28 July 2016 - When Gilead Sciences introduced sofosbuvir based antivirals in 2014, the drugs were touted as a breakthrough for people with hepatitis C infection, promising high cure rates and fewer complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

But with astronomical prices challenging healthcare budgets and limiting access to these drugs, this promise remains out of reach for many patients.

A joint investigation this week by The BMJ and researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Bath shows the effect that highly priced medicines are having on the NHS and reveals the discord between NICE and NHS England over their approval.

Read BMJ editorial