The IV International Infectious Diseases Forum was held in Moscow with the participation of doctors, scientists, and health regulators from Russia and other countries.
The event was organized by Sechenov University, the Russian Ministry of Health, and the Agency for Strategic Projects for the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis and Combating Socially Significant Diseases.
A key forum symposium dedicated to the elimination of hepatitis C in Russia was held with the traditional support of R-Pharm. During the symposium, specialists shared the successes and challenges regions face in implementing the federal project “Combating Hepatitis C and Minimizing the Risks of its Spread.” They discussed issues of patient care pathways, treatment financing, and the choice of therapeutic regimens. The discussion was moderated by Vladimir Chulanov, chief freelance specialist for infectious diseases at the Russian Ministry of Health.
Valery Shevchenko, chief freelance specialist for infectious diseases at the Ministry of Health of the Altai Territory, spoke about the structure of the infectious disease service in the region and the organization of care for patients with chronic viral hepatitis C. A presentation by Natalia Rymarenko, chief freelance specialist for infectious diseases of the Republic of Crimea, focused on progress in identifying people with hepatitis C, equipping medical facilities, and treatment coverage in the republic. Marina Ivanova, chief freelance specialist for infectious diseases of the Russian Ministry of Health for the North Caucasus Federal District, reviewed options for choosing antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C patients, emphasizing the importance of selecting genotype-specific treatment regimens.
All speakers touched upon the issue of accessibility of therapeutic regimens for chronic hepatitis C. Currently, both pan-genotypic and genotype-specific interferon-free combinations are used in Russia. Treatment involves taking oral tablets, with the course duration being two or three months depending on the chosen regimen.
According to epidemiological data, genotype 1 of the virus is the most prevalent in the country (about 50% of all cases), and therefore specialists consider it advisable to use regimens specifically targeting it. Among these is the grazoprevir/elbasvir combination, intended for the treatment of hepatitis C caused by virus genotypes 1, 3, or 4.
“The goals of the federal project to combat hepatitis C will be achieved only through the coordinated work of the medical and pharmaceutical community and executive authorities. As industry representatives, we strive to provide patients with effective and accessible therapy,” said Elena Poretskova, director of the Virology Department at R-Pharm. “This year, we launched a generic drug with the INN grazoprevir/elbasvir on the market and set a price for it in the Vital and Essential Drugs List (VED) 37% lower than the price of the original drug. This not only expands doctors’ options but also reduces the budget burden — the results of pharmacoeconomic analysis indicate the economic feasibility and advisability of using this drug.”