Eisai suspends German distribution of antiepileptic drug
Following a debate over drug pricing, Eisai has temporarily suspended commercial distribution of its antiepileptic drug Fycompa in Germany.
Germany's new system for determining drug prices is causing conflict because it requires manufacturers to demonstrate that new medicines are better than older ones, before they are able to charge a premium price. The new system was put in place to help the country save money during the current economic crisis.
The Japanese pharma company has pulled its drug out of its biggest market based on its belief that the German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) failed to appropriately assess the value of Fycompa as an innovative new treatment.
Fycompa (perampanel) was approved by the European Commission in July 2012 and is an adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures with or without secondarily generalized seizures in patients with epilepsy aged 12 years and older. The drug was launched in the German market in September 2012 and to date has been used by 3000 patients. Fycompa was approved in the US in October 2012.
Eisai will provide a Patient Access Program in Germany to ensure that patients requiring Fycompa treatment will still be able to access the drug after temporary suspension comes into effect.
Related news:
Japan's Eisai pulls drug from Germany after pricing row (Reuters)
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