The cost per hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure associated with Gilead Sciences’ Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) is lower than with interferon-based regimens, including the first generation of direct-acting antivirals, aidsmap reports. Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1,262 people treated for hep C at Kaiser Permanente Southern California between November 2014 and July 2015. They presented their findings at the 2016 Digestive Disease Week meeting in San Diego.

The researchers based their cost estimates on current Medicare rates, including those for services, lab tests, medical equipment and supplies.

On average, the overall cost per hep C cure was $75,502 for people without cirrhosis and $100,518 for those with cirrhosis. This compares with $189,000 per cure among people treated with interferon, ribavirin and either Incivek (telaprevir) or Victrelis (boceprevir). The excess costs associated with the older treatments were a result of lower success rates as well as side effect management.

To read the aidsmap article, click here.