The controversy surrounding the price tag of brand name hepatitis C drugs has been raging since the treatments entered the market. Now, there could be a different option. Gilead Sciences plans to allow generic drug makers to produce a new version of its Sovaldi, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
This new iteration of the drug is undergoing clinical trials, but Gilead contends that it will be more effective at treating HCV. Clinical trials are expected to finish later this year.
In fall 2014, eight generic drug makers received approval to produce Sovaldi for 91 countries, excluding China, according to the report. The geographic restrictions have sparked criticism from such groups as Doctors Without Borders. China has approximately 30 million people with HCV.