20 July 2016 - PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of a sole supply agreement with Bayer New Zealand Limited for Mirena, the currently funded brand of progestogen-only long-acting intrauterine system (LIUS). This was the subject of a consultation letter dated 27 June 2016.

In summary, the effect of the decision is that:

• Mirena will continue to be subsidised in the community for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding subject to Special Authority criteria.
• Mirena will be listed on the Hospital Medicines List (HML) subject to hospital restrictions for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding and endometriosis.
• Mirena would be the only subsidised progestogen-only LIUS in the community; and Mirena will have Hospital Supply Status with a 1% Discretionary Variance (DV) limit in DHB hospitals, from 1 August 2016 until 30 June 2019.
• A confidential rebate will apply which reduces the net price of Mirena (used in both the community and hospital setting) to the Funder.

Read PHARMAC Notification