Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2015
662. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who took part in the trial of the drug fampridine; the benefits the clinical trial results demonstrated; and if the full extent of the benefits were considered in the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics. [23940/15]
View answerThe National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) evaluation of the drug Fampridine was completed in August 2012; the evaluation took account of clinical evidence submitted by the manufacturer, Biogen Idec, in May 2012. Following this evaluation, the NCPE concluded that it was unable to recommend reimbursement of the product as the manufacturer was unable to demonstrate sufficient effectiveness and a fair price for Fampridine in the Irish healthcare setting. Further information on the NCPE's evaluation can be found on the centre's website at www.ncpe.ie. The NCPE has not carried out any further pharmacoeconomic evaluations of Fampridine.
In July 2014, Biogen Idec submitted a revised application to the HSE for the inclusion of Fampridine in the GMS and community drugs schemes. The HSE has since been engaging with the company seeking an improved commercial offering and these engagements have been completed. It is not possible to say when a decision on the funding of this medication will be made as the HSE is considering the outcome of those commercial engagements as well as the outcome of discussions which the HSE has had with clinical experts regarding this drug.
