Permanent coronary drug-eluting stents

Pharmac has undertaken a market share arrangement for permanent coronary drug-eluting stents – an implantable medical device that is used by interventional cardiologists in Te Whatu Ora hospitals.

This arrangement means Boston is the major supplier of permanent coronary drug-eluting stents to Te Whatu Ora hospitals.

At least 65% of the permanent coronary drug-eluting stents purchased by Te Whatu Ora will be supplied by Boston and from the following brands:

  • Promus Elite
  • Synergy XD
  • Synergy Megatron

Boston’s drug-eluting stents are known and widely used in New Zealand. Pharmac received detailed clinical advice about this proposal.

What does this mean for Te Whatu Ora hospitals?

From 1 March 2023 until 28 February 2026:

  • Boston will be the major supplier of permanent coronary drug-eluting stents and has Principal Supply Status (PSS).
  • At least 65% of the permanent coronary drug-eluting stents used in Te Whatu Ora hospitals must be purchased from Boston.
  • The remaining 35% can be bought from other suppliers of permanent coronary drug-eluting stents (this is the Alternative Brand Allowance).

What would this mean for patients?

There would be no change for patients who already have a permanent coronary drug-eluting stent. Suitable treatment options will continue to be available for patients nationwide. The 35% Alternative Brand Allowance would allow Te Whatu Ora hospitals to continue to treat patients with another permanent coronary drug-eluting stent when necessary.

List of contracted products

Background

Pharmac first undertook market share procurement for permanent coronary drug-eluting stents in 2017. Market share agreements guarantee suppliers a specified portion of Te Whatu Ora hospital purchasing, in return for quality products at competitive prices. 

Pharmac release a further RFP for the supply of permanent coronary drug-eluting stents under a market share arrangement in 2022.

After Pharmac evaluated the proposals, we then consulted on and awarded Principal Supply Status to Boston Scientific New Zealand Limited (Boston).

Key documents related to Pharmac’s activity in relation to market share procurement for permanent coronary drug eluting stents can be found here:

Clinical advice

Pharmac takes advice from clinical experts in all our major decisions. The Interventional Cardiology Advisory Group (ICAG) is made up of clinicians who were nominated by the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand and other key stakeholders. The Group gave Pharmac objective clinical advice to assist in this decision.

 

Staying in touch

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