Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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262. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of Nivolumab on the reimbursement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40144/17]

Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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368. To ask the Minister for Health if he will allow commencement of the prescribing procedures for Opdivo (Nivolumab) for immunotherapy treatment for affected persons with cancer (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40594/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 368 together.

The HSE has received separate applications for the reimbursement of Nivolumab (Opdivo) for eight separate indications, including for use as a combination therapy. These applications relate to funding of these treatments in the public health service.

Following an assessment by the HSE, and consultation with my Department regarding the funding implications, Nivolumab has been approved by the HSE for the treatment of:

- melanoma (monotherapy);

- renal cell carcinoma, and

- Hodgkins Lymphoma.

I understand that the HSE expect the reimbursement of Nivolumab for these indications in public hospitals to commence from the 1 November 2017.

In addition, the HSE has decided not to support the use of Nivolumab in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Availability of these treatments in a private hospital is a matter between the individual patient, their health insurer and the hospital concerned.

Any decision by a private health insurer to link its policy on cover for a drug treatment in a private hospital to the HSE assessment process is a matter for the insurer and the private hospital concerned.

The remaining applications are currently being considered in line with the decision making criteria and are at different stages of the assessment process.