IPHA defends industry against 'baseless' charge of 'predatory' pricing

The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) has defended the industry against a charge of ‘predatory’ pricing by the National Centre for Pharmoeconomics (NCPE).

The NCPE is the State body that advises the Health Service Executive on the cost-effectiveness of medicines. The IPHA said the claim, made during a radio interview last month, amounted to an “accusation of illegality against the industry.”

Oliver O’Connor, chief executive of the IPHA, said: “It is not acceptable for the NCPE, a State agency, to level an accusation of that import against our industry, especially when it is without foundation. The State knows the significance of our industry - 30,000 jobs, enormous investment in manufacturing and research, and a positive impact on healthcare outcomes for patients with serious illnesses. We have worked closely with the State on Brexit preparations, acknowledged by the Tánaiste just last week. And, yet, the NCPE, another arm of the State, is accusing the industry of illegality. Apart from the claim having no foundation, it is irresponsible.”

Ireland has a serious and sustained problem with access to new medicines. Patients here are among the last in western Europe to get the benefits of innovative treatments. The delay is not due to the price of medicines in Ireland - all countries in western Europe assess, negotiate and agree prices similar to what is offered in Ireland, he argued.