FDA Approves Lower-Priced Zepatier for Treatment of Hepatitis C

FDA Approves New Hepatitis C Drug January 29, 2016

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Merck & Co.’s Zepatier (elbasvir and grazoprevir), a once-daily, single-tablet combination therapy for hepatitis C. The drug is approved for patients with the most common type of hepatitis C in the US, genotype 1, as well as genotype 4. Zepatier has a list price of $54,000 for a 12-week course of treatment.

Commentary:

This is great news for patients because the growing number of effective, low risk, short duration, Interferon-free regimens means there will be increased competition between companies and this will lead to further price reductions. The $54,000 price tag for Zepatier is $30,000 less than Harvoni! – Raymond W. Phillips, MD