Mavyret Shortage: What Providers and Prescribers Need to Know in 2026

Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) remains one of the most effective and widely prescribed hepatitis C treatments available. As of 2026, it is not listed on the FDA's drug shortage database. However, providers across specialties continue to report patient access challenges related to prior authorization, specialty pharmacy distribution, and formulary restrictions. This guide summarizes the key access issues and actionable strategies for your practice.

Current Status: Is Mavyret in a Shortage?

Mavyret is not on the FDA shortage list as of 2026. AbbVie has not announced any manufacturing disruptions or supply constraints. The access barriers your patients face are systemic—driven by insurance structures, specialty pharmacy models, and prior authorization requirements—rather than physical drug unavailability.

The June 2025 FDA approval of Mavyret for acute HCV expanded its indicated population, potentially increasing prescriptions. Providers should be prepared for heightened insurance friction as payers update their PA criteria to account for the new indication.

Prior Authorization: What Providers Need to Know

Prior authorization remains the most common barrier to Mavyret access. The vast majority of commercial payers and Medicare Part D plans require PA for Mavyret. Key clinical criteria typically required include:

Confirmed HCV diagnosis with genotype and viral load documentation

Liver fibrosis stage (METAVIR score or FIB-4 index as documentation)

Prior treatment history (treatment-naive vs. experienced)

Confirmation that patient does not have Child-Pugh B or C hepatic impairment

Confirmation that patient is not taking atazanavir or rifampin (absolute contraindications)

For the acute HCV indication: documentation of recent infection (onset within 6 months), negative prior HCV treatment history

Recommendation: Build PA submission into your clinical workflow at the time of diagnosis, not when the patient attempts to fill. Using a specialty pharmacy's PA support team can significantly reduce turnaround time—most major specialty pharmacies offer this service.

Step Therapy Requirements in 2026

Some insurers—particularly certain Medicaid plans and some commercial payers—still use step therapy policies for HCV, requiring patients to first try (or fail) specific preferred agents before Mavyret is authorized. Common preferred first-line agents in these step protocols include generic sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (generic Epclusa) or generic ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (generic Harvoni).

In clinical situations where Mavyret is medically necessary over alternatives (e.g., 8-week treatment duration is essential for adherence, patient has drug interactions with sofosbuvir-based regimens, or patient was previously treated with NS5A inhibitor without NS3/4A PI), document this clearly in the PA request to support a step therapy exception.

Specialty Pharmacy Routing Considerations

Most payers route Mavyret dispensing to contracted specialty pharmacies. Major networks include Accredo (Express Scripts), CVS Specialty, Walgreens Specialty, and Optum Rx. If you're not already familiar with which specialty pharmacies are preferred by your patients' common insurance plans, this information is usually available in the plan's pharmacy directory or can be obtained by calling the plan's pharmacy benefit line.

AbbVie's patient support line (1-877-628-9738) can also assist with specialty pharmacy routing and prior authorization support for both patients and providers.

When to Consider Alternatives to Mavyret

Clinical situations where alternatives may be more appropriate:

Child-Pugh B or C hepatic impairment or any prior decompensation: use Epclusa (with ribavirin for decompensated patients) instead

Concurrent atazanavir or rifampin use: absolute contraindication; switch to Epclusa or Harvoni if clinically appropriate

Persistent PA denial despite appeals: an approved alternative may have faster access through your patient's formulary

Uninsured patients who don't qualify for myAbbVie Assist: generic sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (generic Epclusa) may be substantially more affordable

Patient Assistance and Financial Support Programs

For patients who need financial support, the following programs are available:

myAbbVie Assist: Free Mavyret for eligible uninsured/underinsured patients. Call 1-800-222-6885 or visit AbbVie.com/PatientAccessSupport.

Mavyret Savings Card: Reduces copay to as low as $5/month for commercially insured patients, up to a $12,000 lifetime maximum.

HealthWell Foundation Hepatitis C Fund: 1-800-675-8416 or healthwellfoundation.org

Good Days Patient Assistance Program: 1-877-968-7233 or mygooddays.org

How medfinder Can Support Your Patients

medfinder is a service that calls pharmacies near your patients to identify which ones have their medication in stock and can fill the prescription. For patients struggling to locate Mavyret or an alternative locally, medfinder.com/providers has information on how to refer patients. You can also share our provider guide: how to help your patients find Mavyret in stock.