere, but don't burn any bridges along the road !
Best of luck to you !
Hi Dzdays, I know what you mean, I was confuse as heck when I left that NP visit. I know she read the email I sent this AM, but doubt she sends reply. If in the event you know anyone in need of tx wanting to move to NC, tell them stay out of Greenvile and go to Raleigh , close to DUKE. My next visit with her is 11/11/14, and if I dont have the meds the appt is to be changed. Im trying not to get upset, but it not working for me. Michaele Maybe I should try to get Dr Who for my tx
What does Dr. Oz have to do with anything? Most respected Dr.s think he gives poor advice anyway.
May as well let Oprah be the Dr.
I think at best she sounds un professional and I'd be trying to find something better where they are focus on health care and not celebrity status.
Goodness sakes !
Hi. I did send an Email to the Dr's NP. I havent heard back, suppose I should call her. I dont want to sound indifferent, but she was the type of person one avoids having to talk to. Told me point blank , " I dont want to hear from you until you have the drugs in your hand." But she made sure I knew that as a child her family was socially involved with Dr. Oz familys . When she was young, she had to keep an eye on him during gatherings. LOL Said he was a brat. I was wondering what the hold up with the drugs is. Perhaps they were waiting for Harvoni , but DR gave impression he didnt want to wait. Thanks Michaele Just sent NP another Email asking what meds were requested, and made sure she knew I still have not heard from Medicare or Pharmacy
-- Edited by Michaele on Tuesday 14th of October 2014 02:27:58 PM
Michaele, you need to confirm with your doc what regimen he or she will prescribe, then check with your part D plan for coverage. Fortunately you are in an open enrollment period and can make plan changes. Go to this site:
http://www.q1medicare.com/PartD-SearchPDPMedicare-2015PlanFinder.php?state=FL&utm_source=2014_0919_Fdr_NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter to find coverage in your state. If you need to make a Part D plan change, now is the time.
Beacon, Let me say this in the strongest words possible. It would be malpractice to put you on an interferon based regimen today!
P.S. Gilead will probably pick up that co-pay if your household income is <100K. There is no reason your PCP should make you wait till Jan. to see a specialist. He wants to see the real world results? He won't even be the treating physician.
Hi Bruce,
Back in 2011, 48 weeks of Peg/Riba cost $30,000. It probably hasn't changed much.
It's of interest to see the protest about the cost of Incivek ($49,000 for 12 weeks) and Victrelis ($48,000 for 48 weeks).
http://fairpricingcoalition.org/2011/05/24/the-fair-pricing-coalition-expresses-disappointment-at-the-price-of-vertexs-newly-approved-hepatitis-c-drug/
Hi Beacon:
Interferon and Riba costs ~ 7-8K for a 12 week course. Add the Sovaldi (84K) and the total would be around 92K. Close to what a 12 week course of Harvoni would cost.
IMO, no competent doc would prescribe the Interferon combo for a gt1a, cirrhotic, 63 year old when Harvoni is available. Getting insurance to pay should be doable for most cirrhotics if the doc's office is willing to do the work.
Matt,
We are both BCBS and I believe they update their drug formulary on a quarterly basis. So at first Harvoni will be a non-formulary drug. For me that would be a $50 co-pay as opposed to a $5 co-pay. Both Solvaldi and Olysio are in the BCBS formulary and Harvoni will probably added in December. But first I must deal with my PCP and my next appointment is on 10/16/14 to review my latest bloodwork. He told me at the last visit in May that he wanted me to see my specialist (an ID doc) in Jan 15 as he wanted to see real world results of the new one pill combo. I'm going to remind him that Sovaldi has now been in the real world for nearly a year.
Does anyone know the cost of Interferon and Ribavirin as I would like to compare the price of the triple combo of Sovaldi/Interferon/Ribavirin to the cost of Harvoni for twelve weeks. This is just in case my specialist might even consider that as an option.
Hi Matt, Good luck and God Bless your next go round with treatment. Thanks for advice.... Michaele
Hello Michaele
You need to get ready to treat with Harvoni , follow the threads on Harvoni it will help you to get ready for your Nov 11, appointment
matt
HI, It was my GI/ Hepatologist who sent me to the disease specialist, because she refused to write non interferon because she thought it wouldnt work for me. This is after she said she would and then pretended she did, and when I finally confronted her she said no and referred me. I am F4 and feeling like a puddle of goo. Any how, at first specialist said no, then 5 months later said yes, and I saw his nurse on 9/11/14 and have not heard jack since. I had to go to the GP because of RUQ pain. He gave me Roxicodone and did blood work and another ultra sound. I dont go back to him til 11/7. But if it was really bad I supposed they would have called. I have Part D, so I have no idea what the heck is going on, and feel really stupid as everyone here is so up on stuff. I dont have the energy to sort through all the info and my vision is going. too. But Im happy as heck for everyone who has and who will recieve tx. I was told by GI 1st of 2014 she would tx with non interferon, and well Im still sitting here scratching my head. And still waiting for new dr to come through. .... Michaele Im just numb
-- Edited by Michaele on Sunday 12th of October 2014 06:51:57 PM
-- Edited by Michaele on Sunday 12th of October 2014 06:54:25 PM
Thank you for sharing this information.. I too have printed it out and am just waiting....not sure what Highmark Blue Cross of PA is going to do this time around....
I have no idea when / if my insurance company will provide me a date w/ Mr. Harvoni but I have a discount coupon all printed out and sitting in front of me just ready for my Dr,. to provide the prescription! I have CDPHP (NYS employees plan HMO)
I imagine when they provide it, Harvoni's cost for me will be my higherst allowable co-pay which is now either $50 or $75. Even that I will happily pat but this coupon freezes my out of pocket cost to a maximum of $5 and it's good for 6 months. I believe they also have one for those w/o insurance coverage.
Here is the link to print yours out:
http://www.mysupportpath.com/
Hi Matt:
Not yet but soon I'm sure. You probably already have this but here is the FDA search engine for NDCs:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ndc/default.cfm
If we get really anxious we can always email or call. Or, camp out on the FDA doorstep. lol
Hey All
The FDA has not yet listed it NDC (National Drug Code) for Harvoni
This is Gilead's New Drug application # (NDA) 205834
I was moved to #1 spot my doc's list of 85 priority patients, so here is hoping Blue Cross does not hold me back.
Tomorrow as soon as approval is announced my info will be turned in for Ins. approval...fingers crossed!
Will be looking for the official FDA ID#
The anticipation is unbearable.....I have not been this excited about an impending treatment since the very first treatment I had in 2004 (altho unsuccessful...) I am really hopeful this time
Hey Matt! I have 2 1/2 more months to wait on S/L...Saw my Dr. on 9/23 and he said with all new drugs there are kinks to be ironed out and for everything to run smoothly on their end..So my next appt. is mid Dec. .I was so disappointed, but he made sense..I've been waiting for treatment since February. I see the change in my husband who finished his treatment several months ago, and I'm anxious...Good luck to everyone who's been hanging in there!
Hey All
If on Friday the FDA approved Harvoni (S&L) they will assign a official FDA Drug ID #
This ID # is what your health insurance company will need to start the prescription process.
If anyone finds out the number , please post here.
matt
Matt,
This is great news indeed! Let's hope insurance company Standard Of Care changes in 2015. How awesome would that be to take interferon off the shelf for good!
-Rob
Hey All Hep-C friends
Well this week has finally arrived, it been a long long 8 months of waiting for the FDA and Gilead to release this long thought of and almost dreamed of panacea.
(One daily pill Hep-C cure with minimal side FX's) I hope it lives up to the billing.
If you have never been in treatment before and are in fairly good health getting the treatment drugs might take a little longer, but it will come one way or another. Your medical team will be a big factor on pushing your Insurance and advocating for you. This can be something that we might not have as much control over but at least it informs us of how much our Medical team really cares.
For those of us that are relapsers, non-responders, and cirrhotics it should go faster and possible smoother.
Being prepared for that initial visit with your doctor is the first order of importance. Our records of treatment, protocol and tests to bring along to the visit can save time and money.
If you have seen only one doctor and he has all your records you might be in great shape, but if not here is a list of important docs to bring.
#1 Biopsy report of liver, and or Fibroscan and any CT, MRI, Ultrasound
#2 History of treatment with supporting documents , date of treatment, relapse date and Clinical trial results.
#3 Your written diagnosis from second or third opinion doctors, along with there current recommendations.
#4 All liver function test results old and current.
One of the reasons I bring this up is because I researched how my health insurance carrier (BCBS) handles these specialty drugs requests from doctors. Because of the shear cost of these drugs the insurance company immediately puts the request through the Clinical review dept. which in BCBS means its goes under the eyes of Prime Therapeutics which is a Benefit design, cost control, consultation and Clinical analytics / outcomes company.
They will look at everything that the doctor is requesting along with ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS to make there recommendations to the insurance people. So for time and expediency we should be prepared the best we can which should shorted any time from initial request to delivery of drugs.
excited matt
u got that toght with Oct.. that will be second labs for me, if still negative, then cure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Same day as my appointment, skewed. October is going to be an interesting month.
The S/L combo has been a Plan A for me ever since I started reading about it!
I made an appointment for October 16th to see Dr. Martin at the University of Miami. I'm still trying to get approved for Sovaldi/Olysio but more than likely I'll be denied so I need to set things in motion for plan B (Sovaldi/Ledipasvir).
Insurance companies are in the insurance for profit business, period. They are not concerned with how employers are impacted nor do they care about side effects unless the side effects are so severe that patients need to be hospitalized (thus increasing the insurance co's expenditures).
You are applying a standard of decency that simply doesn't apply in the corporate world (with very few exceptions). They have their own rules and rule number one is: make money. Rule number two is make more money. :)
I wonder if those who work and are insured by there employer and have to maintain income just to go through this treatment will get approved by insurance for the S/:L combo wile others Retired for instance will have to suffer the harsher side effects or pay out of pocket for it?
It seems like the insurance companys would be letting down these employers who pay into this so they have workers who are healthy and productive ,if they insist on giving them drugs that will make them too sick to work. Just because it is cheaper
Obomacare and this is discouraging employers from keeping the employer sponsored insurance. This would be terrible mistake. .
Abbvie isn't my first choice either and I think there is a strong possibility that come December Abbvie will undercut Gilead's pricing. If that happens we may not have a choice for the S/L option. I see Oct through Dec as a small window of opportunity where Gilead will have no competition and doctors will prescribe S/L for those who get there first. After Abbvie enters the race all bets are off. Check this out:
"Ten out of 10 doctors would pick Gilead in a cost-neutral environment," says Mark Schoenebaum, the New York-based head of health care research at International Strategy & Investment Group LLC. " (Payers are arguing), 'If we get a discount for a less convenient drug, we're fine using the less convenient drug.' They need someone to play ball."
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140510/ISSUE01/305109990/abbvies-84000-question
The Abbvie combo is not only less convenient but it will almost certainly carry some harsher side effects (it also has significant drug-drug interactions). Nonetheless, once Abbvie enters the market Abbvie will be the tx of choice for insurance companies if it costs less. If Abbvie's pricing is the same as Gilead's (a cost-neutral environment) doctors and patients will have a choice and Gilead will be the winner. Abbvie would be pretty stupid NOT to undercut Gilead's pricing despite what its CEO is saying now.
I don't mean to harp on this and if Abbvie's prices are the same as Gilead's then it is a non issue. I just don't want to see anyone miss out who really wants the S/L combo. My plan is to do my best to get in on it before December because after that all bets are off.
Matt,
So far I have been maintaining well judging by my albumin, bilirubin, platelets, etc. but the waiting begins to play with your mind when you really think about it. Another thing with me is that I am treatment naïve so I need to get interferon buried in a grave on another galaxy. Oh and bury ribavirin at Inf's side and RIP to them. :) Then I woke up.
Isis,
I hear what you are saying. I think with FDA approval that may loosen up my PCP's thinking. SVR-wise the Abbie combo is pretty good but includes ribavirin and therefore not my 1st choice and we'll see about price comps.
With my insurance (Blueshield HMO) I have to go through my PCP with a referral in order to see a specialist. Another thing is I don't see a single hepatologist in any of my offered plans and the few GI's don't seem to be trained in hepc. In other words I'm limited by my insurance options. My ID doc said he is advising all of his non-cirrhotic patients to wait for better options but for those like me with cirrhosis he said they should treat now. So since this was Sept 2013 he wanted me to start on the old triple therapy that was the SOC before Solvaldi/Olysio approval. I told him I would wait for better options. I go back to see my PCP on Oct 16 and at that time I will tell him I would like to see the ID doc and then talk to the ID about my "current" options. That way I can take my PCP out of the equation (it seems that since he "discovered my HVC he feels he has a say in my treatment). The ID doctor I think will go along with my suggestions and then on to the next obstacle===insurance approval.
Hi Groupergetter:
No way to know whose insurance will cover what at this point but where there is a will there is a way. Keep in mind there will also be patient assistant programs.
I'm with pl1952--we will just have to face the obstacles as they come-- I never expect these things to be easy so if they are I will be pleasantly surprised.
I'll just do what I have to. If I have to kill a few insurance guys so be it; too many of 'em anyway. lol
Hi guys, my appt. is 9/23 for S/L...I think I'll probably need a whole new workup of blood tests since my last ones were months ago...I'm really looking forward to getting treated and I'll just barrel through any obstacles that I run into. This fatigue that I have is debilitating....I can't wait for the fall....
-- Edited by pl1952 on Saturday 19th of July 2014 12:10:39 AM
My appointment is October 15th. I presume the Sovaldi/Ledipasvir tx..... if I have insurance that will cover it? Had such high hopes for the S&O. Whatever happens, will remain much more guardedly optimistic. Truly happy and thankful for those reaching SVR. Knowing others have this demon out of their lives, brings joy to mine.
My PCP thinks Insurance companies will still try to force people (who are not Interferon intolerant) to do Interferon first because insurance companies are that evil.
I agree they are that evil but am hoping docs fight back on this one.
Insurance companies are influenced by FDA approval, Matt, but what they are really influenced by is the bottom line. They have to pay for SOC tx so the question will be what is SOC tx. Having said that insurance cos can always exclude or limit payment for "specialty" drugs.
-- Edited by Isiscat2011 on Friday 18th of July 2014 06:53:30 AM
Hey Beacon
Interesting thought from your PCP, I would look at my current condition and how I was maintaining. If the FDA approves the drugs they will be available shortly after Oct 10.
I will be pushing ahead for immediate treatment after my Oct 14 visit to my Hepatologist, but will be writing my insurance company BCBS to inform them ahead of time my intentions, and previous HCV treatment history and three different doctor opinions on treatment recommendations. Weather that will help I don't know but it certainly can't hurt.
How much BCBS is influenced by FDA recommendations I don't know, but they have to start somewhere and us cirrhotics patients will get first consideration.
Maybe waiting could be helpful in getting it sorted out, but like you I have been waiting over 40 years to be free of HCV and that is to long.
matt
Hi Beacon:
I'm in a similar position to you and here are my thoughts on the subject for what they are worth. Waiting until Jan won't tell you much. It will be mid- April at the very earliest before we see any real world SVR results and even those will be anecdotal. I wouldn't expect to see problems "right out of the gate" in terms of safety; that also will take some time. We have seen enough people on Sovaldi to know it may have side effects, probably worse for cirrhotics, but nothing like we saw with the Interferon/Riba/Incivek combo (which we did see right out of the gate). The ledipasvir shouldn't add many side effects; probably fewer than the Olysio.
Something else that I am considering is that the Abbvie combo should be out in Dec. If it is cheaper there is a risk that insurance will opt for that combo instead. So, if you want the S/L combo, it might be good to jump on it before the insurance co. has another option. (This is assuming Interferon is not still an option when the S/L combo is approved.)
Finally, since you are cirrhotic best to treat sooner rather than later on the all orals. We cirrhotics just don't have the time it will take to see how the all orals play out in the real world.
A word on infectious disease docs. They are fine if you aren't cirrhotic but for cirrhotics you should find a hepatologist or a GI with hepatology training and with hepc tx experience. Many Hepatologists appointments are booked 3 months in advance; I'd start looking for one now.
I went to see my PCP today just for my every 3 month checkup. I mentioned to him about there being a one pill combo coming out with FDA approval most likely on Oct 10 and that there were large clinicals with high cure rates even for cirrhotics. I was thinking about seeing my specialist in October. But my PCP said he would like to give it some time and wait to make sure there are no problems right out the gate and therefore he wants me to wait until January to see the specialist. That seems like a long wait. My specialist is an Infectious Disease doctor. He gives me some confidence, but he must focus on many infectious diseases in his specialty and hvc is just one. I've only seen him once and he actually spent more time chatting with my wife than me. lol. I could raise hell but would it do any good? I asked my PCP what he thought about insurance approval for the new one pill and he said that FDA approval and people getting cured would help to get approval. Hopefully the new drug will get on the Blue Shield formulary in December which will make it easier to get. Solvaldi and Olysio are both there now.
Hi,
Just ran across an article on Vitamin D and how it might affect your chances of reaching SVR. Thought I might mention simply getting your health in order before starting treatment. I could not have been accepted for my trial if my diabetes and blood pressure (which I take meds for) had not been under control. My general health ( for my age) is pretty good. So you might want to take care of little health problems before the new meds are approved so you will be in top shape to reach SVR. I was not allowed supplements for 30 days before or during my trial and don't think they are a good idea during treatment--BuT I was told to take B-12 during the trial. A trip to the dreaded dentist might be a good idea as well. Click on Healio below to read the entire article.
Does Vitamin D Deficiency Affect SVR and Fibrosis?
In a recent meta-analysis over at Healio, researchers reported advanced fibrosis, and reaching SVR were both affected by low vitamin D levels in patients with hepatitis C.
As a side note, it is never advised to start taking any supplements without first talking to your doctor, particularly fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K.
*Some supplements in high amounts can be dangerous.
SuziQ
-- Edited by suziq on Saturday 12th of July 2014 10:06:19 PM
-- Edited by suziq on Saturday 12th of July 2014 10:10:19 PM
-- Edited by suziq on Saturday 12th of July 2014 10:11:29 PM
So what we need to do is get in touch with Jeremy Clark,,, and ask him to do what Linus Torvalds did to Bill Gates.. if he reinvents and pattens the Lic to the public then Gilead is screwd!
Looks to me like Jeremy Clark invented it and Raymond Schinazi was just the money man who reaped the rewards of the invention. Clark filed a lawsuit against Schinazi in 2008 in federal court in Alabama alleging fraud among other things. The lawsuit was dismissed by summary judgement in 2010 for lack of jurisdiction. Clark was pro se, which means he didn't even have a lawyer; he was all on his own. As far as I can tell Clark's case was never even heard on the merits. Very sad. Meanwhile, Schinazi personally made >4 million from the sale of Pharmasset to Gilead.
Thanks for posting this Matt. Interesting back story that once again shines a bit of light on the dark and greedy side of big pharma.
So the pricing will likely be more than the $1000/dose for Sovaldi? If you thought the screaming was loud for Sovaldi pricing, just wait.....! Or maybe Gilead will market it differently based on what they have learned and to reduce the current noise.......?
This is part of the early history of the development of Sofosbuvir, this article follows Raymond Schinazi life and Jeremy Clark the chemists that came up with this compound.
http://www.rfspharma.com/images/Hepatitis_C-the_cure_FInancial_Times_March_2013.pdf
Another very interesting link was when Jeremy Clark was briefly on the forum
http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t53012406/7977-and-its-creator/
Interesting reading if you like back stories
matt
Thanks for the link,, If I ever have a relapse I would be tx naive for the S/L combo so I may have had a little ruffer time with this my first Tx but I gain this advantage.
Hi Matt,
I wonder whether the Geno 3's will be included in the FDA approval. The Geno 2 are doing fine with Sovaldi/ Riba, but Geno 3's achieve 100% SVR if Riba is added to 12 weeks of Sovaldi/ Ledipasvir.
http://www.hepmag.com/articles/ELECTRON2_SOF_2501_25458.shtml
The What ?
What is Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir and how in the hell do you pronounce them? Maybe this way
So-fos-bu-vir - Le-dip-as-vir Of course Gilead will think up some stupid fancy name, I remember one forum member saying "who the hell can say these names lets just call them hep killer 1 and hep killer 2" LOL
Rather than get into all the technical nitty gritty its understood as a once-daily fixed-dose combination of the NS5A inhibitor ledipasvir (LDV) 90 mg and the nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir (SOF) 400 mg for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection in adults.
One of the most important points to remember is its only for Genotype 1 patients (GT1) both sub group GT1a and GT1b
This once daily one pill combo has been for many years described as a panacea (dream cure) but it truly has arrived after decades of man made injectable Interferon (a truly Love-Hate drug)
The mechanics or physical science of the drugs can be discussed if someone wants to bring it up, but the inventors of this should be considered for a Nobel prize.
Their is numerous more interesting history (back story) and the science about these drugs, so please add to "The What" portion of our thread
matt
-- Edited by Matt Chris on Friday 11th of July 2014 06:07:48 AM
I am thrilled you guys are finally getting someting that,hopefully, will end this disease. Not just for you but all who have struggled thru previous txs. It will be interesting to hear your stories during tx,...um, maybe not if there's no sx!
-- Edited by jimbob on Thursday 10th of July 2014 10:28:30 PM