The latest flare-up over prescription drug pricing is taking place in Ireland, where two drug makers are at war with the government for refusing to provide coverage for a pair of medicines.
In one instance, CSL Behring (CSL) announced plans to end a compassionate use program later this month for its Respeeza treatment for people with an inherited form of emphysema. The move had previously been signaled if government coverage was not provided, but was formalized after Ireland’s Health Service Executive last month decided the drug is not cost effective.
In the other case, PTC Therapeutics (PTCT) has gone to court after the HSE nearly two months ago refused to cover its Translarna drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy for two young boys over the cost and clinical effectiveness. This reportedly marks the first time that a drug maker has appealed a reimbursement decision to the High Court.
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