Research-based IFPMA report on hepatitis supports comprehensive approach

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) has published a new report and recommendations on hepatitis encouraging a comprehensive approach to fighting what it calls a “silent epidemic.”

The report, Towards a Sustainable, Intersectoral Approach to Viral Hepatitis, aims to inform the upcoming discussion at the 67th World Health Assembly. Hepatitis B and C (HBV, HCV) are viral diseases which are more common than HIV/AIDS. The virus progresses very slowly over the years so that many patients are unaware they are infected until serious complications emerge. Some 15%-30% of people with chronic HCV infection will develop cirrhosis and HCV is the major cause of liver cancer. Viral hepatitis is responsible for 1.6 million deaths each year.

Eduardo Pisani, IFPMA director general, said: “We have devoted substantial efforts to developing prevention and treatment options and are making all necessary efforts to bring up solutions that further increase cure rates and reduce treatment duration and toxicity. However, treatment is only part of the picture. Experience our industry gained through health partnerships in low- and middle-income countries makes it clear that to address hepatitis we need a comprehensive approach that combines research, prevention, screening and care. We need to act together to stop this silent epidemic.”