Potential Outcome Disappointing For Patients

Potential Outcome Disappointing For Patients But Consultation Is Welcomed

Medicines New Zealand shares patients’ disappointment that they will potentially miss out on a new medicine for a rare blood disorder known as Paroxysmal Nocturnal Heamaturia (PNH). We are however encouraged that for the first time PHARMAC has decided to consult the public about a potential negative outcome before making the final decision.

The new medicine is a potentially lifesaving medicine for those suffering from the disorder.

Over 40 countries currently fund the treatment and the data certainly exists to confirm its efficacy, so patients will be the losers if PHARMAC proceeds with its interim decision not to fund this treatment.

People will have until late July to give their view, with a final decision expected in September or October.

“It’s really encouraging that PHARMAC is actively seeking input from interested parties before making their final decision” Kevin Sheehy, General Manager of Medicines New Zealand says.

We believe that for transparency, PHARMAC should routinely be consulting on all of its decisions, including those that result in medicines not being funded for greater numbers of patients and at a lower cost.

ENDS

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