title: Hepatitis C eradication: A long way to go.
abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health problem with high morbidity and mortality. About 185 million people are living with HCV, of which 80% are living in low and middle income countries. With the development of new highly effective treatments for HCV, it is considered that the eradication of HCV may only be one step away. The major problem with new treatment options is its high price. The price of sofosbuvir-based treatment for one patient in the United States is US$85000-110000, while the actual production cost of a 12 wk direct-acting antiviral regimen is less than US$250. Another major hindrance in HCV eradication is the lack of quality management of blood transfusion screens. Due to the lack of HCV screening, 75% of people in the United States with HCV infection are unaware of their positive HCV status. The control of massive HCV pandemic will require a significant financial investment, political will, and support from medical, pharmaceutical, and civil organizations around the globe.
authors.affiliation: Yasir Waheed, Foundation University Medical College, Foundation University Islamabad, Islamabad 46000, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Yasir
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Waheed
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics; D016527:Drug Costs; D014943:Global Health / Q000191:economics; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents
keywords: Diagnostics; Hepatitis C virus; Screening; Transfusion; Treatment