Louisiana pharma partner agrees on model for novel HCV treatment plan

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, Secretary Rebekah Gee of the Louisiana Department of Health, Secretary James LeBlanc of the Louisiana Department of Corrections, and Asegua Therapeutics have agreed on a model to implement the health department’s innovative payment model for hepatitis C treatment, according to a press release.

As previously reported, the department picked the Gilead Sciences subsidiary as their partner in a novel “subscription style” payment plan in which the State will pay a fee to the manufacturer for unrestricted access to Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) for 5 years for patients with Medicaid and incarcerated individuals.

“This new model has the potential to save many lives and improve the health of our citizens. It is an important day for our state, for our partner Asegua Therapeutics, for providers, but most importantly for the patients and their families who will benefit from treatment,” Edwards said in the release. “Asegua was willing to come to the table to work with us to help Louisiana residents and we are pleased to initiate this 5-year partnership. Ultimately, our goal is to eliminate this disease in Louisiana, and we have taken a big step forward in that effort.”

The health department expects to launch the subscription model on July 1. The State’s elimination goal is to treat at least 31,000 Medicaid-enrolled and incarcerated individuals by the end of 2024.

“An elimination plan and innovative payment model will ensure that we can cure this deadly disease and prevent long-term illness and disability in those who have it,” Gee said in the release. “We are pleased that Asegua has the courage to be a pioneer and chart a new path forward that will allow us to save many lives and improve the health of our citizens.”

LeBlanc added, “We will also work closely with the Department of Health to implement a plan to screen and treat the local level population either while incarcerated or upon release into supervision. Most importantly, we can make sure these men and women have an opportunity to be even more successful and healthy when they return to their communities.”

Reference: www.gilead.com