Finian McGrath
Question:1316. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support lung fibrosis patients here as a matter of urgency (details supplied). [17403/13]
View answerTuesday, 16 April 2013
Questions (1316, 1317)
Terence Flanagan
Question:1317. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his views regarding the refusal of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, NCPE, to recommend funding for Pirfenidone for patients with lung fibrosis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17424/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1316 and 1317 together.
Following a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of pirfenidone (Esbriet), the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics concluded that, at the submitted price, pirfenidone is not cost-effective for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The HSE is currently in negotiations with the manufacturers of pirfenidone (Esbriet) and therefore it would not be appropriate to comment further while these negotiations are ongoing. The application to the HSE for the reimbursement of this product under the Community Drugs Schemes is being considered in line with the agreed procedures and timescales for the assessment of new medicines as per the 2012 agreement between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, the HSE and the Department of Health.
Question No. 1318 answered with Question No. 1200.