Sovaldi reimbursed by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec - Good news and plenty of hope for patients with Hepatitis C

QUÉBEC, June 2, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - After several requests for reimbursement, the Centre and Association for People Living with Hepatitis C (CAPAHC) was elated when the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) announced today that it will add Sovaldi to the list of reimbursed medications. Patients suffering from hepatitis C genotypes 1 and 4 can now use this medicine at any stage of the disease (regardless of the level of fibrosis). This is a significant milestone for hepatitis C patients, who can now benefit from a shorter and more efficient treatment, with fewer side effects.

"Wonderful news! On behalf of the 50,000 patients suffering from hepatitis C in Québec and those who will contract it in the coming years, I thank the Québec government for giving hope to our patients and enhancing the quality of their lives," said CAPAHC President Stéphane Jacques.

Recently, the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) made public a new study showing a significant rise in common health complications associated with hepatitis C over the next 20 years, which would drive up healthcare costs by 60% by 2032. The number of Canadians suffering from chronic hepatitis C with cirrhosis and more advanced liver disease is expected to rise to 23% by 2035 from 8.7% in 2013. As a result of the increasing progression of the disease in Canada, it is estimated that there will be a 205% increase in the cases of liver cancer and a 160% increase in the cases of liver disease-related deaths.

ABOUT CAPAHC
Founded in 2003, CAPAHC provides support to people infected or affected by Hepatitis C, people co-infected with HIV/HCV, and their loved ones. It promotes overall health through prevention and understanding of the Hepatitis C virus and other related illnesses to its community without discrimination. CAPAHC also designs and implements information, awareness and educational programs.

SOURCE: Centre and Association for People Living with Hepatitis C (CAPAHC)

Laurence Mersilian
Director General
514-521-0444