Massachusetts to sue Gilead Sciences if it refuses to lower medication prices

The state of Massachusetts is threatening to sue biotechnology firm Gilead Sciences if it continues to sell its hepatitis drugs at steep prices. According to an official representative from the state, the current market values of the company's medications, namely Sovaldi and Harvoni, violate the state's laws.

Spearheading the potential case against the California-based firm is Attorney General Maura Healey of Massachusetts, Stat News has learned. She noted that at their current prices, the antiviral medications designed to combat hepatitis C are being marketed through an unfair trade practice.

Healey brought up the issue to Gilead Sciences through a letter she sent to the company's CEO, John Martin, last week. In the letter, she mentioned that through the high prices, the firm is violating the state's Consumer Protection Act.

According to CNBC, the attorney general detailed that the retail cost for a full treatment with Sovaldi is valued at around $84,000. Going through a 12-week program with Harvoni, on the other hand, would cost $94,500. If Massachusetts covers the price of treatment for the state's prisoners diagnosed with hepatitis C, then it would greatly exceed the allocated prison healthcare budget.

Aside from Healey, other officials including Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders also lashed out at Gilead Sciences for the high prices of its drugs, Fierce Pharma reported. The politician said that based on the medications' current values, it seems the company is more focused on earning than providing the public with easier access to effective treatment methods for serious diseases. Sanders even called on the Food and Drug Administration to void Gilead Science's patent on the two drugs to allow generic manufacturers to produce cheaper alternatives.

Gilead Sciences, on the other hand, has said that it had already responded to Healey's letter and is currently scheduling a meeting with the attorney general to talk about the matter. The company also said that it is opened to carrying out programs to provide financial assistance and other forms of support for hepatitis C patients who are having a hard time settling their treatment costs.

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