Update for the 2014/15 Invitation to Tender

The 2014/15 Invitation to Tender (2014/15 ITT) was issued on 6 November 2014 and is available on PHARMAC’s website.

This letter outlines some clarifications and changes to the 2014/15 ITT document, which will be updated on our website and in the eTender system where relevant.

1. Product removals from the 2014/15 ITT

PHARMAC has made the decision to remove the following products from the 2014/15 ITT:

• Abacavir Sulphate with Lamivudine – Tab 600 mg with lamivudine 300 mg;
• Hydrocortisone with paraffin and wool fat – Lotn 1%, 15 g;
• Hydrocortisone with paraffin and wool fat – Lotn 1%, 100 g;
• Hydrocortisone with paraffin and wool fat – Lotn 1%, 500 g; and
• Ketamine – Inj 50 mg per ml, 2 ml vial.

Following the issued draft 2014/15 ITT on 5 August 2014, the above products had either been added or amended to the 2014/15 ITT when it was issued on 6 November 2014. Further feedback from third parties regarding these products has been considered by PHARMAC and PHARMAC has made the decision to remove these products from the 2014/15 ITT.

PHARMAC has considered the appropriateness of consultation, presentation description and clinical implications for abacavir sulphate with lamivudine, hyrdocortisone with paraffin and wool fat and ketamine respectively in making this decision.

2. Correction: Acarbose Tab 100 mg

Acarbose was incorrectly noted as a “PCT” product in the 2014/15 ITT. This was an automation error and has been corrected.

3. Eye drops and Preservative free clarification

A number of glaucoma treatments have been included in the 2014/15 ITT with the additional comment:-

“For products containing BAK, PHARMAC reserves its right to list a BAK or preservative-free product for a restricted market”.

To further clarify this comment, suppliers who have a product which fits within the line item description are able to bid for that line item. However, where a supplier bids with a product that contains benzalkonium chloride (BAK), the supplier bids on the understanding that PHARMAC reserves its right to list an alternative option that is BAK or preservative-free for a restricted market. If a supplier bids with a product that is BAK-free, its bid would be considered for the entire market for this product.

For the avoidance of doubt, suppliers are able to bid with a variety of products if they fit within the line item description, that is should a supplier have both a BAK containing product and a BAK free product it is able to submit separate bids for both products.

4. Hyoscine Hydrobromide - usage data

Hyoscine Hydrobromide usage data was omitted from the 2014/15 ITT, below are the 2013/14 financial year usage volumes.

PHARMAC makes no representation as to the accuracy of this information or as to the level of sales or likely sales and, while PHARMAC has taken all reasonable care in preparing the information set out above, it accepts no liability for any errors or omissions in the information.

5. Market data for additional metformin presentation

Currently, there are two listed immediate release tablet presentations of metformin in the Pharmaceutical Schedule, tab 500 mg, and 850 mg. In the 2014/15 ITT, PHARMAC has included an additional 1g presentation. A number of patients currently using multiple daily doses of the 500 mg tablet may benefit from the addition of this presentation.

PHARMAC considers a number of patients who currently take a daily dose of 4 or 6 tablets of the 500 mg presentation are most likely to form this market. During the year ending 30 June 2014 approximately 33,000 patients were prescribed at some point a daily dose of 4 tablets and approximately 21,000 patients were prescribed at some point a daily dose of 6 tablets. This equated to approximately 63,000,000 500 mg tablets in the year ending 30 June 2014. PHARMAC notes, that possible market switch may be dictated by the acceptability of the 1g tablets to patients, including size and ease of use.

PHARMAC makes no representation as to the accuracy of this information or as to the level of sales or likely sales and, while PHARMAC has taken all reasonable care in preparing the information set out above, it accepts no liability for any errors or omissions in the information.

6. More information

If you have any queries regarding the 2014/15 ITT or require any assistance with the Electronic Portal eTender system please contact the PHARMAC tender analysts at tender@pharmac.govt.nz.