Deal reached on access to Respreeza after drug withheld for over a month

Patients with genetic emphysema should have access restored, by the end of next week, to a drug withheld for more than a month in a row over who should pay to administer it.

The Alpha One Foundation, which advocates on behalf of the patients, has confirmed that healthcare company Point of Care will resume weekly infusions of Respreeza once each of the remaining 19 affected patients has been contacted and arrangements put in place.

Patients have gone without infusions since October 31 because neither the HSE nor Respreeza’s manufacturer, CSL Behring, would agree to cover the administration fee.