Medicinal Products Availability

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2017

Tuesday, 3 October 2017

Ceisteanna (309, 385, 408)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

309. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if the drug, Nivolumab, will be made available to persons in the public health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41317/17]

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

385. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health when a drug will be available for a person (details supplied) who has been prescribed Nivolumab [41552/17]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

408. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when Nivolumab will be made available on the HSE primary care reimbursement service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41691/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 309, 385 and 408 together.

The HSE has received separate applications for the reimbursement of Nivolumab (Opdivo) for eight separate indications, including for use as a combination therapy. These applications relate to funding of these treatments in the public health service.

Following an assessment by the HSE, and consultation with my Department regarding the funding implications, Nivolumab has been approved by the HSE for the treatment of:

- melanoma (monotherapy);

- renal cell carcinoma, and

- Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Following engagement between the HSE and the company, I understand that the HSE expect the reimbursement of Nivolumab for these indications in public hospitals to commence from 9 October 2017.

In addition, the HSE has decided not to support the use of Nivolumab in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Availability of these treatments in a private hospital is a matter between the individual patient, their health insurer and the hospital concerned.

Any decision by a private health insurer to link its policy on cover for a drug treatment in a private hospital to the HSE assessment process is a matter for the insurer and the private hospital concerned.

The remaining applications are currently being considered in line with the decision making criteria and are at different stages of the assessment process.