This page is an archive. Its content may no longer be accurate and was last updated on the original publication date. It is intended for reference and as a historical record only. For hep C questions, call Help4Hep BC at 1-888-411-7578.
A combined treatment for hepatitis C based on sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (brand name Epclusa) is among the additions to the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) for 2017.
Velpatasvir is an antiviral drug that inhibits a viral protein called NS5A. This drug prevents the replication of the virus and the assembly of new virus particles. Sofosbuvir, which already was included in the previous EML, targets another protein in the hepatitis C virus (HCV), the HCV NS5B polymerase, which also is essential for viral replication.
Several clinical trials showed that the combined therapy is efficient and well-tolerated by HCV patients. In addition, Epclusa is able to treat all six types of hepatitis C.
Based on these data, the WHO considered Epclusa a valuable treatment and included it on the WHO’s EML. This list will guide governmental decisions to increase the availability of Epclusa to hepatitis C patients.