Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2019
343. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 823 of 26 March 2019, the position regarding the provision of a drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21411/19]
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.
The NCPE completed a health technology assessment on 29 August 2018 for Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS). It recommended that Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) not be considered for reimbursement unless cost-effectiveness can be improved relative to existing treatments.
On 4 October 2018 the NCPE completed its assessment for Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) for the treatment of adult patients with early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). It did not recommend that Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) be reimbursed for this indication.
The HSE is the statutory decision-making body for medicine reimbursement. It will make the final decision on whether Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) will be reimbursed for each of these indications, taking into consideration the statutory criteria contained in the 2013 Health Act.
I am advised by the HSE that there has been considerable engagement with the manufacturer over the past number of months and that commercial discussions are ongoing.
