Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 May 2025
545. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Health to outline if VYLOY (zolbetuximab-clzb) is currently being reviewed for inclusion in the HSE reimbursement scheme; the status of such a review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28541/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines therefore I have reached out to the HSE in this matter.
The HSE has advised that there is a National Application, Assessment & Decision Process for new medicines which is underpinned by Primary Legislation (Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013) put in place by the Oireachtas. The HSE must comply with the relevant legislation when considering investment decisions around new medicines.
The HSE must robustly assess applications for pricing and reimbursement to make sure that it can stretch available resources as far as possible and to deliver the best value in relation to each medicine and ultimately more medicines to Irish citizens and patients.
There are formal processes which govern applications for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, to be funded and / or reimbursed.
Pharmaceutical companies are required to submit formal applications to the HSE if they wish for their medicines to be added to the list of reimbursable items / funded via hospitals. The decision of pharmaceutical companies to market licensed medicines i.e. whether or not to submit a formal application, is outside the control of the HSE.
In terms of the specific details of an application for pricing and reimbursement of zolbetuximab (Vyloy®):
As of the 22nd May 2025, a pricing and reimbursement application has not been received by the HSE for zolbetuximab (Vyloy®) from the Marketing Authorisation Holder.
As outlined above, the national assessment and decision process cannot commence in the absence of a pricing and reimbursement application submission to the HSE.
