Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
753. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for reimbursement for Nusinersen, also known as Spinraza, for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy; if he has engaged with the HSE in order to advance this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45852/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines. As Minister for Health, I do not have any statutory function in relation to reimbursement of medicines.
Nusinersen (Spinraza) is indicated for the treatment of 5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disorder characterised by progressive muscle atrophy and weakness.
In October 2017, the HSE received a reimbursement application for nusinersen. In December 2017, the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics completed a health technology assessment of nusinersen and did not recommend reimbursement at the price submitted. The application is being considered by the HSE's Rare Diseases Medicinal Products/Technology Review Committee and the HSE Drugs Group and is due to be considered by the HSE Leadership Team shortly, following which a final decision will be notified.
