Mylan Pharmaceuticals has launched a generic hepatitis C drug under the name of MyHep in India. Hepatitis C is primarily affecting the liver by hepatitis C Virus. The infection is reported to be asymptomatic and ultimately lead to cirrhosis. Hepatitis C is the leading reason for liver transplantation. Mylan has non-exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute generic Sofosbuvir in 91 developing countries, including India. The company secured product rights from Gilead under a licensing and technology transfer agreement signed by the two firms in September 2014.

Mylan president Rajiv Malik said: “The launch of Mylan’s MyHep offers hope to millions of hepatitis C patients in India who are in need of a high quality, effective and affordable treatment option. The company said that MyHep is an important addition to its growing commercial business in India and is sold by its dedicated sales force as part of its Hepato Care segment”.

Epidemiology:

The virus affects over 100 million people in the developing world, including around 12 million people who are chronically infected with hepatitis C in India. During 2020 it is estimated that 20,000 people died from acute infections while 196,000 deaths occurred from liver cancer secondary to the infection.

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The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small, enveloped, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus. HCV is spread primarily by blood-to-blood contact associated with intravenous drug use, poorly sterilized medical equipment, and transfusions. Hepatitis C infects only humans and chimpanzees.