Hepatitis C: Expanded access to treatment in Quebec

Good news for patients living with hepatitis C, finally a
greater access to treatment in Quebec :

• All patients living with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1 and fibrosis stage F2-F4 will have access to Harvoni and Holkira Pak from March 24, 2016.
• All patients with genotype 1, at fibrosis stage F1 and presenting a poor prognosis factor will also have access to the product from March 24.

Poor prognostic factors include

• Severe extrahepatic manifestations (type 2 or 3 cryoglobulinemia with organ damage, vasculitis, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, nephropathy).
• Co-infection (HIV, HBV)
• Other liver disease (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis),
• type 2 diabetes
• Advanced cutaneous porphyria

F3/F4 patients have already had access to these new drugs since July 24, 2015.

This expanded access to treatment in Quebec is the result of recommendations made by theINESSS to reimburse Harvoni and Holkira Pak. This will be done on a sequential basis over 6 years, with specific conditions, to ensure that citizens have reasonable and equitable access to healthcare.

We are very happy for all the patients concerned. See the new prescription drug regulations.

Laurence Mersilian for Capahc - Expanded access to treatment in Quebec

Published on March 18, 2016 by CAPAHC

*First and foremost, this significant advance in the treatment of hepatitis C in Quebec is part of a broader trend towards improved access to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in Canada. Indeed, these drugs, such as Harvoni and Holkira Pak, offer cure rates close to 100% with minimal side effects. Treatment duration is reduced to 8 or 12 weeks. Nevertheless, although access to these treatments has improved, challenges remain. In particular, reimbursement for DAAs remains complex and can vary from province to province. It is also important to note that Health Canada approval does not guarantee immediate access to all patients.