"Biogen Idec has provided Fampyra free-of-charge for more than 2.5 years via a Named Patient Programme to all patients in Ireland who qualified for it. Since the decision from HSE in April 2013 that it was unable to support the pricing and reimbursement of Fampyra, Biogen Idec has made this drug commercially available to self-funding patients in Ireland since January 2014. Biogen Idec continues to provide up to 4 weeks free-of-charge drug to patients to identify those patients who respond positively on Fampyra.
Biogen Idec is committed to continuing to work with the HSE to ensure that eligible patients with MS in Ireland can receive Fampyra. Following the initial submission to the HSE utilizing the wholesale price to determine cost-effectiveness , Biogen Idec offered a significant discount on the original wholesale price, which was also subsequently declined. We have submitted a further repricing proposal based on additional and significant reductions to the wholesale price and we await a response from the HSE. Therefore it is not possible to comment further on this submission while the deliberation by the HSE continues."