Contracts would secure haemophilia treatment

11 May 2005

National contracts would secure haemophilia treatment

Government drug funding agency PHARMAC is consulting on national agreements to secure the supply of Recombinant Factor VIII for the next three years.

Used in the treatment of haemophilia, Recombinant Factor VIII provides a life-saving clotting factor for around 200 New Zealanders who receive regular treatment.

The provisional agreements with the three incumbent suppliers would enable patients to continue on their current Recombinant Factor VIII treatment until at least June 2008.

PHARMAC Chief Executive Wayne McNee says the proposals would see patients able to continue their treatment uninterrupted.

"Patients would not notice any change from moving to national contracts and their health needs would still be met," says Wayne McNee.

"Securing the ongoing supply of Recombinant Factor VIII would not only guarantee supply of an essential medical product, it would also provide considerable financial savings to DHBs."

If approved, the proposals with Bayer New Zealand, Baxter Healthcare and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals would ensure all products remain available nationally until at least June 2008 in addition to providing savings to DHBs.

"Any savings could be used for more treatment of haemophilia or in other areas of health."

Consultation is now underway and submissions are being received until 13 May 2005.

ENDS

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