Owing to their novel mechanisms of action (HCV protease inhibition) and the need for new hepatitis C virus therapies, both telaprevir and boceprevir are likely therapeutic options for prior treatment nonresponders. However, due to potentially shorter treatment duration for some patients and proven efficacy in treatment nonresponders, telaprevir may likely be viewed more positively by clinicians than boceprevir, following the expected launches of both drugs in 2011 in the United States.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100120/Telaprevir-effective-in-HCV-patients.aspx
WALTHAM, Mass., March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Resources, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms for pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that, based on available data and expert opinion, the telaprevir/peg-IFN-a-2a/ribavirin* regimen will earn Decision Resources proprietary clinical gold-standard status for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (treatment-naive population) in 2013, following telaprevir's approval for the indication in 2011.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-2013-the-telaprevirpeg-ifn-a-2aribavirin-regimen-will-earn-decision-resources-proprietary-clinical-gold-standard-for-hepatitis-c-virus-treatment-naive-patients-89119027.html
Telaprevir is the direct-acting oral HCV agent furthest along in development; Vertex has indicated that it expects to request U.S. regulatory approval in the second half of 2010.
Vertex plans to submit a New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for telaprevir in the second half of 2010 for both treatment-naive and treatment-failure patients.
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2010/0608_2010_a.html
I keep hearing the argument that insurance companies won't pay for the new drugs. I wouldn't give up that easily. I could see that being the case if you have very early disease and have never treated, but in my opinion they might see a non responder and someone with more advanced disease differently.
Insurance companies make financial decisions. I would guess if they believe that that the disease is advancing enough that it may require expensive monitoring, procedures and possibly transplant they may decide the new drugs are the most prudent way to go.
I have been turned down by my insurance company for several drugs and procedures. My doctor being persistent with them is usually able to get them pay for what I need. They certainly don't want the liability of something serious happening to you that could have been prevented, this could cost them even more.
My study doctor indicated it would be 3rd quater 2011. She also indicated it would be a 40% increase in the cost of treatment and most insurance companies would not pay the increased cost.
You need to find a medical facility that supplies or does trials for new treatment drugs. Doctors have protocol to follow and you might be able to find one that way. Or you could try clinicaltrials.gov
It will come soon,and when it does,there will be a feeding frenzy
The best guess is that if all goes well, it should be available in the 4th quarter of 2011.