Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir (Epclusa) efficacy and effects

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (Epclusa) combination is an antiviral drug used to treat patients ages 3 and older with chronic (long-term) hepatitis C, an infectious disease that affects the liver and is caused by the hepatitis C virus. There are several variants (genotypes) of the hepatitis C virus, and the fosbuvir-velpatasvir combination is used to treat hepatitis C caused by all genotypes of the virus and contains the active substances sofosbuvir and velpatasvir.

In adults, the combination of fosbuvir and velpatasvir has been investigated in three main studies and in an additional study in 267 hepatitis C patients with abnormal liver function (Child-Pugh class B cirrhosis). The results showed that patients treated with fosbuvir and velpatasvir combined with ribavirin for 12 weeks achieved the best results, with about 94% of patients testing negative for the virus 12 weeks after the end of treatment. In contrast, 84% of patients received fosbuvir-velpatasvir alone. A study of 173 children over the age of 6 showed that 12 weeks after treatment ended, about 94% of patients tested negative for the virus. Results from a study of another 41 children aged 3 to 5 years showed that 12 weeks after treatment ended, about 83% of the patients tested negative for the virus.

The original drug of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir has been launched in China and has entered the scope of Class B medical insurance. The domestic trade name is protonsa, and the specification (400mg+100mg)*28 tablets is priced at about 4,000 yuan per box. The original drug of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir has also been launched overseas. There are also generic drugs of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir produced in other countries. The price of the specification (400mg + 100mg) * 28 tablets produced by Everest Pharmaceutical Factory in Bangladesh is about 850 yuan per box (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). The generic drugs produced abroad are basically the same as the original drugs at home and abroad.