PHARMAC is to subsidise two more drugs to help fight heart disease after reaching an innovative agreement with the
drugs’ supplier, AstraZeneca.
PHARMAC is to fund a new, expensive blood pressure lowering drug called candesartan, which may be valuable for patients
whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on other drugs. The drug is significantly more expensive than the
current options available.
As well, PHARMAC has agreed to subsidise a new low dose beta-blocker called metoprolol succinate. According to new
evidence it may give another treatment option for some people with heart failure.
The funding of the drug has been made possible as part of a package where AstraZeneca has dropped the price of one of
its older blood pressure treatments, felodipine, which belongs to a class of drugs known as DHP CCBs.
PHARMAC General Manager Wayne McNee says the AstraZeneca agreement is a good example of how a co-operative environment
can help all parties, with patients in particular getting the benefit.
“By freeing up funding in one area, we are able to invest in new drugs which will give prescribers more tools in their
arsenal to fight cardiovascular disease.”
He says the company will be working with PHARMAC to ensure that candesarten is used appropriately. Under a risk sharing
arrangement, the company will have to pay PHARMAC back if the drug is over-used.
Candesarten will be fully subsidised from December 1. Low dose metoprolol will be available after it obtains approval
from the Ministry of Health.
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For further information contact PHARMAC General Manager Wayne McNee.
Phone: (025) 429-212.