Cost cut needed to cover Friedreich's Ataxia drug - NCPE
There would have to be "significant price reduction" in the cost of a drug to treat Friedreich's Ataxia for it to be covered by the HSE according to the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) suggests a substantial price reduction for the Friedreich's Ataxia drug, Skyclarys, for the HSE to cover its cost. Clinical Director Professor Michael Barry explained that the HSE would need to evaluate the impact on other services if €160 million were spent on the treatment. The HSE's Drugs Group declined to recommend covering Skyclarys for the rare neurological disease, which damages the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and part of the brain.
Biogen, the drug manufacturer, contends its pricing is not cost-effective. Despite the NCPE's economic assessment and input from various stakeholders, the HSE leadership is set to decide on the drug's coverage by August 25. While other countries, like Portugal, have approved the drug despite its high cost, the NCPE emphasized the necessity of a significant price reduction to meet cost-effectiveness standards.
Campaigners for those affected by Friedreich's Ataxia remain undeterred, vowing to continue their fight for access to the drug.
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