The NCPE has updated their website this week with the outcome of its assessment of Belzutifan, which can be viewed here:
Belzutifan (Welireg®). HTA ID: 25020 | National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics
It says:
“The NCPE recommends that belzutifan (Welireg®) not be considered for reimbursement unless cost-effectiveness can be improved relative to existing treatments*.
* Next steps: The NCPE Assessment Report and recommendation, and Patient Organisation submission will be considered by the HSE when making their decision on reimbursement, while also having regard to the criteria specified in the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
There is a useful further explanation here:
Belzutifan-25020-Plain-English-Summary.pdf
The VHL UK/Ireland Charity is disappointed by the NCPE recommendation not to reimburse belzutifan (Welireg®) at this stage. However, this is not the final decision.
The recommendation concerns cost-effectiveness, and the next step is for the HSE and the manufacturer to enter into pricing discussions to determine whether a more affordable agreement can be reached. We are grateful that our patient submission will be considered in this process, and to the patients who made some very powerful contributions.
For people living with VHL, belzutifan offers hope as an important new treatment option. Patients and families remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached to allow access to this medicine in Ireland.
