Speakers:
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Sarah Clarke, Programme Manager, Medicines Management Programme
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Bernard Duggan, Chief I Pharmacist, Medicines Management Programme
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Rosealeen Barrett, Chief II Pharmacist, Medicines Management Programme
Summary:
The Medicines Management Programme in Ireland was established in 2013 to ensure safe, effective, and cost-effective prescribing of medicines. The program focuses on managing the expenditure on high-tech medicines, including biosimilars. Biosimilar medicines are close copies of authorised biological medicines, and they have the potential to significantly reduce costs while still providing access to effective treatments. The program has seen progress in promoting the use of biosimilars, with a decrease in patients on Humira and an increase in patients accessing preferred biological medicines. Managed access protocols and processes are in place to ensure the right patients have access to high-tech medicines, and efforts are being made to inform prescribers and encourage the switch to biosimilars. The program is also working on expanding electronic systems and developing online resources to improve access to medicines and streamline processes.