Sofosbuvir Pricing

Rapid reductions in prices for generic sofosbuvir and daclatasvir to treat hepatitis C

Andrew Hill, 1 Bryony Simmons, 2 Dzintars Gotham, 2 and Joseph Fortunak 3

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Abstract
Objectives:
Novel treatments for hepatitis C demonstrate high cure rates, but current high prices can be a barrier to rapid global treatment scale-up. Generic competition can rapidly lower drug prices. Using data on exports of raw materials in 2015, we calculated currently feasible generic prices of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir.

Methods:
Data on per-kilogram prices of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) exported from India were extracted from an online database. To the cost of the amount of API needed for a 12-week treatment course, we added cost estimates for formulation (40%), packaging (US$0.35/month), and a mark-up (50%).

Results:
Between 1 January and 15 October 2015, over 5 tons of sofosbuvir were exported, with prices decreasing by US$702/kg/month, and observed prices of US$2501/kg in early September. Over the same period, 84 kg of daclatasvir were exported, with prices decreasing by US$1664/kg/month to US$1897/kg. Using the price estimation algorithm, we estimated the price of a generic sofosbuvir–daclatasvir combination regimen at US$200 per patient for a 12-week treatment course.

Conclusion:
The costs of generic production of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir are rapidly decreasing. Sofosbuvir–daclatasvir combination treatment could be produced for US$200 per patient per 12-week course.

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