BeNeLuxAI at Novartis Gene Therapies
I was fortunate to lead the BeNeLuxA-I reimbursement project for Novartis Gene Therapies, anticipating the reimbursement in 2 counrties (Belgium, Netherlands & Ireland) for a 1-time gene therapy. It was the first time this reimbursement track involved 3 countries, hence a lot of new procedures and steps had to be created in partnership with the authorities in 3 countries. It was a fantastic learning experience, where all stakeholders involved were very motivated to get things done! We all were very happy to succeed in October 2021.
Some highlights at the time
Frank Vandenbroucke, the Belgian Minister of Health and Social Affairs:
“Beneluxa is still called an Initiative, but is in the meanwhile a strong ‘brand’ and gold standard for voluntary collaborations between Member States. Our ability to make Zolgensma affordable for SMA patients in our three countries simultaneously shows that Beneluxa’s stated aim to ensure sustainable access to innovative medicines can be translated into tangible and shared results.”
Paul Reid, the Irish HSE Chief Executive Officer:
“The HSE as its standard, engages in commercial negotiations with drug manufacturers to ensure we obtain the best possible value for new medicines. This enables the HSE to reimburse as many medicines as possible, for as many patients as possible, within its resources. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer must be made on objective, scientific and economic grounds. Providing funding for new high-cost innovative medicines alongside the many demands of the health service presents a continual challenge and the Beneluxa engagement with international colleagues aims to collectively address this challenge. This is the first time that Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands have jointly conducted such a negotiation and reached an agreement on the price of a medicine. From today, the HSE will provide reimbursement of Zolgensma for a subgroup of patients who meet the specified criteria on which the Beneluxa assessment and negotiation was based.”
HLN:
“Extremely expensive medicine known from baby Pia will be reimbursed in our country, confirms Minister Vandenbroucke.”
Read the full article here.
