Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: The Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines (FASPM) 2026-2029 includes a commitment to achieve reimbursement decisions within 180 days by 2029. This represents a significant reform objective for medicines access in Ireland, where reimbursement timelines have been a longstanding concern for patients, clinicians and industry. Understanding stakeholder confidence in delivery of the 180-day timeline may help identify implementation priorities and inform future evaluation of the agreement. The objective was to compare patient organisation and pharmaceutical company perceptions regarding the likelihood that Ireland will deliver reimbursement decisions within 180 days by 2029 and identify enablers and barriers to implementation.
METHODS: An initial survey was conducted among pharmaceutical company attendees of the 2026 AXIS Patient Access Conference in Dublin to capture early perspectives on the 180-day reimbursement commitment. Findings informed the development of a broader survey distributed to pharmaceutical companies and patient organisations. Survey questions explored confidence in delivery on 180-day timeline and perceived enablers and barriers to implementation.
RESULTS: Initial findings indicated that 44% of respondents were confident that Ireland would deliver reimbursement decisions within 180 days by 2029, while 56% were not. Perceived benefits to achieving the target included more timely patient access, greater predictability in reimbursement processes and improved system accountability. Key concerns included insufficient staffing and resources within reimbursement bodies, delays in assessment and decision-making processes, limited accountability and uncertainty regarding implementation of policy commitments.
CONCLUSIONS: Although stakeholders support the ambition of a 180-day reimbursement timeline, significant concerns remain regarding implementation feasibility. Failure to achieve the target may have implications for patient access and for pharmaceutical companies planning the launch of new medicines in Ireland. Further stakeholder engagement may help identify actions needed to support delivery of the 180-day commitment.