Zepatier approved for use in Scotland

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) yesterday approved the use of Elbasvir-grazoprevir, known as Zepatier, saying it is “a combination of two medicines that inhibit the replication of the Hepatitis C virus and offers the prospect of a cure for Hepatitis C infection”.
The treatment will now be available in Scotland to people with genotypes 1a, 1b or 4, and adds to an already wide range of new, interferon-free treatments available in the country.
Responding to the decision, The Hepatitis C Trust’s Scottish Officer, Petra Wright, said:
“We welcome the SMC’s approval of the use of Zepatier in Scotland. It adds to the armoury of new, interferon-free treatments available in Scotland which are bringing the elimination of hepatitis C within reach. The challenge is now to ensure that these treatments are made available to as many people as possible, and that we increase the numbers of people diagnosed so that all those living with the virus in Scotland are diagnosed, treated and cured.”
The SMC’s full guidance can be read here.