The Market Will Demand a Cheaper Alternative to Sovaldi
A new report from Frost & Sullivan forecasts “robust demand” for HCV antivirals, with several strong competitors “maneuvering aggressively” to narrow the market gap by introducing a treatment that can outdo Gilead’s Sovaldi.
A new report from Frost & Sullivan forecasts “robust demand” for HCV antivirals, with several strong competitors “maneuvering aggressively” to narrow the market gap by introducing a treatment that can outdo Gilead’s Sovaldi.
But as the market moves away from protease inhibitors and interferon regimens towards highly effective, easily-tolerated, oral therapies, competitors must aim to satisfy the until-now unmet need for a once-daily, ribavirin-free, all-oral, pan-genotypic regimen that has a short treatment duration, says the report.
Around 160 million people across the globe are chronically infected with HCV, and at least 350,000 die annually from HC-infected liver diseases such as liver cancer and conditions requiring transplantation. The United States alone accounts for nearly five million of the total HCV-affected population, with the majority being baby boomers entering the 65-plus age bracket.
Recent clinical data shows close to 100-percent cure rates for Sovaldi. But its price – $84,000 for a 12-week course of treatment – has attracted much controversy.
Frost & Sullivan Healthcare Principal Analyst Randy Budros comments: “Gilead and other future market entrants have to create a compelling pricing rationale by driving home the potential cost savings from a high-performance, all-oral regime, zeroing in on the downstream cost saving such as the reduction of liver transplants… Equally crucial is the need to make HCV antivirals more affordable and accessible to patients.”
Addressing Disparities in Psoriasis Trials: Takeda's Strategies for Inclusivity in Clinical Research
April 14th 2025LaShell Robinson, Head of Global Feasibility and Trial Equity at Takeda, speaks about the company's strategies to engage patients in underrepresented populations in its phase III psoriasis trials.
Beyond the Prescription: Pharma's Role in Digital Health Conversations
April 1st 2025Join us for an insightful conversation with Jennifer Harakal, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Canopy Life Sciences, as we unpack the evolving intersection of social media and healthcare decisions. Discover how pharmaceutical companies can navigate regulatory challenges while meaningfully engaging with consumers in digital spaces. Jennifer shares expert strategies for responsible marketing, working with influencers, and creating educational content that bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers. A must-listen for pharma marketers looking to build trust and compliance in today's social media landscape.
Pfizer, GSK Gain ACIP Recommendations for RSV and Meningococcal Vaccines
April 18th 2025The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to expand access to Pfizer’s respiratory syncytial virus vaccine Abrysvo for high-risk adults in their 50s and voted in favor of GSK’s meningococcal vaccine, Penmenvy, for streamlined adolescent protection.
