James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I am pleased to confirm that a decision has been made to make boceprevir, marketed as Victrelis, and telaprevir, marketed as Incivo, which are hepatitis C protease inhibitor drugs, available within the hospital system for the treatment of hepatitis C. The new treatments have been found to be effective in treating adult patients with hepatitis C genotype 1 infection who have compensated liver disease and are previously untreated or who have failed previous therapy. The use of these drugs requires a detailed programme of treatment and monitoring of progress. The HSE is putting in place the protocols and structures to allow treatment to begin as soon as possible. Anyone who meets the criteria under the protocols will have access to these new treatments.

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