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Medicinal Products Reimbursement

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

Ceisteanna (259, 292, 314, 324, 372)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

259. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health when Spinraza will be made available for children with spinal muscular atrophy. [10257/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

James Browne

Ceist:

292. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the application for the approval of the orphan drug Spinraza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10411/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

314. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if the delays associated with the supply of Spinraza will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10489/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

324. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the reason Spinraza has yet to be approved here in view of the fact it has been approved for reimbursement in 25 other European countries (details supplied); if he will request the HSE to re-enter discussions with a company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10606/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

372. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the position with regard to Spinraza; if there will be a review of the latest decision by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10852/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 259, 292, 314, 324 and 372 together.

The Health Service Executive has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

The Act specifies the criteria to be applied in the making of reimbursement decisions which include the clinical and cost effectiveness of the product, the opportunity cost and the impact on resources that are available to the HSE.

I am advised by the HSE that an application for the reimbursement of Nusinersen (Spinraza) was considered by HSE Leadership at its meeting on 12 February 2019.

Following detailed consideration of the application, the HSE Leadership made the decision that it was unable to recommend reimbursement of Spinraza and concluded that the evidence for clinical effectiveness is still quite limited and that the current price proposed by the manufacturer was not a cost-effective use of resources.

The HSE has written to the company involved and informed them of the proposal to refuse reimbursement at the current price offering. Under the requirements of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 the company now has 28 days to respond or make representations to the HSE’s proposed decision.

The HSE remains open to considering any new evidence or information which emerges regarding the clinical effectiveness or price of this medicine.

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