Respiratory drug may be withdrawn

The challenges posed by pharmaceutical companies seeking massive reimbursement for life-changing drugs has led to a second situation this week where patients face losing access to vital treatment.

The threat by drug firm CSL Behring to withdraw Respreeza, described by respiratory consultant Gerry McElvaney as “the only treatment for genetic emphysema in my lifetime”, follows a decision by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomic Evaluation (NCPE) not to recommend State reimbursement of the drug.

The decision has led to calls for Health Minister Simon Harris to intervene on behalf of those with genetic emphysema, known as Alpha-1.