New Zealand Proposes to Use Zimmer Biomet Implants

New Zealand’s medical device and drug regulator is proposing to let hospitals purchase orthopedic implants and associated products made by Zimmer Biomet New Zealand.

The Pharmaceutical Management Agency’s (PHARMAC) proposed national agreement would allow Zimmer Biomet to supply about 12,500 products, which are already supplied to District Health Board (DHB) hospitals by other manufacturers. In addition, Zimmer Biomet would provide educational services tailored to the needs of individual DHB Hospitals.

DHB’s would save about $970,000 annually under the deal, based on current usage. Pricing for orthopedic implants and associated products would not be increased before March 1, 2020, subject to any prior termination of the agreement. — Jeff Kinney