Segment 12: A New Precedent for Healthcare

The situation with hepatitis C drug costs is setting an interesting precedent for the rest of healthcare and one that needs to be watched closely, according to Keith Hoffman, PhD.

Matthew D. Harman, PharmD, MPH, added that the upcoming PCSK9 for high cholesterol is highlighting the trend of the “specialization of traditional drug classes.” For instance, there are medications coming out for asthma and diabetes that are more targeted.

“[These targeted therapies] are going to cost tens of thousands of dollars and there’s most likely will be demand for that,” he said. “And how are we going to sustain that?”