Lower price required for chronic migraine medication — NCPE

The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) has recommended that erenumab be considered for reimbursement for chronic migraine if cost-effectiveness can be improved relative to existing treatments.

In August 2018, the NCPE recommended a full health technology assessment (HTA) for erenumab, indicated for the treatment of chronic and episodic migraine in adults who have at least four migraine days per month when initiating treatment with the medication.

On 30 September 2019, the NCPE completed its review of the treatment. For episodic migraine, the NCPE recommended that erenumab not be considered for reimbursement.

In a written response to a parliamentary question (PQ) on the matter from Independent Deputy Michael Lowry, the Minister for Health Simon Harris said the final decision will take into consideration the NCPE’s recommendation and the statutory criteria contained in the 2013 Health Act.

Minister Harris pointed out in April 2019, the NCPE recommended a full HTA for fremanezumab, indicated for prophylaxis of migraine in adults who have at least four migraine days per month. On 26 September 2019, the NCPE received a submission from the manufacturer and its assessment is ongoing.

“As outlined in the Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines, and in line with the 2013 Act, the HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving the application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), to add the medicine to the reimbursement list, agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine or refuse to reimburse the medicine,” stated the Minister.