Proposal to list ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject)
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a provisional agreement with Vifor Pharma Pty Ltd to list ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject) 500 mg per 10 ml vial in Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 July 2014.
In summary, this proposal would result in:
- Ferinject being listed in Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 July 2014 with no restrictions.
Feedback sought
PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Friday, 30 May 2014 to:
Caroline De Luca
Therapeutic Group Manager
PHARMAC
PO Box 10 254
Wellington 6143
Email: Caroline.DeLuca@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
- Ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject) would be listed in Part II of Section H (the HML) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 July 2014 at the following price (ex-manufacturer, excluding GST):
| Chemical | Presentation | Brand | Pack size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferric carboxymaltose | Inj 180 mg per ml (50 mg per ml elemental iron), 10 ml vial | Ferinject | 1 | $150.00 |
- A confidential rebate would apply to Ferinject, reducing its net price.
- Ferinject would have subsidy and delisting protection until 1 July 2017.
- Ferinject 10 ml vial contains ferric carboxymaltose 180 mg per ml (1800 mg per 10 ml) which is equal to elemental iron 50 mg per ml (500 mg per 10 ml)
Background
Ferric carboxymaltose is an intravenous (IV) iron preparation and up to 1000 mg can be administered as a single infusion given over 15mins.
The Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC) considered an application from Vifor Pharma Pty Ltd to fund ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject) for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia. The Committee recommended that ferric carboxymaltose be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule only if cost-neutral to iron polymaltose administered via the rapid protocol. Below is a link to the PTAC minutes and the product information for ferric carboxymaltose.
PTAC minutes of meeting held 8 November 2012 [PDF, 192 KB]
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/f/ferinjectinj.pdf(external link)
Whilst this proposal relates to listing Ferinject in Section H, PHARMAC is aware of the potential for Ferinject to be administered (and funded) in a community setting if it was listed in Section B; and has negotiated with Vifor for an option to extend funding to the community.
PHARMAC has however identified that service provision for infusion services in the community setting are not nationally consistent and intends to discuss the impacts of this option with a number of stakeholders before developing a proposal to extend funding.
We would welcome any feedback from General Practice, DHBs or other interested stakeholders regarding this issue as well as on the proposal to list Ferinject in Section H.