TPPA implications for PHARMAC raise serious concerns for people with MS
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand (MSNZ) is extremely concerned by the potential implications of the
proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement for people with multiple sclerosis.
“The TPPA could undermine PHARMAC’s buying power and its right to choose the most appropriate and cost-effective drugs.
It could also impede its ability to negotiate confidentially to gain the best price. This could have devastating
consequences for people with MS and their families,” said MSNZ President Malcolm Rickerby.
“Many people with MS are from low income households or are beneficiaries, due to an inability to work caused by their MS
symptoms. Many of their partners and family members are also on a low wage or are carers. This makes them extremely
vulnerable to any increases in prescription charges, which we see as a very likely consequence of the TPPA’s impact on
PHARMAC.”
Mr Rickerby said that if New Zealand agrees to a situation where pharmaceutical patents are extended from five to eight
years, as speculated by some commentators, this will have a serious knock-on effect and constrain PHARMAC from funding
new drugs in the future.
“New Zealanders will pay higher costs for patented drugs for longer unless the Government increases PHARMAC’s budget to
offset that change to patents. What we are seeking is a firm commitment from the Government that the extended patent
protection resulting from participation in the TPPA will not limit or constrain access to the next generation of MS
drugs.
PHARMAC funding for the latest generation MS drugs is already seven years behind Australia due to Government funding
constraints, said Mr Rickerby. “Only the latest MS drugs are shown to have clinical efficacy. In the case of MS
treatment, there is no scope for substituting generics.”
Since PHARMAC negotiated the best price for bringing two important new MS treatments to New Zealand last year there has
been a strong demand for the new treatments, he said.
“The number of people applying for those treatments has already exceeded the number PHARMAC expected to be approved for
treatment for the whole of 2015.”
ENDS