Assessing pricing and affordability of HBV treatment in Asia–Pacific region: a barrier to elimination

Abstract

Background: The Asia–Pacific (AP) region carries a substantial burden of HBV. Affordable HBV treatment is crucial to attain WHO’s elimination goal. This study assesses the pricing and affordability of HBV treatment in AP. Methods: A survey conducted among APASL members from 2 Aug to 30 Oct, 2023, gathered data on antiviral HBV drugs, treatment costs covering stages of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), compensated cirrhosis (CC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver transplant, and monitoring expenses. Drug costs for TDF and ETV were compared to international reference price (TDF: $30, ETV: $36 per person per year), generating a median price ratio (MPR) where MPR < 1 indicated an acceptable local price. Affordability was evaluated by comparing yearly CHB treatment cost to yearly minimum wage in each country/area, all converted to 2023 US$. Results: ETV costs ranged from $42 per person per year in Pakistan to $2640 in Malaysia, while TDF costs varied from $12 in mainland China to $2446 in Hong Kong. Almost all MPR exceeded 1. Affordability of HBV treatment varied, with CHB patients in Australia paying 1.4% of minimum yearly wage to get 1 year CHB treatment, in contrast to Myanmar’s 78.6%. Affordability disparities were also evident for patients with CC, HCC, and liver-transplant needs, though monitoring costs were generally affordable. Conclusions: Despite patent expiration and availability of low-cost generics for TDF and ETV, HBV medication costs in Asia–Pacific region remain high. CHB treatment is generally unaffordable for patients, posing a significant barrier to HBV elimination in this endemic region.