Approval of proposal for clostridium botulinum type A toxin (Botox) in DHB hospitals

Medicines Decision

PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of an agreement with Allergan New Zealand Limited to amend the contractual terms of listing for clostridium botulinum type A toxin (Botox(external link)) inj 100 u vial in DHB hospitals.

This was the subject of a consultation letter dated 6 December 2016.

The proposal was approved as consulted on. The effect of the decision is that:

  • The net price for Botox inj 100 u vial will reduce from 1 April 2017 via a confidential rebate applied to all sales to DHB hospitals.
  • Botox will have protection from purchase price reduction, delisting and application of indication restrictions until 31 March 2020.
  • There will be no changes to the listing of the other brand of clostridium botulinum type A toxin (Dysport) currently listed in the Hospital Medicines List for use in DHB hospitals.
  • Botox and Dysport have different potencies, meaning doses are different and prices are not directly comparable unit for unit.  At a dose equivalency for Dysport:Botox of 3:1 1  2 Botox will be the most cost effective treatment option for DHBs, compared to Dysport.

1  Wohlfarth et al. (J Neurol. 2008;255:1932–9)

2  Gollomp (Pract. Neurol. 2011;9:27-33)

Feedback received

We appreciate all of the feedback that we received and acknowledge the time people took to respond. All consultation responses received by 21 December 2016 were considered in their entirety in making a decision on the proposed changes. Responses were generally supportive of the proposal and no specific issues were raised with the proposal.  Clarification was provided to one responder to explain that the decision would have no impact on the listing of the Dysport brand.

More information

If you have any questions about this decision, you can email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz or call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 66 00 50.