DNDi, partners aim to bring cheaper HCV combo to Latin America

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative said it will partner with three pharmaceutical companies and a non-profit to sell a cheaper HCV regimen in Latin America. HCV patients pay at least $7,000 in Argentina, $12,000 in Chile and more than $6,000 in Brazil for a 12-week course of treatment, according to DNDi. The partners' target price for the combination treatment comprising ravidasvir and Sovaldi sofosbuvir is less than $500.

Under the agreement, the Pharco Pharmaceuticals unit of Pharco Corp. (Alexandria, Egypt) will provide the active ingredients for sofosbuvir and ravidasvir. Insud Pharma (Madrid, Spain) and Laboratorio Elea Phoenix S.A. (Argentina) will register, manufacture and distribute the compounds in Latin America. DNDi and non-profit Mundo Sano Foundation (Buenos Aires, Argentina) will collaborate on advocacy efforts to increase patient access to affordable HCV treatment...