This is the text extract for Proposal to fund exemestane (Aromasin). Closed., browse documents here.

---

4 December 2009

Consultation on a proposal for the aromatase inhibitor exemestane (Aromasin)

Summary of Proposal Following the announcement of PHARMAC’s decision to apply reference pricing to the subsidised aromatase inhibitors anastrozole and letrozole from 1 February 2010, PHARMAC is seeking feedback on an alternative proposal for the subsidised aromatase inhibitor exemestane (Aromasin). PHARMAC and Pfizer New Zealand Limited have entered into a provisional agreement relating to the supply of Aromasin (exemestane 25 mg tablet). In summary:

·

The subsidy for Aromasin would be reference priced to letrozole; A higher subsidy would be available, via Special Authority, for patients receiving funded exemestane prior to 1 February 2010 and for patients with advanced breast cancer who have progressed following treatment with, or who are intolerant to, anastrozole or letrozole; From 1 February 2010 the current rebate applying to Aromasin would be increased (further reducing the net price of Aromasin); and PHARMAC would not change or remove the Special Authority for higher subsidy applying to Aromasin prior to 1 February 2011.

·

·

·

Further details of the proposal can be found on the following page. Feedback sought We welcome your feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback please submit an email, fax or letter by 4 pm, Friday 18 December 2009 to:

Jackie Evans Therapeutic Group Manager PHARMAC PO Box 10-254 Wellington 6143

Email: jackie.evans@pharmac.govt.nz Fax: (04) 460 4995

All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by PHARMAC’s Board (or Chief Executive acting under delegated authority) prior to making a decision on this proposal.

A322575 T09-397

Page 1 of 2

---

Details of the Proposal Under this proposal the subsidy for exemestane would be reduced to the level of the subsidy for letrozole through the application of reference pricing from 1 February 2010. Existing patients and some new patients would be able to continue to receive full subsidy via a new Special Authority for an alternate higher subsidy as follows:

Subsidy (Manufacturer’s Price) $ Per EXEMESTANE Tab 25 mg – Higher subsidy of $175.00 per 30 with Special Authority see SAXXX below ……..……… 26.55 (175.00) 30 Aromasin

Brand

SAXXX Special Authority for Alternate Subsidy Initial Application – from any relevant practitioner. Approvals valid for 5 years for applications meeting the following criteria: All of the following: 1. Patient is a postmenopausal woman; and 2. Patient has hormone receptor positive breast cancer; and 3. Any of the following 3.1 the patient was receiving funded exemestane prior to 1 February 2010; or 3.2 the patient has advanced breast cancer and a very clear history of intolerance to anastrozole or letrozole; or 3.2 the patient has advanced breast cancer and disease has progressed following treatment with anastrozole or letrozole. Renewal from any relevant practitioner. Approvals valid without further renewal unless notified where the treatment remains appropriate and the patient is benefitting from treatment.

Under this proposal PHARMAC would not change or remove the Special Authority for higher subsidy applying to Aromasin prior to 1 February 2011. From 1 February 2010 the current rebate applying to Aromasin would be increased such that the net effective price of Aromasin would be less than $146.46 per pack.

A322575 -

Page 2 of 2