Advantages of Gilead's Harvoni over emerging hepatitis C treatments

US surveyed specialists anticipate prescribing Gilead Sciences’ (Nasdaq: GILD) Harvoni to a high proportion of their genotype-1 infected hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients, including those with cirrhosis of the liver, even if it is listed on a non-preferred formulary tier (tier 3 or higher).

Harvoni, a fixed-dose combination of Gilead’s nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and NS5A inhibitor ledipasvir, is the first once-daily single tablet regimen for HCV infections. According to physicians surveyed for a news report from Decision Resources Group, Harvoni has advantages over other emerging treatment options on all efficacy, treatment duration, safety and tolerability attributes considered.

Surveyed MCOs have prioritized Sovaldi over Olysio

Furthermore, surveyed Managed Care Organization (MCO) pharmacy and medical directors have prioritized formulary inclusion of Gilead’s Sovaldi over (sofosbuvir) Janssen/Medivir’s Olysio (simeprevir), suggesting that Sovaldi’s broad label and excellent clinical profile have allowed it to defend its higher cost.

Other key findings from the US Physician & Payer Forum report, titled Hepatitis C Virus: How will More Efficacious Direct-Acting Antivirals Influence US Prescribing and Reimbursement for this Dynamic Indication, include: