Oslo Economics, commissioned by AbbVie, has analysed the burden of disease, costs and treatment options for hepatitis C.
The analysis shows that hepatitis C is a relatively large health issue in Norway with significant consequences for those who are infected. Approximately 800 people are infected with the virus every year, and 20-30 000 are currently living with a chronic hepatitis C infection. In comparison, 223 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in Norway in 2013, and approximately 5 400 people are currently living with HIV.
Traditional hepatitis C treatment has been long lasting and has often resulted in extensive side effects for many patients. A minority of patients have therefore received and managed to complete treatment. New antiviral medicines are now being introduced on the market. These medicines will probably increase treatment response and give fewer and less serious side effects. Furthermore, it will reduce the spread of infection, provide longer life and better quality of life for those infected. The new treatment options can also reduce the long term health care treatment costs. The challenge for society will be to finance the high additional treatment costs the new medicines will induce the first years after introduction.
