Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) funded in New Zealand as new treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis
29 January 2016, 1:58PM
Medianet | Australian Associated Press
New Zealand multiple sclerosis (MS) patients will soon have affordable access to an additional option for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) with news that PHARMAC will fund TECFIDERA® (dimethyl fumarate).1
TECFIDERA, supplied by Biogen NZ Biopharma Ltd, will be available and subsidised for suitable MS patients in New Zealand who meet the criteria outlined in the Pharmaceutical Schedule from the 1st of February 2016.
TECFIDERA is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis to delay the progression of physical disability and to reduce the frequency of relapses.1
Neurologist Dr Ernest Willoughby says he welcomes new options for MS patients in New Zealand.
“New Zealanders with Multiple Sclerosis need affordable access to effective treatments that slow the progression of this disease,” said Dr Willoughby. “Different patients respond to different treatments and side-effects vary, so access to new treatment options is an important step forward in the management of multiple sclerosis.”
According to Joerg Hermans, Managing Director, Biogen Australia and New Zealand, Over 2,400 Australian patients have been treated with Tecfidera since its reimbursement at the end of 20132, and Biogen is very pleased it will now be more accessible to people in New Zealand with MS.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring our therapy, TECFIDERA, to the New Zealand multiple sclerosis community. The reimbursement is a major milestone for Biogen. We are deeply committed to improving the lives of people with MS around the world,” said Mr Hermans.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.3
There are approximately 3000 people in New Zealand diagnosed with MS.3
Website: http://www.biogen.com.au/
1. TECFIDERA (dimethyl fumarate) Data Sheet, Accessed 18 November 2015: http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/Datasheet/t/tecfideracap.pdf
2. Biogen. Data on file. December 2015
3. Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand, Accessed 20th October 2015: http://www.msnz.org.nz/Page.aspx?pid=277