Earlier this year PHARMAC issued a consultation on a proposal to fund melatonin 2 mg modified-release tablets (Circadin) for secondary insomnia in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders from 1 July 2014.

As notified in June 2014, following clinical issues raised during the consultation PHARMAC sought further advice from the Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC) in August 2014. PTAC’s recommendation was for funding with a low priority as well as some suggested changes to potential Special Authority criteria.

Since PHARMAC originally consulted on the melatonin funding proposal in May 2014 its budget position has changed. This means that PHARMAC is not in a position to invest in melatonin during the current financial year.

At this stage PHARMAC unable to indicate whether, or when, a funding decision may be made for melatonin; this will be dependent on factors such as the available budget and the mix of other funding applications or investment options being considered.

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmac.health.nz/news/notification-2014-11-14-melatonin/