New Drugs to Be Available to Public Patients Within 180 Days by 2029
A new agreement aims for approved drugs to reach public patients within 180 days of HSE assessment by 2029, down from the current 600-day average. This phased system seeks to balance patient access with the State's over €4 billion annual medicines bill and finite budget.
A new agreement between the State and the pharmaceutical industry aims to make approved drugs available to public patients within 180 days of a HSE cost assessment decision by 2029. This new access system will be phased in over the next three years.
Currently, it takes an average of 600 days for new medicines to reach public patients, according to a conference held today at the RDS in Dublin. Brenda Dooley, CEO of Axis Consulting, emphasized the personal importance of rapid access for patients and the need for Ireland to be a credible launch country for new medicines.
Michael Barry, Clinical Director of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, highlighted the finite drug budget, balancing taxpayer spending with patient access to effective medicines. Miriam Staunton, Chairperson of United Cancer Advocates Network Ireland, welcomed the 180-day target but noted it is still years away and covers both State and pharmaceutical company responsibilities in the application process.
The pharmaceutical industry anticipates approximately 32 new medicines could be available this year for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The State's annual medicines bill exceeds €4 billion.