The fate of the drugs identified in the inspeciton inspectio

Enhertu, a breast cancer treatment drug, orders expanded indications for immunotherapy treatment

Parkinson's disease patient complains of side effects from generic drugs after being inspected by the National Assembly

Attention is being paid to whether the drugs that were singled out in the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee audit will be able to gain new wings based on orders from lawmakers

Specifically, they are breast cancer treatment Enhertu, Parkinson's disease treatment Madopar, and other immunotherapy drugs.

 

Enhertu was mentioned by People Power Party lawmaker Kang Ki-yoon.

 

He said that the number of female cancer patients is rapidly increasing and ordered coverage of expensive innovative treatments.

 

At this point, Enhertu appeared.

 

He said, “It costs about 150 million won to cure breast cancer with Enhertu,” and asked for prompt payment, saying, “Many unfortunate cases are occurring due to lack of money.” Enhertu is currently tied up in HIRA.

 

After a retrial last May, the Cancer Disease Review Committee established the benefit standards, but the Pharmaceutical Review Committee has not yet reviewed the adequacy of the benefits.

 

There was no news from Enhertu at the Pharmaceutical Review Committee held on the 12th.

 

This drug is effective, so the analysis is that the high survival rate of patients is actually holding back PE.

 

It is difficult to prove cost-effectiveness due to increased use.

 

Attention is being paid to whether a breakthrough in salary will be achieved thanks to Rep.

 

Kang's order during this National Assembly inspection.

 

There was also an order to speed up reimbursement for immunotherapy drugs whose indications are being expanded.

 

This is the order of People Power Party lawmaker Choi Jae-hyung.

 

He emphasized, “Please accelerate the coverage of the expansion of indications for cancer immunotherapy drugs such as Keytruda, Opdivo, Tecentriq, and Bavencio,” adding, “This is the last hope for patients with rare incurable cancers.” In response, Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyu-hong responded that he would review it.

 

Part of the agenda for expanding reimbursement for cancer immunotherapy is also in the HIRA evaluation stage.

 

In particular, in the case of Keytruda, following the expansion of reimbursement for first-line non-small cell lung cancer treatment last year, the company applied for expansion of reimbursement for 13 indications in June.

 

On the 11th, the review committee decided to reconsider the three indications, saying that further evaluation was necessary.

 

Fortunately, there was no failure in setting the salary standard, so attention will be paid to whether a positive result will come out in accordance with the National Assembly's request during the next discussion.

 

Roche's 'Madopa', a treatment for Parkinson's disease, is a different case from the previous drugs for which reimbursement was promoted.

 

This drug was already withdrawn from Korea in January.

 

The application period for insurance benefits for inventory drugs is until December of this year.

 

However, patients continue to request this drug.

 

The patient personally appeared as a witness at the government inspection and appealed to be allowed to continue taking Madopa.

 

Mr.

 

Kim, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, said, "Patients have continued their lives by taking Madopa, but as prescriptions have become impossible, patients are suffering." He said, “Generic drugs are difficult to take due to side effects.” At the same time, he asked, “Patients are aware that generic Madopa has obvious side effects, and we ask for help so that they can continue to take Madopa tablets.” Justice Party lawmaker Kang Eun-mi said, “Many Parkinson’s disease treatments are currently being discontinued.” She asked, “The Ministry of Health and Welfare should step forward and help patients feel at ease.” Minister Cho said, “We will make efforts to resupply the original medicine as there is a demand for it.” Minister Cho responded, “We will discuss with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance.” It remains to be seen whether the Mado faction that has withdrawn from the country will return.