Ireland Solicits Suggestions on Biosimilar Access

Ireland has begun a consultation on its biosimilars policy amid industry criticism.

In the consultation document, the Department of Health solicits feedback on prescriber-led switching and pharmacy-led substitution. The department further called for feedback on biosimilar quotas, which are used in several other European countries and are a potential way to help Ireland, which reimburses for only 11 biosimilars, catch up to other nations.

However, trade organization Medicines for Ireland said the Irish government is the main obstacle to increased biosimilars proliferation, citing the “blocker clause” that forces all branded biologics manufacturers to cut prices by 30 percent when a biosimilar competitor enters the market. Comments are open through Sept. 22.