Patients to suffer in HSE drug cost row

The HSE is accusing the manufacturers of an emphysema drug of “persistent manipulation of patients in pursuit of corporate interests” because of its decision to stop administering patient infusions.

A shipment of Respreeza, the only therapy shown to slow the progress of genetic emphysema, arrived into the country yesterday but will remain warehoused in a row over who should pay distribution and administration costs.

In the meantime, the 21 patients in receipt of the drug will have to forego upcoming doses until a resolution is reached. It has been claimed a further 40 patients could benefit from this drug.