Analysis Buzz

'More Proactive Role Required in Educating on Hepatitis C'

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan in a multi-client study 'Opportunities Assessment for Hepatitis C Therapeutics Market in India' has found that the market for Hepatitis C therapies is likely to increase manifold by 2017 with increasing awareness, better diagnosis, affordable pricing, and newer drug launches.

"The diagnosed patient base is expected to expand in the future with the gradual build-up in awareness, the number of Hepatitis C carriers, and access to urban healthcare facilities due to the improving rural economy and road infrastructure connecting rural areas with the nearest urban locations," says Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Supratim Majumdar.

Although screening has been enhanced, only nine percent of diagnosed patients are placed under treatment. The high cost of therapy coupled with numerous side effects results in treatment not being extended to a larger patient pool. The often-debilitating side effects, frequent dosing, and lackluster efficacy of current HCV treatments have resulted in lack of compliance and have spurred the exploration of more effective treatments. Therapy for chronic Hepatitis C is currently limited to pegylated interferon in combination with ribavirin. While this combination can effectively clear the infection in some patients, it has limited efficacy in patients with genotype 1, who comprise 20 percent of HCV patients in India. The side effects of this treatment include lowered blood platelet count, depression, and hemolytic anemia. The low success rate of interferon, along with side effects, results in patients either avoiding or withdrawing from treatment. The combination of these factors represent missed treatment opportunities and thus, market share.

"The key opinion leaders and physicians involved in the treatment of Hepatitis C have emphasised that the Government should take a more proactive role in educating the public on Hepatitis C," he added.

EH News Bureau