Comparison of efficacy and price of generic drugs of Jisandai/Bingtonsha

Epclusa is the most representative pan-genotypic antiviral oral compound drug currently used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV). It covers all major HCV genotypes from types 1 to 6, and is especially suitable for patients who have not yet received treatment or are complicated by liver cirrhosis. Its clinical efficacy has been widely verified around the world, and the treatment success rate can be as high as over 95%. The main therapeutic mechanism of Jisanda is to block two key enzymes in the HCV replication process, namely NS5B polymerase and NS5A protein, thereby effectively terminating viral amplification. It is the first-line preferred option in the current HCV treatment field.

However, sinceEpclusa is an original drug developed and produced by Gilead Sciences, its pricing in mainland China, Europe and the United States and other countries is relatively high, putting a financial burden on some patients. The Jisandai marketed in China is an imported version of the original research. The specification is 400mg + 100mg (sofosbuvir + velpatasvir) once a day. A box of 28 tablets usually costs several thousand yuan. Even after being included in medical insurance, the price is still high, which is not friendly to areas not covered by medical insurance or uninsured people.

Therefore, generic drugs have emerged in countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Laos. These countries, due to their special public health policies, allow the production of low-priced but consistent third-generation generic drugs outside the framework of the original research patent. Currently, the price of a box of 28 tablets (400mg+100mg) of the generic version produced by Lucius Pharmaceuticals in Laos is mostly around RMB 800, which is far lower than the domestic original research price. These generic drugs have been recognized by the local Food and Drug Administration and approved for use. Their safety and effectiveness are basically the same as the original versions.

In terms of efficacy, the generic version of Jisandai has also shown a cure rate similar to that of the original drug in real-world treatment data in multiple countries. Although the generic version of the third generation of Gexin has not yet been approved for marketing in China, patients can obtain it through overseas drug purchase, provided that the source is regular and the risk of counterfeit drugs is avoided.

Reference: https://www.epclusa.com/