Focus on SVR hinders Merck's Victrelis' German benefit review; may impact Janssen
This article was originally published in Scrip
Executive Summary
Merck & Co's hepatitis C drug, Victrelis (boceprevir), appears to offer some additional benefit for patients who have not yet developed liver cirrhosis, but the extent of the benefit is uncertain, says IQWiG, Germany's Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare (IQWiG). Meanwhile, Janssen-Cilag, which markets competitor drug Incivo (telaprevir) is likely to be taking note, particularly given the institute's approach to sustained virological response (SVR) as an outcome. Work on an assessment of Incivo has already begun.