PHARMAC is pleased to announce that it has awarded Hospital Supply Status in DHB hospitals to Janssen-Cilag’s brand of infliximab, Remicade. In summary, the effect of the decision is that Remicade (infliximab) will be the only funded brand of infliximab able to be used in DHB hospitals, subject to a 10% Discretionary Variance (DV) limit, from 1 March 2015 to 29 February 2020.

This decision was the subject of a consultation letter dated 30 October 2014 which can be found on PHARMAC’s website.

No changes to the proposal were made following consideration of consultation feedback.

This decision will provide savings in excess of $5 million per annum to DHB expenditure.

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmac.health.nz/news/notification-2014-11-28-infliximab/