Effectiveness and costs: real-world data to Hepatitis C treatment

Introduction: Direct-acting antivirals price are a major obstacle to hepatitis C treatment in Brazil. This study aims to present the effectiveness and costsof hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals, based on real-life data. Methods: We analyzed the treatment data and outcomes of 253 patients from a retrospective cohort performed in a Specialized Care Service, in Porto Alegre (RS). Costs of antiviral drugs, per unit (tablet), were considered according to public purchases. Consultations with physicians and other health professionals were considered, as well as imaging exams performed by patients, 6 months before and after treatment of hepatitis C. They were considered laboratory tests provided for in the current guideline, during and after the end of treatment. Values of each service were extracted from SIGTAP. Treatment costs according hepatitis C virus genotype and the cost per Sustained Viral Response (SVR), were calculated. Results: Most patients (66.8 percent) had genotype 1 of the hepatitis C virus and 92.9 percent achieved SVR. The mean total cost of treatment of patients with genotype 1 was USD 6185,41 and USD 6658,14/ cure; while in patients with genotype 3 the cost was USD 5459,84 and USD 6341,28/ cure. Conclusion:
Similar SVR rates are report when compare with the results from clinical trials with direct acting antivirals agents. Antiviral drugs remain are the most expensive component of treating hepatitis C.