Increased access to highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is revolutionizing the prospect of ending HCV epidemics. Globally, the number of people who initiated DAA-based treatment for HCV rose between 2015 and 2016, from approximately 1 million to 1.5 million. This report updates the first edition, published in 2016, and reviews the progress countries have made in expanding access to life-saving DAAs. The report reviews the main challenges countries face and describes recent developments in relation to five key factors that determine access to DAA medicines: affordability, quality assurance, regulatory approval, government commitment and financing. It highlights key areas for action by ministries of health and other government decision-makers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and technical partners. Access the report here
24 March 2018
Increased access to highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is revolutionizing the prospect of ending HCV epidemics. Globally, the number of people who initiated DAA-based treatment for HCV rose between 2015 and 2016, from approximately 1 million to 1.5 million.
This report updates the first edition, published in 2016, and reviews the progress countries have made in expanding access to life-saving DAAs. The report reviews the main challenges countries face and describes recent developments in relation to five key factors that determine access to DAA medicines: affordability, quality assurance, regulatory approval, government commitment and financing. It highlights key areas for action by ministries of health and other government decision-makers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and technical partners.
Press and Media
The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to and facilitate the development of life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders to prioritise and license needed medicines and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations.
To date, MPP has signed agreements with 22 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, a cancer treatment, four long-acting technologies, a post-partum haemorrhage medicine, three oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and 16 COVID-19 technologies.
MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP’s main funder. MPP’s work on access to essential medicines is also funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Government of Canada, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Government of Flanders. MPP’s activities in COVID-19 are undertaken with the financial support of the Japanese Government, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the German Agency for International Cooperation, and SDC.