7 March 2018 - PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of an agreement with Novartis New Zealand Limited for the supply of aripiprazole tablets.

In summary, the effect of the decision is that:

• From 1 June 2018 Novartis New Zealand Ltd’s brand of aripiprazole (Aripiprazole Sandoz) will be funded, via a Sole Supply arrangement in both the community and hospital settings, without a Special Authority restriction applying.
  
• From 1 August 2018 the Abilify brand of aripiprazole will be reference priced to the price and subsidy of Aripiprazole Sandoz, and from 1 November 2018 Abilify will be delisted. People using the Abilify brand will need to switch to Aripiprazole Sandoz to remain on a fully funded product.
  
• Aripiprazole Sandoz will have Sole Supply Status from 1 November 2018 until 30 June 2021 and Hospital Supply Status, with a 1% DV Limit for hospitals, from 1 August 2018 until 30 June 2021.
  
• A Brand Switch Fee will apply to dispensings of aripiprazole for three months from 1 November 2018.
  

Read PHARMAC press release