Gilead, Idenix infectious news
Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee requested information on pricing methodology for Gilead's HCV drug Sovaldi sofosbuvir. In a letter to Gilead CEO John Martin, Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) and Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) also requested information on the extent of Gilead's discounts for Sovaldi; how savings provided by Sovaldi's expedited review and breakthrough therapy designation factored into the pricing; and the public health impact if insurers decide not to cover Sovaldi. The representatives, who asked for a response by April 3, said the prevalence of HCV infection in low-income, minority patients will make the cost issue "particularly acute for state Medicaid programs."
Gilead said it is working with stakeholders on the evidence for Sovaldi's use, but did not disclose whether it plans to submit a response to the representatives' letter. The wholesale acquisition cost of a 12-week course of Sovaldi is $84,000. Gilead recorded $139.4 million in 4Q13 sales for Sovaldi, which was launched in December. ...