Hey RASS of course this is more serious than software. I just used that as a business model and at this point it's all about business for them.

What I find so profound about this is that they are changing the strategies already, trying to get as many people started as soon as possible; the interferon targeted patients.
Also the "on label" for geno 1 was with Interferon. Now that has been removed perhaps it will facilitate the coverage of sofosbuvir/simeprevir or other Rx combinations.
Although there has been no mention of a cost reduction from Gilead, I'm seeing this as a possible response to all the criticism they are receiving on it's set price point and the resistance they may encounter. They need to get a huge cash flow going IMHO.

BTW I would not subject my body to 24 weeks of Ribavirin regardless. This is just one more step of many headed towards a humane and effective treatment.

dragon - what rates would TriCare raise? I have TriCare for Life as my secondary to Medicare - I pay ZERO premium for T4L. I have a deductible though - maybe that's what you meant? Also, T4L pays what Medicare doesn't pay AS LONG AS Medicare paid SOMETHING. If Medicare denies a charge, T4L pays nothing. So I've been caught surprised a couple of times by lab fees that Medicare denied - and then T4L would not pay on them at all. It's just how it is. That said, yes, it's a wonderful program - had Tricare for years, now T4L with Medicare.

You bet the military community will come out and fight if they try to mess with us too much. We're willing to do our share as far as increased deductibles, but not if other groups don't have to have the same thing happen.

Thank you, Kramer -24 weeks of Ribavirin is not going to happen to me either. I'm firm on that one.

Gilead knows Abbvie is right behind them - with Geno 1 treatment equally effective (and VERY effective) for subtypes a and b, without Interferon. THAT is what this "change" is all about - Gilead aims to grab the Geno 1's NOW - or else they will wait for Abbvie - by the end of next year at most. Gilead's "new" label could mess some Geno 1's up if they do that 24 weeks of Sovaldi and Riba. I won't fall for it. And that's why it's SO IMPORTANT for us to be informed - so Kramer, I'm giving you kitty heat butts and purring as I wrap around your ankles. Hope you're not allergic to me. meow.

And oh, this is a VERY good thought of yours, Kramer:

"Now that has been removed perhaps it will facilitate the coverage of sofosbuvir/simeprevir or other Rx combinations."

COMBINATIONS from various pharmas. I just cannot believe the FDA approved this bogus tx for geno 1's from Gilead - Sovaldi + Riba for 24 weeks - based on the flimsy studies at least that we are aware of. Very few participants, and in some cases, very low SVR rates. Something stinks.