In a bid to push back against payers, Gilead Sciences GILD -0.71%
is limiting enrollment to its patient assistance program for hepatitis C
drugs, which helps people obtain the Sovaldi and Harvoni treatments
when they lack sufficient insurance coverage or the financial
wherewithal to get the medicines otherwise.
The drug maker is taking this step after finding that some payers,
despite receiving discounts in recent months, have continued to restrict
patient access to its hepatitis C medicines. As a result, Gilead has
been picking up the cost of the medicines for more people it would like
seeking patient assistance, according to a July 1 letter sent to patient
groups and community health providers, among others.
A Gilead spokeswoman declined to say how many people are enrolled in
its Support Path assistance program, how many may be affected by the
change or provide actions taken by specific payers.
Read more... Labels: access to drugs, Gilead, patient assistance