New medicines supply deal on patients' access to innovative new treatments in Ireland

A new supply agreement between the research-based biopharmaceutical industry and the State will improve patients’ access to the latest innovative medicines, according to the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), the representative organization for medicines innovators.

The four-year Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines, agreed between the research-based industry and the State, takes effect from January 1, 2022. It means that medicines, brought forward by the research-based biopharmaceutical industry after years of research and development, will be available to patients faster through an improved funding framework.

Next year, IPHA member companies expect to propose about 35 innovative new medicines for a range of medical conditions, including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, spinal muscular atrophy and many forms of cancer. These medicines would treat almost 17,500 patients. The 30 million euros ($34 million) for new medicines, announced by the Government in Budget 2022, will help to give more patients access to new treatments in the innovation pipeline. Over the four years of the Agreement, the research-based industry expects to propose over 170 innovative new medicines. The new Agreement means there will be an improved funding framework in place to support the Health Service Executive’s reimbursement process and growth in the availability of innovative new medicines.