Time for Treatment

By Lisa Carter

Government-subsidised DAAs may not always be available

The clock is ticking to eliminate hepatitis C in Australia as a public health issue, and Hepatitis Australia is sounding the alarm.

The goal of NOHep by 2030 is realistic and achievable in Australia if all people living with hepatitis c take advantage of the affordable and effective cure (direct-acting antiviral therapy) that is currently available.

Talking to the ABC, the CEO of Hepatitis Australia, Helen

Tyrell, explained that fewer than half as many people are currently accessing the direct-acting antivirals as there were immediately after they were first listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). In the first three months after the listing,

more than 4,000 people a month were taking them, according to Kirby Institute figures. But preminary data suggests that has now dropped to fewer than 1,500 people a month. “The monthly treatment uptake has tanked.”

She said that falling treatment uptake threatened the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating hepatitis C in Australia by 2030. “We need to take action urgently. We need to get treatment levels up, well above 20,000 people per annum, and we’re falling below that if you’re looking at the trajectories at the moment.”

Revolutionary DAA drugs for treatment of hepatitis C, including ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, were immediately in high demand after listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, as people already engaged in hepatitis C care, rushed to take them. Prior to being listed, these drugs had cost upwards of $20,000. They now cost less than $40.

While more than 43,000 Australians have accessed them, it has been estimated there are 200,000 Australians with chronic hepatitis C who have not.

Australia led the world in subsidising these drugs for all people over 18 who needed treatment. The Federal Government negotiated to spend more than $1 billion over five years paying companies for an unlimited supply of direct-acting antivirals.

“There is an absolute economic imperative to treat as many people as possible over the next three years deal is in place,” Ms Tyrrell said.

In an effort to treat as many people as possible, during March, April and May this year the three clean needle program (CNP) sites with full-time Hepatitis SA CNP peers are offering a showbag of giveaways. These include up to $10 worth of CNP stock, of the client’s choice, to anyone who books in and attends a Fibroscan. Anyone that commences treatment as a result of their appointment goes into a draw to win a $50 gift card.

This promotion is offered in partnership with the Viral Hepatitis Nurses in the Northern, Southern and Central Adelaide Local Health Networks, who increase access to viral hepatitis care through the provision of treatment, support and integrated care in the community.

CNP Peers are available full-time at three sites with Fibroscan clinics attached (see details below), as well as attending rostered sessions at other CNP sites around the Adelaide metropolitan area.

Access to treatment has never been easier. Speak to your friendly CNP Peer at the locations listed below to book an appointment, or call Lisa on 8362 8443 for more information.

Hep C: Get cured. I did.

CNP Fibroscan Locations

ANGLICARE SALISBURY: third Thursday of each month, 12.30–4PM, 4-6 Church Street Salisbury

PORT ADELAIDE: First Wednesday of each month, 9AM–12.30PM, 11 Church St, Port Adelaide.

NOARLUNGA: every second Monday, 9.30AM–12PM, Noarlunga Health Precinct, Alexander Kelly Dr