Express Scripts enhances its SafeGuardRx program

SafeGuardRx focuses on the treatment of hepatitis C and cancer.
SafeGuardRx focuses on the treatment of hepatitis C and cancer. | File photo
Express Scripts' enhancements have been applied to its SafeGuardRx programs, which focus on the treatment of hepatitis C and cancer.
Viekira Pak/XR and Harvoni will be new additions to the Hepatitis Cure Value Program as preferred products beginning in January.
"Since this program began in 2015, we've helped more than 50,000 patients gain access to curative therapy across the Express Scripts customer base," Express Scripts Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Glen Stettin said. "Without our program, the cost to cure these patients would have been substantially greater and many payers would have needed to aggressively ration care to ensure the ongoing affordability of their pharmacy benefits."
With the new update applied to the SafeGuardRx program, Express Scripts will begin negotiating for a more affordable cost for Harvoni using the success of the Hepatitis Cure Value as leverage. This would lead to expanded treatment options for both patients and physicians in the coming year and would decrease the cost of treatment by half.
Specialized pharmacists and nurses have been a crucial part of the success that the Hepatitis Cure Value program has had due to the care and attention they have provided.