‘HSE’s new drugs will have profound impact for patients’

SEVEN new drugs to treat rare but debilitating conditions, including an aggressive form of cancer, have been newly approved by the HSE.

Menopausal osteoporosis and infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are also among the ailments that will be tackled by the new life-enhancing drugs.

They will be paid for out of the €20million funding recently allocated for new medicines in 2024. Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer with the HSE, said: ‘These newly approved drugs will have a profound impact on those who need them. With these seven drugs, we hope to be able to continue to support people to live healthier, happier lives in the future. The approved medicines will be available under the community drugs schemes and other arrangements, ensuring equitable access for those whose treatment requires them.’

The HSE approves medicines on grounds including clinical need, efficacy and effectiveness. Cefiderocol has been approved for the treatment of adults who have antimicrobial-resistant infections. In these cases, no other medication has been effective.

Postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis who have had a major osteoporotic fracture within the previous year – and who are at imminent risk of another – will benefit from the approval of romosozumab.

Osimertinib and atezolizumab have also been approved to treat adults with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab has also been given the nod to treat advanced or unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in adults.

Transplant patients will benefit from this round of approvals. ‘Transplant patients are immunosuppressed to reduce the risk of organ rejection. This leaves them susceptible to other infections, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV). Maribavir treats CMV and will reduce the risk of infection and illness for patients,’ Dr Henry said. Also, atidarsagene autotemcel has been approved to treat metachromatic leukodystrophy.