HARTFORD — Connecticut is poised to make a new class of costly hepatitis C drugs more accessible to the state's poorest patients.
The state Department of Social Services will classify Sovaldi, Harvoni and Viekira Pak as preferred drugs in its Medicaid program, which means they will be "readily available to our clients,'' said department spokesman David Dearborn.
The department is also simplifying its prior authorization process, which had been criticized by advocates for hepatitis C patients as a tactic designed to limit access to the expensive but highly effective treatments.
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Saturday, May 16, 2015
Blue Cross Withholds Cure from Hepatitis C Patients, Lawsuit Claims
LOS ANGELES, May 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court today accusing Blue Cross of withholding a cure for Hepatitis C based only upon profits, in violation of California law.
The plaintiff, Shima Andre, suffers from Hepatitis C, a contagious liver disease that can lead to complications including severe liver damage, infections, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. But a new treatment is radically changing the lives of those living with Hepatitis C. The treatment—Harvoni— was just approved by the FDA in 2014 and was even designated as a “breakthrough therapy” for its revolutionary ability to treat and cure Hepatitis C. In clinical trials, Harvoni cured Hepatitis C in 95-99% of patients within only twelve weeks.
But according to the lawsuit, Blue Cross has arbitrarily chosen to give the treatment only to those patients suffering from the worst stages of liver damage. Despite the opinions of other patients’ treating doctors, they are told by Blue Cross that they must wait for the cure, suffer serious liver damage, and only then will they be eligible for Harvoni. No known medical study supports this decision—and no part of Shima’s insurance policy grants Blue Cross this arbitrary authority.
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The plaintiff, Shima Andre, suffers from Hepatitis C, a contagious liver disease that can lead to complications including severe liver damage, infections, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. But a new treatment is radically changing the lives of those living with Hepatitis C. The treatment—Harvoni— was just approved by the FDA in 2014 and was even designated as a “breakthrough therapy” for its revolutionary ability to treat and cure Hepatitis C. In clinical trials, Harvoni cured Hepatitis C in 95-99% of patients within only twelve weeks.
But according to the lawsuit, Blue Cross has arbitrarily chosen to give the treatment only to those patients suffering from the worst stages of liver damage. Despite the opinions of other patients’ treating doctors, they are told by Blue Cross that they must wait for the cure, suffer serious liver damage, and only then will they be eligible for Harvoni. No known medical study supports this decision—and no part of Shima’s insurance policy grants Blue Cross this arbitrary authority.
Read more...
Friday, May 15, 2015
Few Children Vertically Co-Infected With HIV and HCV Are Treated for HCV and the Response Is Low: Presented at ESPID
LEIPZIG, Germany -- May 15, 2015 -- Approximately 20% of children vertically infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) had already developed liver fibrosis by the end of adolescence, according to findings presented during a Short Oral Presentation Session on May 14th at the 33rd Annual Meeting of the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID).
“Rates of sustained viral response were very low in this small cohort, arousing the need of new therapeutic approaches for this population that may benefit from new drugs for HCV treatment,” said Talia Sainz-Costa, MD, Paediatrics, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain, who noted the paucity of data regarding the natural history of children with vertical HIV/HCV co-infection and their response to anti-HCV treatment.
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“Rates of sustained viral response were very low in this small cohort, arousing the need of new therapeutic approaches for this population that may benefit from new drugs for HCV treatment,” said Talia Sainz-Costa, MD, Paediatrics, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain, who noted the paucity of data regarding the natural history of children with vertical HIV/HCV co-infection and their response to anti-HCV treatment.
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Weekly Special Topic: Viral Hepatitis—The Basics
Viral Hepatitis: The Basics
Read about the various types of viral hepatitis and how to prevent and treatment them:
HCV Advocate Eblast: May 15, 2015
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May 15, 2015 | |||||||||||||
| EASL 2015: Snapshots by Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief This year’s conference had many outstanding presentations about hepatitis C drugs in development—too many to cover in one edition of the HCV Advocate newsletter. As a result, we will be covering EASL in this edition as well in the next Mid-Monthly edition. I have tried to pick out a couple of most interesting studies from the presentations from AbbVie, BMS, Gilead, and Merck.  | Disability & Benefits: Planning for Disability Programs by Jacques Chambers, CLU Even though there are some wonderful, new medications on the market, some people with HCV will still need to consider going on disability at some time in the future. For most people, it is not always easy to know when the right time to leave is. Liver disease caused by HCV is often marked by a gradual progression toward disability. As well, the emotional issues involved around leaving work and "becoming disabled" further cloud the decision-making process. | ||||||||||||
| The Five: May Is Hepatitis Awareness Month by Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief May is Hepatitis Awareness month. In this month's column, I will provide a brief overview of the five hepatitis viruses—prevalence, how they are transmitted, and how to prevent transmission. Important Note: This is a very brief overview of viral hepatitis. For detailed information about viral hepatitis see our Viral Hepatitis: The Basics. | What's New!: Viral Hepatitis—The Basics by Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief In this guide I will discuss the basics of hepatitis A, B, and C, with a bit of information on D and E that will help us to understand the similarities and differences between these viruses that all affect the liver. | ||||||||||||
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Thursday, May 14, 2015
Hepatitis Testing Day is Tuesday, May 19th: More Than 150,000 People in New Jersey Are Living with Hepatitis C
- Advocates Frustrated with Slow Progress of Life-Saving Bill
- Coalition Calls for Assembly to Pass Hepatitis C Testing Legislation
Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected to the blood of an infected person. If left untreated, hepatitis C can cause extensive liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and ultimately death. Because it has no symptoms people often go for decades without discovering they are infected, allowing the virus to progress untreated and with devastating consequences. Early diagnosis can improve health outcomes and facilitate access to curative treatments.
“This legislation is urgently needed,” said Roseanne Scotti, New Jersey State Director for the Drug Policy Alliance. “Hepatitis C is a silent killer that must be stopped. Because people often don’t show symptoms for many years, most people are unaware they are infected. Expanded testing is needed so people know their status and can act to get care and treatment.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone born between 1945 and 1965 get tested for hepatitis C. African Americans and veterans also have substantially higher rates of hepatitis C infection. More people now die from hepatitis C than die from HIV/AIDS in the United States. Without concerted action, the CDC predicts that deaths from hepatitis C will double or even triple in the next 20 years. Widespread testing will enable those infected to receive life-saving treatment and prevent transmission to others.
“By incorporating Hep C testing into regular medical care we diminish the stigma of the disease, educate people about their status and prevent the transmission to others. Most importantly, we connect people to treatment before this terrible disease wreaks havoc on their body,” said Senator Joseph F. Vitale (D-Middlesex), Chairman Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “I am hopeful that my colleagues in the Assembly take this bill up before the Legislature goes on summer recess.”The month of May is designated as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the United States and May 19th is Hepatitis Testing Day. During May, the CDC and groups like the American Liver Foundation work to raise awareness surrounding this silent killer and encourage those most at risk to get tested.
Lisa Gallipoli, Executive Director of the Greater New York Division of the American Liver Foundation, which serves North Jersey, said “When it comes to Hepatitis C it is simple – Treat – Test- Cure! It has never been more important to TEST – find out who has Hep C; TREAT – get those with Hep C on treatment; CURE – Hep C is CURABLE for over 90% of the individuals who receive treatment. This legislation would do just that!”
Dr. Andrew N. de la Torre MD, FACS, a liver transplant surgeon and Director of the Liver, Pancreas & Biliary Surgery at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, said “I cannot think of a justifiable reason not to pass this bill. It would be a huge opportunity to save thousands of lives that are lost to liver failure and liver cancer. Even though the cost to treat hepatitis C seems expensive, it is far more expensive and painful to treat and watch patients die from liver failure or advanced liver cancer. Even after receiving a liver transplant, patients require treatment for Hep C; so why not treat them earlier and possibly avoid the need for and costs of a liver transplant?”
Senate Bill 876 is sponsored by Senator Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex), Senator Richard Codey (D-Essex and Morris) and Senator Fred Madden (D-Camden and Gloucester). The Assembly companion, A2555, is sponsored by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Hunterdon and Mercer).
The Hepatitis C Action Campaign and Senate Bill 876 / Assembly Bill 2555 are supported by a coalition of patients, physicians, and public health, nonprofit, and advocacy organizations, including the New Jersey office of the Drug Policy Alliance, the Hepatitis C Association, the Greater New York and Mid-Atlantic Divisions of the American Liver Foundation, the South Jersey AIDS Alliance, the North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI), Paterson Counseling Center, Camden AHEC, Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, Well of Hope Community Development Corporation, Inc., Comprehensive Liver Care of New Jersey, Iris House, Buddies of New Jersey, Inc., PROCEED, Inc., African American Office of Gay Concerns, Hepatitis Foundation International, Vietnam Veterans of America, The Wave Set, National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center (Camden), Atlantic Gastroenterology Associates, and Trinitas Regional Medical Center – Early Intervention Program.
Contact:
Tony Newman 646-335-5384Roseanne Scotti (609) 610-8243
Source: http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/2015/05/hepatitis-testing-day-tuesday-may-19th-more-150000-people-new-jersey-are-living-hepatit
MAY 19 free hepatitis C testing
National Hepatitis Testing Day
"Baby boomers represent 76% of people in the U.S. with the hepatitis C virus but most who are ill are unaware of their infection." -- Nancy Steinfurth, Hep C Connection
SOURCE Hep C Connection
Press Release Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/may-19-free-hepatitis-c-testing-300083738.html
"Baby boomers represent 76% of people in the U.S. with the hepatitis C virus but most who are ill are unaware of their infection." -- Nancy Steinfurth, Hep C Connection
DENVER, May 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new cure is possible for tens of thousands of Coloradans infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) – a silent killer responsible for most cases of liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer in the United States. But, the vast majority of those infected don't know they have the virus.
"The great news is that new treatments approved by the FDA in the last two years have up to a 95 percent cure rate," says Nancy Steinfurth, executive director for Denver's Hep C Connection. "Hepatitis C can now be cured in most patients."
People who have HCV may have no symptoms or they may have "flu-like" symptoms. They may have stomachaches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, and in some cases jaundice – a yellow appearance of the eyes or skin.
On May 19 – Annual National Hepatitis Testing Day – Hep C Connection and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in partnership with other non-profits and public health organizations, will host free testing for anyone concerned they may have HCV. The fast-response test requires a quick finger prick, and results are returned in 20 minutes. Those who test positive will be given information and resources for follow-up testing and care. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne illness that has infected an estimated 70,000 Coloradans. To date, no vaccine has been approved for HCV and Denver's 2014 Health of Denver report shows deaths locally from HCV have increased sharply in the past 10 years. As many as 17,000 HCV related deaths occur annually in the United States. These rates are expected to peak between the years 2030 and 2035 at 36,000 deaths per year.
"Early detection is the best defense against the ravages of hepatitis C," says Steinfurth.
Anyone can be tested, but Hep C Connection and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment especially recommend testing for those born between 1945 and 1965. Also at risk are those who had a blood transfusion or a blood product like Rhogam before 1992, obtained a tattoo outside of a licensed facility, or injected or snorted drugs – even only once. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says men who've had sex with other men should be tested.
Free testing will be held at sites throughout Colorado. See below for test sites and locations. Also visit Hep C Connection's Step Up to Hep blog at: http://stepuptohepco.wordpress.com/ for more information about hepatitis in Colorado.
CONTACT: Dede Laugesen • Media Relations • 719-659-3121
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: Hep C Connection executive director and hepatitis expert Nancy Steinfurth is available for on-camera, in-studio or telephone interviews. You can contact Steinfurth directly at 303-523-6131.
Hep C Connection 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Bldg. B, Ste. 302, Denver, CO 80222
800-522-HEPC • www.hepc-connection.org
800-522-HEPC • www.hepc-connection.org
TEST SITES for May 19, 2015
Hep C Connection: http://www.hepc-connection.org
- Webb Municipal Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Western Colorado AIDS Project (WestCAP): http://www.westcap.info
Two test sites:
- Grand Valley Catholic Outreach 245 S. 1st St., Grand Junction, CO: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- WestCAP 805 Main St., Grand Junction, CO: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Northern Colorado AIDS Project (NCAP): http://www.ncaids.org
- Sister Mary Alice Murphy Center for Hope, 242 Conifer St., Fort Collins, CO: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Boulder County AIDS Project (BCAP): http://bcap.org
- Boulder County AIDS Project, 2118 14th St., Boulder, CO: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Boulder County Public Health: http://www.bouldercounty.org/dept/publichealth/pages/default.aspx
Two test sites:
- Boulder County Public Health 3482 Broadway, Boulder, CO: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Boulder County Public Health 529 Coffman St., #200, Longmont, CO: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hey Denver: http://heydenver.org
- Scales' Pharmacy, 1999 Pennsylvania St., Denver, CO: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Denver Colorado AIDS Project (DCAP): http://www.denvercap.org
- Avella Specialty Pharmacy 1245 E. Colfax Ave., Ste. 102, Denver, CO: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Southern Colorado AIDS Project (SCAP): http://www.s-cap.org
- TASC 1702 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, CO: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tri-County Health Department (TCHD): http://www.tchd.org
Three test sites:
- (May 18) Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora, CO: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- TCHD N. Broadway location, 7000 N. Broadway, Suite 400, Denver, CO: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- TCHD Northglenn location, 10190 Bannock St., Suite 100, Northglenn, CO: 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
CDPHE, Hep C Connection, & SCAP:
- Senior Resource Development Authority, 230 N. Union Ave., Pueblo, CO: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Pueblo City-County Health Department & CDPHE: http://county.pueblo.org/government/county/pueblo-city-county-health-department
- Pueblo City-County Health Department, 101 W. 9th St., Pueblo, CO: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Additional resources:
- Hep C Connection: http://www.hepc-connection.org
- Step Up to Hep blog: http://stepuptohepco.wordpress.com
- CDPHE: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/hepatitis
- Health of Denver 2014 report:
http://denvergov.org/Portals/746/documents/2014%20CHA/Full%20Report-%20FINAL.pdf - 31 Facts for 31 Days of hepatitis C awareness: https://hepatitisc.net/living/31-facts-for-the-31-days-of-hepatitis-awareness-month/
- OUT of STATE STORY SAMPLE — Putnam County hosting free hepatitis C testing: http://putnam.dailyvoice.com/news/putnam-county-offering-free-hepatitis-c-screening
Press Release Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/may-19-free-hepatitis-c-testing-300083738.html
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