Autism Treatment Market In U.S. Is Larger Than Expected – $4+ Billion
Treatment Center Revenues Grow Through The Pandemic
Tampa – WEBWIRE – Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Demand for autism treatment programs is huge and growing.”
September 6, 2022: Marketdata LLC, a leading independent market research publisher since 1979, has released a new study, a 106-page report entitled: The U.S. Autism Treatment Centers Market (3rd Edition) . The study traces the market from 2009-2025 Forecast, examining ABA programs and medications used to treat children with autism.
According to Research Director, John LaRosa: The market is much larger than we originally estimated. Demand far outstrips the supply of ABA therapists in the U.S., and new centers are being opened aggressively by the large for-profit chains.
Major Findings:
* Market Value The U.S. autism treatment market was estimated to be valued at $4.1 billion as of 2021, growing by 11%… This followed a slight contraction in the market in 2020, due to the pandemic and declining sales of medications used to treat autism. Marketdata forecasts higher revenue growth for the for-profit chains to 2025 7.0% annually. The non-profit schools and centers are slated to grow by 5.4% per year.
* A groundbreaking new analysis of non-profit programs, based on IRS 990 tax forms, finds that this group saw revenues rise by 6.8% in 2019 and grow another 1.3% in 2020. Revenues were an estimated $2.73 billion in 2021.They quickly shifted to more virtual visits and the impact on operations was moderate.
* ABA (applied behavioral analysis) programs are estimated to have generated $3.65 billion in revenues in 2021, and prescription drugs for autism symptoms posted sales of $459 million.
* Competition Thirteen large multi-site ABA program providers operate an estimated 926 brick & mortar centers and are aggressively acquiring competing centers and building new ones. Together, they account for at least $946 million in revenuesa 26% market share of all ABA programs. At least 1,656 non-profit and for-profit treatment centers are operating in the U.S. today.
* Patient Demographics . Based on new government data that finds that 1 in 44 children in the United States, aged 3-17, have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Marketdata analysts estimate that there are 1.4 million children with autism. Another 5.4 adults have autism, having aged out of childrens programs. 81% of autistic children are male.
* There are basically three types of ABA program providers: brick & mortar centers, community providers, and In-home therapists. There is a shortage of ABA therapists only 30,000 are certified. The per capita supply of certified ABA facilities falls below the benchmark in 49 states — thus, lots of untapped demand
* Program Metrics The average ABA center grosses about $951,000/year. Many are non-profit organizations. Marketdata estimates that the average cost of treatment in an ABA program ranges from $4,428 to $9,002 per year, per student. It can be much higher.
* Insurance coverage has increased from 36% in 2016 to 64% today. In addition, the number of self-funded private employers covering autism treatment continues to grow.
* Private equity investors have been very active in this market, backing eight major for-profit chains. Changes to U.S. federal and state laws now compel insurance companies to reimburse autism treatments, making the field attractive to investors. A total of 60 private equity firms, including Blackstone and KKR, have invested billions into the ABA/autism treatment industry
* Medications Approximately 58 percent of patients with a diagnosis of childhood autism spectrum disorder receive some type of pharmaceutical treatment. However, this segment of the market has been shrinking in value as concerns continue over side effects of drugs such as Risperdal. These drugs also face competition from cheaper generics, as patents have expired.
“This is truly a growth market/industry. The combination of demand outpacing supply of programs and centers, more favorable insurance reimbursement, private equity investment, and the rising incidence of autism among children all points to sustained growth over the next five years. Even the pandemic didnt halt growth., according to John LaRosa.
About The Report
The U.S. Autism Treatment Centers Market, published in September, 2022, is an independent off-the-shelf market research study. The study is 106 pages in length, with 14 in-depth competitor profiles. It costs $1,395.. A 19-page Overview Summary report costs $99. A detailed Table of Contents is available by email and on our website. Contact: Marketdata LLC, 7210 Wareham Drive, Tampa, FL 33647, (813) 971-8080. John LaRosa is available for interviews and presentations.
About Marketdata LLC
Marketdata is an independent market research report publisher and consulting firm, founded in 1979. It specializes in commercial and personal service and healthcare sectors, and emerging niche markets. Its reports are sold internationally, direct and via several market research databases such as MarketResearch.com, ResearchandMarkets.com, and Global Information. Custom studies, telephone consults, and consulting are available. List of all studies at: MarketdataEnterprises.com.
Today, adults living with severe corneal inflammation from DED (dry eye disease) gain access to a new treatment on the PBS. Ikervis(R), Australia’s first PBS listed disease-modifying ciclosporin eye drop treatment for severe keratitis in adults with DED, is now available (1 October 2021). According to Professor Stephanie Watson, Ophthalmologist, Clinician Scientist, Ophthalmic Surgeon and Chair of the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating DED cases due to increased mask use and screen time. “We have seen a marked increase in dry eye symptoms among mask users. Typically, DED affects women more than men. According to a US study, women are almost three times more likely to develop DED than men and often progress to more severe forms of the disease earlier than men,” said Prof. Watson. “Keratitis, a condition involving inflammation of the cornea, can be a complication for some patients with DED. Patients with severe keratitis from DED typically present with eye surface damage and inflammation that can sometimes feel like an irritating, itchy or burning sensation with possible blurry vision. “Patients with severe inflammation of the cornea from DED are often managed with a number of different treatment options, which can be costly for a condition that requires ongoing management. A new subsidised treatment option will improve access for these patients,” Prof. Watson said. “Severe inflammation of the cornea from DED is complicated by a difficult cycle involving inflammation of the eye and damage to the eye surface. Treatment options targeting the immune system are therefore needed to manage these complications from DED, and break the cycle of inflammation,” said Dr Margaret Lam, Optometrist, Head of Professional Services at George and Matilda Eyecare and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, UNSW. “Artificial tears aim to provide symptom relief for DED, but don’t address the underlying cause of severe corneal inflammation. In these cases, inflammation-reducing treatment options are required. Today’s PBS listing of another treatment option for severe keratitis in adults with DED is therefore welcome news for ophthalmologists, optometrists and patients alike,” Dr Lam said. Executive Chair of The B Team Australasia, Lynette has spent the past 16 years living with severe corneal inflammation from DED. Soon after undergoing cataract surgery on both of her eyes in 2005, her eyes became extremely irritated, and she developed double vision. Little did she know at the time, her cataract surgery, coupled with a delayed diagnosis and her advancing age, would result in developing severe corneal inflammation from DED. “I’m often unable to see things. For instance, I have to carry a magnifying glass when my eyes get blurry, or I develop double vision. Even at the supermarket, I have to carry a magnifying glass to read the food,” said Lynette. “When people ask me to look at something for them at work, whether it is a document, or on-screen, depending on the health of my eyes at the time, I find it really difficult.” Lynette maintains it is important for Australian adults living with severe corneal inflammation from DED to have timely access to a range of treatment options. “Had my eye disease been detected earlier, it may not have had such an impact on my life,” Lynette said. Seqirus Head of Medical Affairs for the International Region, Dr Jonathan Anderson, Melbourne, said Seqirus is excited to be introducing the company’s second PBS listed treatment option to the eye care market this year. “Seqirus is committed to broadening access to eye care products to help address unmet clinical needs,” said About Ikervis About Seqirus Mel Kheradi, VIVA! Communications, m: 0421 551 257, e: melorin@vivacommunications.com.au References:
A new treatment for schizophrenia in adults, Reagila(R) (cariprazine), was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 1 September, providing patients with an additional treatment option. Approved in the US since 2015 and EU since 2017, Reagila is approved in over 52 countries for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder comprising a range of symptoms – positive symptoms include hallucinations and delusions, while negative symptoms include social withdrawal and apathy. Affecting some 90,000 Australians, schizophrenia is our most stigmatised and disabling mental illness, with life expectancy nearly 15 years below the general population. Reagila, in-licensed by Seqirus, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSL, is an atypical antipsychotic which indirectly targets two neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine and serotonin. Neurotransmitters are considered the brain’s ‘chemical pathways’. Professor Ian Hickie, Co-Director for Health & Policy, The Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney and NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellow said this listing highlights ongoing efforts to provide new treatments for schizophrenia and ensures people living with the illness have affordable access to a wider range of treatments. “The complex nature of schizophrenia, whereby people experience a range of different problems, means treatment is not a “one size fits all”. Additional options are most welcome and help to reduce the current barriers to effective treatment,” said Prof Hickie. “The annual cost to Australian society of psychosis is an estimated $6 billion. However, this figure does not account for the impacts endured by individuals, their families, and the supporting community. “Schizophrenia is a complex and often persistent mental illness. It not only affects brain function and behaviour but is also associated with serious impacts on physical health. Consequently, it is associated with very high rates of premature death, often due to preventable illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, infections, accidents and suicide,” Prof Hickie said. National CEO of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA) Tony Stevenson welcomed the reimbursement of a new treatment option for those living with schizophrenia. “The availability and accessibility of affordable treatment options for adults living with schizophrenia is crucial for the patient community, given the stigma they experience with the disorder, and resulting social isolation,” said Mr Stevenson. “Sadly, stigma can contribute to the impact of psychosis in schizophrenia, delays in accessing treatment, social isolation, stress, and furthermore, places those affected at higher risk for a more severe course of illness.” According to mental health advocate and policy advisor living with schizophrenia, Richard, 40, Sydney, “mental illness does not make you ‘crazy’. “Everyone needs love and hope, and this applies to those living with a mental illness too,” Richard said. “Timely and affordable access to a range of treatment options plays an important role in effectively managing schizophrenia, while importantly, arming the patient community with hope. “Love gives you a sense of self-worth – of being appreciated, having a net, and not being lonely. Hope gets you up in the morning, and helps to continue one’s relationship with mental illness,” said Richard. Dr Jonathan Anderson, Seqirus Head of Medical Affairs Asia Pacific, in Melbourne, said, “The Australian Government’s investment in innovative medicines like Reagila(R) is important to ensure Australians have timely and affordable access to treatments which may help to address the unmet need in schizophrenia. “Seqirus is proud to make Reagila available in Australia for the first time, and we thank the Australian Government for their support in delivering this PBS listing – ensuring Australian adults living with schizophrenia can access this innovative medicine, and do so in an affordable way,” Dr Anderson said. “We know that additional investment in treatment options and support is critical to changing the statistics for people living with schizophrenia, their carers, family and friends” DIGITAL MEDIA KIT MEDIA CONTACTS Kirsten Bruce Mel Kheradi ABOUT SEQIRUS ABOUT REAGILA(R) FURTHER INFORMATION Disclosure statement REFERENCES
A new treatment for schizophrenia in adults, Reagila(R)(cariprazine), was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 1 September, 2021, providing patients with an additional treatment option.1 Reagila(R) – in-licensed by Seqirus, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSL – is an atypical antipsychotic which indirectly targets two neurotransmitters in the brain – dopamine and serotonin.10 Neurotransmitters are considered the brain’s ‘chemical pathways’.11 Approved in the US since 2015, and EU since 2017, Reagila(R) is now approved in over 52 countries for the treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients.12 Co-Director for Health and Policy, Brain & Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, and NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellow, Professor Ian Hickie, Sydney, said this new listing highlights ongoing efforts to provide new treatments for schizophrenia, and the need to ensure people living with the mental illness have affordable access to a wider range of treatments. “The complex nature of schizophrenia,2 whereby people experience a range of different problems, means treatment is not a “one size fits all”.3 Additional options are most welcome, and help to reduce the current barriers to effective treatment,” said Prof Hickie. “The annual cost to Australian society of psychosis is an estimated $6 billion. However this figure does not account for the impacts endured by individuals, their families, and the supporting community.4 “Schizophrenia is a complex and often persistent mental illness. It not only affects brain function and behaviour, but is also associated with serious impacts on physical health. Consequently, it is associated with very high rates of premature death,13 often due to preventable illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, infections, accidents and suicide,”14,15 Prof Hickie said. Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA) CEO, Tony Stevenson, Brisbane, welcomed the reimbursement of a new treatment option for those living with schizophrenia. “The availability and accessibility of affordable treatment options for adults living with schizophrenia is crucial for this patient community, given the stigma they experience with the disorder15, and resulting social isolation,”8,9 said Mr Stevenson. “Sadly, stigma can contribute to the impact of psychosis in schizophrenia, delays in accessing treatment, social isolation, stress, and furthermore, places those affected at higher risk for a more severe course of illness.”16 According to mental health advocate and policy advisor living with schizophrenia, Richard, 40, Sydney, “mental illness does not make you ‘crazy’, ‘dangerous’, or less of a person. It can be an inevitable part of life, and we should accept the illness, just as we do with a physical illness.” “Everyone needs love and hope, and this applies to those living with a mental illness too,” Richard said. “Timely and affordable access to a range of treatment options plays an important role in effectively managing schizophrenia, while importantly, arming the patient community with hope. “Love gives you a sense of self-worth – of being appreciated, having a net, and not being lonely. Hope gets you up in the morning, and helps to continue one’s relationship with mental illness,” said Richard. Seqirus Head of Medical Affairs Asia Pacific, Dr Jonathan Anderson, Melbourne, said the Australian Government’s investment in innovative medicines, like Reagila(R), was important to ensure Australians havetimely and affordable access to treatments which may help to address the unmet need in schizophrenia. “Seqirus is proud to make Reagila(R) available in Australia for the first time, and we thank the Australian Government for their support in delivering this PBS listing – ensuring Australian adults living with schizophrenia can access this innovative medicine, and do so in an affordable way,” Dr Anderson said. “We know that additional investment in treatment options and support is critical to changing the statistics for people living with schizophrenia, their carers, family and friends” MEDIA CONTACTS Kirsten Bruce Mel Kheradi DIGITAL MEDIA KIT ABOUT SEQIRUS ABOUT REAGILA(R) FURTHER INFORMATION Disclosure statement REFERENCES
LCQ12: Treatment for persons in custody suffering from hepatitis C
****************************************************************** President,
New treatment for severe corneal inflammation from DED now listed on PBS
In-licensed for the first time in Australia by Seqirus, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSL, from leading ophthalmic company Santen Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Ikervis contains the disease-modifying treatment ciclosporin, used to reduce inflammation associated with severe keratitis in DED.
Dr Anderson. “Today’s PBS listing of Ikervis for severe keratitis in adults with DED will give Australians access to another treatment option that has long been available overseas.”
TGA approved in December 2020, Ikervis is a Schedule 4 (S4): Prescription Only Medicine. Ikervis is listed on the PBS from 1 October 2021 for severe keratitis in DED, for prescription by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and requires Authority Approval.
Seqirus, a CSL company, is a leading provider of essential vaccines and pharmaceuticals. Having served Australia’s healthcare needs for over a century, today we operate Australia’s only local manufacturing facility for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines. Seqirus produces unique medicines in the National Interest, and also in licences a broad range of paediatric and adult vaccines and specialty pharmaceutical products. Visit www.seqirus.com.
1. Ikervis Approved Product Information.
2. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Medicine Status – Ciclosporin. 2021 September 2021]; Available from: https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicinestatus/document/498.html.
3. Krolo, I., et al., Mask-Associated Dry Eye During COVID-19 Pandemic-How Face Masks Contribute to Dry Eye Disease Symptoms. Med Arch, 2021. 75(2): p. 144-148.
4. Barabino, S., A Narrative Review of Current Understanding and Classification of Dry Eye Disease with New Insights on the Impact of Dry Eye during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Ophthalmol Ther, 2021. 10(3): p. 495-507.
5. Amrane, M., et al., Ocular tolerability and efficacy of a cationic emulsion in patients with mild to moderate dry eye disease – a randomised comparative study. J Fr Ophtalmol, 2014. 37(8): p. 589-98.
6. Leonardi, A., B. Flamion, and C. Baudouin, Keratitis in Dry Eye Disease and Topical Ciclosporin A. Ocular Immunology and Inflammation, 2017. 25(4): p. 577-586.
7. Baudouin, C., et al., A randomized study of the efficacy and safety of 0.1% cyclosporine A cationic emulsion in treatment of moderate to severe dry eye. Eur J Ophthalmol, 2017. 27(5): p. 520-530.
8. Stapleton, F., et al., TFOS DEWS II Epidemiology Report. The Ocular Surface, 2017. 15(3): p. 334-365.
Topic: Clinical Trial ResultsNew treatment option for schizophrenia Reagila(R) listed on PBS
https://www.schizophreniamediakit.com.au
VNR
https://vimeo.com/592544606/d1188a8813
Joanne Cleary
Senior Manager, Communications, Seqirus
M: 0428 816 751 E: Joanne.Cleary@seqirus.com
Principal Senior, VIVA! Communications
Mobile: 0401 717 566 / 0421 551 257
Email: kirstenbruce@vivacommunications.com.au
Mobile: 0421 551 257, VIVA! Communications
Email: melorin@vivacommunications.com.au
Seqirus, a CSL company, is a leading provider of essential vaccines and pharmaceuticals. We have served Australia’s healthcare needs for over a century, and today we operate Australia’s only local manufacturing facility for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccine. Seqirus produces a range of unique medicines in the National Interest, and also in-licences a broad range of paediatric and adult vaccines and specialty pharmaceutical products. http://www.seqirus.com.
Reagila(R) was TGA approved in November 2020 as a Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine). Reagila is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients, and was listed on the PBS on 1 September 2021 for schizophrenia, requiring a Streamlined Authority prescription.
Reagila is not recommended for use during pregnancy, and in women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception. Breastfeeding is not recommended whilst taking Reagila. For further information, including Contraindications, Precautions, and Interactions, refer to the Product Information and Consumer Medicine Information, or your doctor or pharmacist.
No compensation was provided to Professor Ian Hickie, Mr Tony Stevenson, Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia or Richard for this media announcement, and the opinions expressed are their own. Professor Hickie has been briefed by Seqirus on the approved use of this product.
1. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Medicine Status Website. CARIPRAZINE. 2021; Available from:
https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicinestatus/document/16.html.
2. Better Health Channel. Schizophrenia. [June 2021]; Available from:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/schizophrenia.
3. Health Direct. Schizophrenia. 2020 [June 2021]; https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/schizophrenia.
Topic: Press release summaryNew treatment option for schizophrenia – Reagila(R) – listed on PBS this week
Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder2 comprising a range of symptoms, including positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions,6,7 and negative symptoms, such as social withdrawal and apathy.8,9
Joanne Cleary
Senior Manager, Communications, Seqirus
M: 0428 816 751 E: Joanne.Cleary@seqirus.com
Principal Senior, VIVA! Communications
Mobile: 0401 717 566 / 0421 551 257
Email: kirstenbruce@vivacommunications.com.au
Mobile: 0421 551 257, VIVA! Communications
Email: melorin@vivacommunications.com.au
https://www.schizophreniamediakit.com.au
VNR
https://vimeo.com/592544606/d1188a8813
Seqirus, a CSL company, is a leading provider of essential vaccines and pharmaceuticals. We have served Australia’s healthcare needs for over a century, and today we operate Australia’s only local manufacturing facility for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccine. Seqirus produces a range of unique medicines in the National Interest, and also in-licences a broad range of paediatric and adult vaccines and specialty pharmaceutical products. http://www.seqirus.com.
Reagila(R) was TGA approved in November 2020 as a Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine).17 Reagila(R) is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients. Reagila(R) will be listed on the PBS from 1 September, 2021 for schizophrenia, and requires a Streamlined Authority prescription.
Reagila(R) is not recommended for use during pregnancy, and in women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception. Breastfeeding is not recommended whilst taking Reagila(R). For further information, including Contraindications, Precautions, and Interactions, refer to the Product Information and Consumer Medicine Information, or your doctor or pharmacist.
No compensation was provided to Professor Ian Hickie, Mr Tony Stevenson, Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia or Richard for this media announcement, and the opinions expressed are their own. Professor Hickie has been briefed by Seqirus on the approved use of this product.
1. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Medicine Status Website. CARIPRAZINE. 2021; Available from:
https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicinestatus/document/16.html.
2. Better Health Channel. Schizophrenia. [June 2021]; Available from:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/schizophrenia.
3. Health Direct. Schizophrenia. 2020 [June 2021]; Available from:
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/schizophrenia.
4. The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, The economic cost of serious mental illness
and comorbidities in Australia and New Zealand. 2016.
5. Australian Government Productivity Commission, Mental Health, Productivity Commission Inquiry Report. 2020.
6. Schultz, S.H., S.W. North, and C.G. Shields, Schizophrenia: a review. Am Fam Physician, 2007. 75(12):
p. 1821-9.
7. NeuRA. Positive symptoms. 2020 [June 2021]; Available from:
https://library.neura.edu.au/schizophrenia/signs-and-symptoms/general-signs-and-ymptoms/positive-symptoms/.
8. National Institute of Mental Health. Schizophrenia. 2020 [June 2021]; Available from:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/.
9. NeuRA. Negative symptoms. 2020 [July 2021]; Available from:
https://library.neura.edu.au/schizophrenia/signs-and-symptoms/general-signs-and-symptoms/negative-symptoms/.
10. Approved Reagila Product Information. Available from:
https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2020-PI-02598-
1&d=202106291016933.
11. The University of Queensland Australia. What are neurotransmitters? [August 2021]; Available from:
https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-physiology/what-are-neurotransmitters.
12. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Australian Public Assessment Report for Cariprazine hydrochloride.
2021 [May, 2021]; Available from: https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/auspar-cariprazine-hydrochloride-210524.pdf.
13. Laursen, T.M., M. Nordentoft, and P.B. Mortensen, Excess early mortality in schizophrenia. Annu Rev
Clin Psychol, 2014. 10: p. 425-48.
14. Wildgust, H.J., R. Hodgson, and M. Beary, The paradox of premature mortality in schizophrenia: new
research questions. J Psychopharmacol, 2010. 24(4 Suppl): p. 9-15.
15. World Health Organization (WHO). Schizophrenia. 2019 [June 2021]; Available from:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia.
16. Gil Dov Hoftman, M.D., Ph.D., The Burden of Mental Illness Beyond Clinical Symptoms: Impact of Stigma
on the Onset and Course of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry Residents’
Journal, 2016. 11(4): p. 5-7.
17. Reagila ARTG Summary. Available from: https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/servlet/xmlmillr6?dbid=ebs/PublicHTML/pdfStore.nsf&docid=0C4BF80B7C892BC0CA258624003CC46E&agid=(PrintDetailsPublic)&actionid=1.
18. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Reagila Consumer Medicine Information. Available from:
https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2020-CMI-02599-
1&d=202107141016933.
Seqirus (Australia) Pty Ltd. ABN 66 120 398 067. Melbourne, Victoria; distributor for Gedeon Richter Australia
Pty Ltd. www.seqirus.com.au. Seqirus Medical Information: 1800 642 865. Reagila(R) is a registered trademark of Gedeon Richter Plc, Hungary. Seqirus(TM) is a trademark of Seqirus UK limited or its affiliates. Date of Preparation: August 2021. ANZ-RGLA-21-0122.
Topic: Drug ApprovalHong Kong – LCQ12: Treatment for persons in custody suffering from hepatitis C
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Pierre Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, in the Legislative Council today (June 9):
Question:
On the treatment for persons in custody (PICs) suffering from hepatitis C provided by the Medical Officers seconded from the Department of Health to correctional institutions, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the current number of the PICs diagnosed with hepatitis C;
(2) of the number of the PICs who received treatment for hepatitis C in each of the past five years, and whether they were prescribed with medications for treating hepatitis C; and
(3) whether any PICs suffering from hepatitis C were referred to the hepatology specialist outpatient clinics under the Hospital Authority for treatment in the past five years; if so, of the number of persons in each year?
Reply:
The Correctional Services Department (CSD) is committed to providing a secure, safe, humane, decent and healthy custodial environment for persons in custody (PICs), including ensuring that all PICs can receive necessary and appropriate medical services in accordance with the Prison Rules (Cap. 234A).
Based on the information provided by the CSD and the Food and Health Bureau, the consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Member is as follows:
Every correctional institution under the CSD has a hospital or sick bay operating 24 hours a day, where medical officers from the Department of Health (DH) and correctional officers with nursing qualifications provide basic medical services. PICs who require specialist treatment, intensive care or surgery will receive treatment in public hospitals. Moreover, medical specialists from the Hospital Authority (HA) and the DH visit correctional institutions on a regular basis to provide the PICs with specialist consultation and treatment.
Generally speaking, the CSD does not maintain statistics on the numbers of the PICs suffering from different kinds of diseases, including hepatitis C.
The HA and the CSD do not maintain statistics on the number of the PICs with hepatitis C who have been referred to hepatology specialist out-patient clinics under the HA for treatment.
As for treatment of hepatitis C patients in general, the HA has expanded the Drug Formulary since October 2020 to make full use of oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medicines for treatment of hepatitis C patients regardless of the severity of patients’ condition. With DAA medicines, the cure rate is as high as 95 per cent to 100 per cent, which is higher than that of the conventional combination of interferon and ribavirin used previously. The treatment period has also been shortened from over a year to eight to 12 weeks.
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