Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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163. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the new skin cancer drug Ipilimumab and anti-PDIs whereby seriously ill patients have seen spectacular effects from this breakthrough drug; when it will be made available to patients here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43795/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Health Service Executive announced on Thursday, 3rd of May 2012, that Ipilimumab (trade name Yervoy), the new drug for patients with progressive melanoma, would be made available.

There has been some recent media coverage in relation to anti-PDIs following the release of some early clinical trial information. Until such products receive marketing authorisation on the basis of safety, efficacy and quality, they are not eligible for consideration by the HSE for funding under the New Drugs Process. The HSE understands such products are unlikely to reach the marketing authorisation stage prior to 2015.