Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
101. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position on a medication (details supplied) being available on the drugs payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17677/26]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for his question.
I recognise the importance of providing the best care possible to patients experiencing menopause. Women’s Health has been a focus of mine since taking this office, and it will continue to be a focus in my work as Minister for Health. We have made real progress in improving the healthcare available to women in Ireland.
Veoza (Fezolinetant) is a non-hormonal treatment for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, including symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, associated with menopause.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines.
A completed health technology assessment (HTA) for the medication Veoza® was received by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) from Astellas, the drug's marketing authorisation holder, on the 20th August 2025, 16 months after it was commissioned by the HSE. This was following proactive engagement with the company on the part of the HSE encouraging the submission of a fully completed HTA, as a drug or treatment cannot be added to the reimbursement list in the absence of a completed HTA.
The HTA remains under assessment with the NCPE.
The HSE endeavours to process pricing and reimbursement applications as efficiently as possible. The HSE has advised that the application remains under consideration.
