Chief executive for the Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy, Azrul Mohd Khalib, said Gilead Science’s decision on Aug 24 would make it possible for cheaper generic versions of the Sofosbuvir drug to be available in Malaysia.
“It will allow for the drug to be used in combination with others. Most importantly, it will be possible for thousands of lives to be treated and cured of this disease.
“This is a game changer in the fight against Hepatitis C in Malaysia,” he said in a statement.
Other countries included in the agreement are Thailand, Ukraine and Belarus.
According to Azrul, more than 400,000 Malaysians between 15 and 60 years old are currently estimated to be living with HCV, treatment for which can cost as much as US$30,000 per person.
He expressed hope that the agreement would put the health ministry in a better position to work together with non-government organisations, patient groups and the pharmaceutical sector to ensure that everyone who needs treatment can afford to do so.
Sofosbuvir, which is owned by Gilead Sciences, has a cure rate of about 95% for its 12-week treatment.