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19/11/2014
HSE To Reconsider Decision On MS Drug
The Health Service Executive's (HSE) drug committee is to meet for a second time to discuss a new drug for multiple sclerosis.
The committee had previously decided not to fund the drug Fampyra, aka Frampridine, over the drugs high price.
The drug, which is used to help MS sufferers walk, had been free until July of this year. It is understood that some 1,500 patients had used the drug during its free period, with a majority reporting "significant improvement" with mobility. However, from the end of July the drug cost patients €500 a month.
The HSE said the drug's manufacturer, Biogen Idec, had failed to formally justify its high price and ruled that it would not approve the reimbursement of the drug under any of its free schemes.
However, the HSE has now said it has had further contact with Biogen Idec and its drug committee will now reconsider its previous decision. A new ruling is expected to be made next month.
(MH/CD)
The committee had previously decided not to fund the drug Fampyra, aka Frampridine, over the drugs high price.
The drug, which is used to help MS sufferers walk, had been free until July of this year. It is understood that some 1,500 patients had used the drug during its free period, with a majority reporting "significant improvement" with mobility. However, from the end of July the drug cost patients €500 a month.
The HSE said the drug's manufacturer, Biogen Idec, had failed to formally justify its high price and ruled that it would not approve the reimbursement of the drug under any of its free schemes.
However, the HSE has now said it has had further contact with Biogen Idec and its drug committee will now reconsider its previous decision. A new ruling is expected to be made next month.
(MH/CD)
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Ireland WeatherToday:Dry this morning with any mist and fog patches clearing. This afternoon will be cloudy with rain, occasionally heavy, spreading across all areas. Windy with afternoon with fresh to strong southerly winds, gales along the east coast later. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Cloud and rain soon clearing away from the west this evening. Then the rest of the night will be mainly dry with just the odd shower. Winds easing down. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
