Report praised for recognizing slow uptake of new drugs in Ireland

An Irish government committee’s report on orphan drugs has prompted hope in pharma that speed of access to new drugs in the country will be brought up to the level of other European levels.

The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), which represents 47 research-based pharmaceutical companies in Ireland, has welcomed the publication of the Evaluating Orphan Drugs report by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health.

Oliver O’Connor, chief executive of the IPHA, said: “IPHA has been highlighting for some time that patients in Ireland are not getting access to new drugs, including orphan drugs, as fast as in other European countries. The report recognizes this and the importance of making new orphan drugs available to patients as quickly as possible.”