Posted by Michael Wonder on 14 Dec 2020
Diabetes drugs delay shows problem with PHARMAC’s funding model, doctor claims
14 December 2020 - Pharmac’s decision to delay funding approval for two new diabetes drugs has highlighted the shortcomings of how the agency decides which medicines to fund, according to the chairman of the Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa.
Dr John Baker said funding the diabetes drugs for one patient would cost between $696 and $1,380 a year, whereas putting someone with the condition on dialysis for 12 months costs $50,000-$90,000.
He said it doesn’t make economic sense not to approve the drugs.
