Pharmaniaga is contributing RM9.2mil to non-profit research and development organization Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) to support the registration of a new treatment for those with hepatitis C in Malaysia.

The new therapy that involves a new combination therapy using revidasvir is currently being evaluated with sofosbuvir in clinical trials co-sponsored by DNDi and the Ministry of Health.

The new direct-acting antiviral treatment will also increase treatment options and facilitate access to medicines for hepatitis C and fruits of innovation in countries where the price to cure the disease is still a barrier.  

HCV is a silent epidemic, as the huge majority of those infected are not aware of their status, show no symptoms of the disease, and therefore do not seek treatment.

Pharmaniaga sees its contribution as affirmative where it continues to work together to prevent, test, and treat hepatitis C in Malaysia and in the same time help look for cheaper alternatives for treatment.

An estimated 400,000 people are living with hepatitis C in Malaysia. DNDi and its industrial partners will pursue registration of ravidasvir in Malaysia in 2020.

Sources: Linkedin Azlan Abu Bakar