Gilead launches generic versions of hepatitis C drugs

Sept. 25, 2018

Gilead Sciences announced plans to launch authorized generic versions of Epclusa (sofosbuvir 400mg/velpatasvir 100mg) and Harvoni (ledipasvir 90mg/sofosbuvir 400mg), Gilead’s treatments for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), in the U.S., through a newly created subsidiary, Asegua Therapeutics. The generics will launch at a list price of $24,000 for the most common course of therapy and will be available next year.

According to Gilead, the authorized generics are priced to more closely reflect the discounts that health insurers and government payers receive today. Insurers will have the choice of offering either the authorized generics or the branded medications for both Epclusa and Harvoni. In the Medicare Part D setting, the authorized generics could save patients up to $2,500 in out-of-pocket costs per course of therapy. The authorized generics will also offer savings to state managed Medicaid plans that do not currently benefit from negotiated rebates and that represent a significant number of people in need.

Read the Gilead release

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