FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Oct. 3, 2014
Contact: Leah C. Payne, Director of Public Affairs, Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, 304-691-1713

School of Medicine sponsors Ambrose Health Policy Panel on the cost of Hepatitis C drugs
Ramifications of ‘novel drugs,’ some of which start at $80,000, will be explored

 HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A panel discussion focused on the cost of new medications aimed at treating Hepatitis C is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Harless Auditorium in the Marshall University Medical Center on the campus of Cabell Huntington Hospital.

The Paul Wesley Ambrose Health Policy Panel is sponsored by the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (MU JCESOM) and its department of family and community health and health policy residency track.

Panelists include:

• James B. Becker, M.D., Director of WV Medicaid and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, MU JCESOM
• Harry K. Tweel, M.D., Physician Director, Cabell-Huntington Health Department
• Yaser M. Rayyan M.D., Associate  Professor of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, MU JCESOM

Matthew Q. Christiansen, M.D., a family medicine resident and Ambrose health policy fellow, says the discussion will center on the rising number of cases of Hepatitis C in West Virginia and the cost of the medications on patients and the state budget.

“We are very pleased to sponsor this discussion, which will explore the ramifications of these novel drugs, some of which have a starting price of $80,000,” Christiansen said.   “We encourage physicians, health care providers and anyone else who is interested to join us for what promises to be a lively discussion.”

The event is open to the public.  

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Date Posted: Friday, October 3, 2014