360 Health Launches Overseas Medical Initiative '360 Global Good Medicine' with Focus on Hepatitis C Treatment in India

Recently, 360 Health officially launched its new overseas medical program, “360 Global Quality Medicines,” marking another significant move following the announcement of its Series A financing in late May. It is reported that “360 Global Quality Medicines” will partner with top-tier private hospitals in India to provide comprehensive treatment services in India for domestic patients with hepatitis C.

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According to statistics, approximately 185 million people worldwide are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In China, the HCV infection rate is approximately 3.2%, corresponding to around 40 million patients. However, only 2 out of every 100 HCV-infected individuals actually seek medical attention. This low consultation rate is attributable to the insidious onset of hepatitis C; early symptoms, most commonly fatigue and weakness, are often overlooked. Although hepatitis C may not significantly impact patients' daily lives in the short term, 20% of patients will progress to liver cirrhosis after 20–30 years of disease progression, and 3% will develop hepatocellular carcinoma. Consequently, hepatitis C is also known as the "silent killer."

Industry insiders note that the interferon-based therapies currently used in China have significant side effects. Patients who are not suitable candidates may experience numerous complications, with severe cases potentially progressing to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, this treatment is associated with a high rate of relapse and a low cure rate, while long-acting interferon imposes a substantial financial burden on patients.

In contrast, significant breakthroughs have been made in hepatitis C treatment abroad in recent years. The United States has successively approved multiple direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs for hepatitis C. Notably, Gilead’s Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and Harvoni, approved by the FDA, have increased the cure rate for hepatitis C to over 90%. With the legal production of generic versions in countries such as India, the prices of these medications have been substantially reduced, offering hope for cure and even survival to many patients.

Traveling abroad for hepatitis C treatment is becoming a trend. India, in particular, has emerged as a new favorite among patients due to its low-cost antiviral medications and short flight times. Real-world case data provided by Indian hospitals partnering with 360 Global Medicine indicate that over 1,000 Chinese hepatitis C patients have successfully undergone treatment in India, achieving a cure rate of more than 95%.

“The 360 Global Good Medicine” project lead stated, “In recent years, overseas medical services have gained increasing acceptance and recognition. In the field of hepatitis C, optimal alternative treatments available in India now offer solutions for cases that cannot be fully cured by domestic protocols. With the launch of the ‘360 Global Good Medicine’ initiative, 360 Health aims to consolidate the most authoritative and professional medical resources to provide hepatitis C patients with the most cost-effective treatment journey.”

It is reported that the 360 Global Good Medicine project has successfully assisted hundreds of hepatitis C patients in traveling to India for treatment. The partner hospitals selected are among the top five comprehensive medical institutions in India. Every hospital, pharmacy, hotel, and restaurant involved in the journey to India has been thoroughly evaluated through on-site inspections conducted by dedicated staff from 360 Global Good Medicine. To provide patients with comprehensive treatment plans, the project offers professional one-on-one consultations through a team of experts in China with over ten years of clinical experience in hepatitis C. Additionally, hepatitis C specialists in India provide diagnostic and therapeutic services, along with follow-up care after patients return to their home country. For the rare cases of drug resistance, 360 Global Good Medicine also provides subsequent treatment with new medications free of charge.

Since its establishment last August, 360 Health has experienced rapid growth. On the technical front, it was honored by the China Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Alliance as the “Most Investable Pharmaceutical E-commerce Enterprise of 2016.” In terms of medical services, it received the “Best Unicorn Award for Innovation in Internet Medical Service Platforms.” Chen Hua, CEO of 360 Health, previously stated that the funds raised in its Series A round would be primarily allocated to deepening its exploration of the pharmaceutical e-commerce sector and comprehensively enhancing the company’s operational capabilities and user experience. Now, with 360 Health expanding into overseas healthcare services, the question arises: will this spark a revolution in the medical services industry? Only time will tell.