Free Hcv- Still Strong Impact On The Hcv Essay Sample

Investments

Hepatitis C is among those infectious diseases that is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and affects the liver. It can spread from blood-to-blood contact related to inadequately sterilized medical devices, intravenous use of drugs, and transfusions. According to estimates, 3-4 million people get HCV infection every year, and about 170 million people have chronic infection (Mohd Hanafiah et al. 1333). According to reports, number of hepatitis C patients treated in the U.S. would increase from 205 thousands to about 247 thousands in 2019. Moreover, the number of HCV patients treated in E.U./Japan would increase from 115 thousands in 2015 to 172 thousands in 2019 (Mehrotra et al. 3). However, average HCV pricing in the U.S. is more than that of E.U./Japan. It has been estimated that global market opportunity with the treatment of HCV patients could be from $14 billion to $18 billion.
Gilead Sciences (GILD) is a biopharmaceutical and biotechnological company based in America. This company is doing research on antiviral drugs for HIV, HCV, and influenza. GILD has two most successful treatment options for HCV. These are Sovaldi (approved in 2013) and Harvoni (approved in 2014) (Gilead Sciences, gilead.com). According to Credit Suisse estimates, GILD is showing the maximum global HCV revenues in the U.S. and the E.U. as compared to AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck & Co., and others. However, GILD HCV franchise revenue is estimated to be $12.0 billion in 2015 and it would go down to $10.2 billion by 2018. It has also been estimated that GILD market share of HCV will move from 80% in 2015 to about 60% by the year 2019. However, estimates are showing that GILD would retain maximum global HCV revenue share from 2015 to 2020 as compared to other above mentioned companies (Mehrotra et al. 4).

Works Cited

Gilead Sciences. "Innovating and Expanding Access to Hepatitis C Treatments". Gilead Sciences. Gilead Sciences Inc., n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2015 <http://www.gilead.com/~/media/Files/pdfs/Policy-Perspectives/ExpandingAccesstoHCVTreatments10214.pdf >.
Mehrotra, R., Shah, A., Kantor, J., & Shepard, J. (2015). Downgrading on back of HCV headwind. Credit Suisse.
Mohd Hanafiah, K., Groeger, J., Flaxman, A. D., & Wiersma, S. T. (2013). Global epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection: new estimates of age-specific antibody to HCV seroprevalence. [Meta-Analysis Review]. Hepatology, 57(4), 1333-1342.