Proposal relating to the listing of docusate sodium with sennosides tablet 50 mg with total sennosides 8 mg and prednisolone sodium phosphate oral liquid 5 mg per ml
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal relating to provisional agreements with Aspen Pharma Pty Limited for supply of the oral tablet docusate sodium with sennosides (“Laxsol”) and Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Limited for prednisolone sodium phosphate oral liquid (“Redipred”).
In summary, this proposal would result in:
- A reduction in the net price and subsidy for Redipred from 1 December 2014 with subsidy and delisting protection until 1 December 2017.
- A reduction in the net price and subsidy for Laxsol from 1 December 2014 with subsidy and delisting protection until 1 December 2017.
Feedback sought
PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Friday, 17 October 2014 to:
Bronwyn Hale
Therapeutic Group Manager
PHARMAC
PO Box 10 254
Wellington 6143
Email: Bronwyn.Hale@pharmac.govt.nz
Fax: 04 460 4995
All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by PHARMAC’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.
Feedback we receive is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) and we will consider any request to have information withheld in accordance with our obligations under the OIA. Anyone providing feedback, whether on their own account or on behalf of an organisation, and whether in a personal or professional capacity, should be aware that the content of their feedback and their identity may need to be disclosed in response to an OIA request.
We are not able to treat any part of your feedback as confidential unless you specifically request that we do, and then only to the extent permissible under the OIA and other relevant laws and requirements. If you would like us to withhold any commercially sensitive, confidential proprietary, or personal information included in your submission, please clearly state this in your submission and identify the relevant sections of your submission that you would like it withheld. PHARMAC will give due consideration to any such request.
Details of the proposal
The price and subsidy for Redipred and Laxsol supplied by Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Limited and Aspen Pharma Pty Limited respectively would be reduced from 1 December 2014 in Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule as follows:
| Chemical | Presentation | Brand | Pack size | Current price and subsidy | Proposed price and subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prednisolone sodium phosphate | Oral liq 5 mg per ml | Redipred | 30 ml OP | $10.45 | $7.50 |
| Docusate sodium with sennosides | Tab 50 mg with total sennosides 8 mg | Laxsol | 200 | $6.38 | $4.40 |
For the avoidance of doubt, this proposal would not involve a change in funding restrictions for prednisolone sodium phosphate (Redipred); it would remain restricted to children under 12 years of age. Funding for other patients may be sought via the Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment Policy.
Background
In response to PHARMAC’s consultation on the 2014/2015 Invitation to Tender product list, Aspen Pharma Pty Limited and Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Limited submitted an alternative commercial proposal (ACP) involving Laxsol and Redipred respectively.
That ACP forms the basis of PHARMAC’s provisional agreements with Aspen Pharma Pty Limited and Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Limited and, if this proposal is approved, would result in Laxsol and Redipred remaining fully funded until at least 1 December 2017.