PHARMAC and lack of funding for clopidogrel

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Clopidogrel is a proven antiplatelet medication reducing cardiovascular death, stroke, and myocardial infarction.
• Evidence supporting clopidogrel's benefits has been available for 5-10 years.
• Aspirin allergy affects approximately 5% of patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the delayed access of New Zealand patients to funded clopidogrel.
• To advocate for a more efficient drug funding process in New Zealand.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical trial data on clopidogrel efficacy.
• Analysis of current New Zealand pharmaceutical funding policies and timelines.
• Comparison of international guidelines with New Zealand's access to clopidogrel.

Main Results:

• Clopidogrel demonstrates significant clinical event reduction versus aspirin in atherosclerotic vascular disease.
• Clopidogrel addition to aspirin reduces events by 20% in unstable angina and post-coronary stenting.
• New Zealand patients have limited funded access to clopidogrel (typically 3 weeks post-stenting) despite strong evidence.

Conclusions:

• New Zealanders have been denied timely access to evidence-based treatments like clopidogrel due to funding delays.
• PHARMAC's drug approval process needs improvement for faster patient access to new medications.
• A streamlined process is crucial for New Zealanders to rapidly benefit from new pharmaceutical advancements.