State to cover cost of ‘miracle drug’

Patients with certain forms of skin cancer are to have the cost of a new “miracle drug” covered by the State, the Taoiseach told the Dáil, insisting Ireland would be at the forefront in using breakthrough medicines.

Ipilimumab, which is used to treat metastatic melan-oma, costs around €85,000 per person, for an average four-dose treatment, and is not reimbursed by the HSE or private health insurers.

James Reilly, the health minister, is in talks with the drug company on reducing this cost. A conclusion on those discussions is expected in the coming days.