Notification of eculizumab funding decision
PHARMAC has declined the funding application for eculizumab for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare blood disorder. The main reason for this decision is that the price being sought by Alexion Pharmaceuticals (the supplier) is too high for PHARMAC to justify funding in light of other available funding options.
Citing unreasonable price, PHARMAC declines eculizumab funding proposal
An unreasonably high price means PHARMAC has decided not to approve funding for eculizumab, a treatment for the rare blood disorder paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH).
Decision to award sole supply to Imatinib-AFT for indications other than Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumours
PHARMAC has decided to approve the proposal to award Imatinib-AFT capsules Sole Subsidised Supply status in the community and DHB hospitals for all indications other than Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST).
Proposal to list laparoscopic trocars and associated instruments
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range of laparoscopic trocars and associated disposable instruments (“Medical Devices”) in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule as a result of a provisional agreement (“Agreement”) with Applied Medical New Zealand Ltd (“Applied Medical”). Closed: Tuesday, 24 December 2013.
New agreement provides new medicines, saves millions
A new agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) will see two newly listed medicines, improved access to commonly used asthma inhalers, and millions of dollars of savings.
PHARMAC decision relating to eltrombopag, zanamivir and various respiratory products
PHARMAC is pleased to announce that from 1 January 2014 eltrombopag (Revolade) will be listed for use in the community and hospital for the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), zanamivir (Relenza Rotadisk) will be listed for use in hospital for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza in hospitalised patients, and some restrictions will be removed from fluticasone with salmeterol combination inhalers (Seretide and Seretide Accuhaler).
Proposal to list a range of wound care products supplied by Mölnlycke Health Care Pty Limited
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range of wound care products supplied by Mölnlycke Health Care Pty Limited (“Mölnlycke”) in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 February 2014. Closes, Tuesday, 24 December 2013.
Widening of funded access to erlotinib (Tarceva)
PHARMAC has decided to widen funded access to erlotinib (Tarceva) from 1 January 2014.
Captopril tablets discontinued – transition advice to another ACE inhibitor
Due to a discontinuation in the supply of captopril tablets, 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg (m-Captopril) tablets will no longer be funded. We recommend that prescribers transition their patients to another funded alternative at the next practicable opportunity.
Funding for new drug to treat rare bleeding condition
PHARMAC has agreed to fund a new drug to treat a rare and potentially fatal blood disorder.
Rotavirus, varicella vaccines added to national immunisation schedule
The addition of rotavirus vaccine to the list of funded vaccines will have a long-lasting positive effect on children’s health, says PHARMAC Medical Director Dr John Wyeth.
Medicine prescribing hits new high as PHARMAC role expands
New Zealanders have gained greater access to medicines in 2013, and record numbers of New Zealanders received funded medicines in the past year.
November 2013 tender notification
PHARMAC has resolved to award tenders for Sole Subsidised Supply Status and Hospital Supply Status for some products included in the 2011/12 Invitation to Tender, dated 1 November 2011 and the 2012/13 Invitation to Tender, dated 31 October 2012.
Proposals to amend access to sugammadex and atomoxetine and to fund baclofen injection in the community
PHARMAC seeks feedback on proposals to widen access to sugammadex (Bridion) in hospitals for severe neuromuscular degenerative disease; to widen access to atomoxetine (Strattera) in the community and in hospitals for a particular group of patients with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); and to fund Baclofen injection (Lioresal Intrathecal), with endorsement, in certain situations. Closed: Friday, 13 December 2013.
Increased access to antibiotics for the Rheumatic Fever Prevention Programme
PHARMAC has approved changes that will enable increased amounts of certain antibiotics to be obtained under a Practitioner’s Supply Order (PSO), for patients with suspected or confirmed Group A Streptococcal throat infections being treated under the Rheumatic Fever Prevention Programme (RFPP).
RFP - Managing subscriptions for Pharmaceutical Schedule
PHARMAC invites proposals for the management of subscriptions for the Pharmaceutical Schedule. Closes: 5 pm, Monday, 16 December 2013.
Decision relating to the funding of haemophilia treatments
PHARMAC has decided to list a range of haemophilia treatments in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
Approval of oral contraceptives proposal
PHARMAC has approved a proposal relating to a provisional agreement with Actavis New Zealand Ltd for the oral contraceptives ethinyloestradiol 20 mcg with levonorgestrel 100 mcg and ethinyloestradiol 30 mcg with levonorgestrel 150 mcg.
Proposal involving ferrous sulphate
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a provisional agreement with Abbott Laboratories (NZ) Limited to fully subsidise its brand of ferrous sulphate in Section B and list ferrous sulphate in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
Approval of proposal relating to the listing of montelukast (Singulair)
PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of an agreement with Merck Sharp and Dohme (New Zealand) Ltd relating to the supply of montelukast (Singulair) for the treatment of pre-school wheeze, exercise-induced asthma and aspirin desensitisation from 1 December 2013.
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