NICE backs Gilead's Epclusa

In draft guidance, the U.K.'s NICE recommended Epclusa sofosbuvir/velpatasvir from Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) to treat all genotypes of chronic HCV. The recommendation is contingent on Gilead providing the drug at an undisclosed discount.

NICE said Epclusa was cost-effective for all subgroups in all HCV genotypes at a threshold of L20,000 ($26,116) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, excluding patients with untreated HCV genotype 2 who do not have cirrhosis and who can receive interferon. Epclusa costs L38,980 ($50,900) for a 12-week course prior to the discount, according to the agency. Comments on the guidance are due Oct. 14. ...