Key Takeaways
- Viatris’ commitment is crucial for long-term supply stability.
- Transitioning brands may require patient education and support.
- Funding alternative treatments like oestradiol gel diversifies patient options.
Pharmac has announced a strategic shift in the supply of oestradiol patches, selecting a new brand to counteract persistent global shortages. This decision, led by CEO Sarah Fitt, aims to ensure uninterrupted access for patients relying on hormone therapy.
For several years, Pharmac has grappled with limited availability of its existing oestradiol patches due to escalating demand. The current supplier, Sandoz, confirmed inability to fulfill the growing needs with the Estradot brand. Consequently, Pharmac has partnered with Viatris, a company that has committed to supplying sufficient quantities to meet both present and future requirements.
Maintaining Treatment Consistency and Patient Care
The newly contracted patches contain identical active ingredients and dosages as Estradot, ensuring therapeutic consistency. These patches are already in use in the United States and were previously available in New Zealand, providing a familiar option for patients. Recognizing that the new patches might not be suitable for everyone, Pharmac is establishing a process for patients to access alternative brands if necessary.
Pharmac also introduced oestradiol gel as an additional treatment option, providing flexibility for those who may not respond well to patch therapy. This dual approach aims to mitigate the impact of global supply disruptions and offer comprehensive care solutions to patients.
The approval of the new supplier by Medsafe remains a pivotal step before the transition can be fully implemented. Pharmac is actively collaborating with Medsafe to expedite this process, ensuring that patients experience minimal disruption in their treatment regimens.
Pharmac’s proactive measures reflect a deep commitment to patient welfare, navigating complex supply challenges with strategic partnerships and diverse treatment offerings. This approach not only addresses immediate shortages but also builds resilience against future supply chain uncertainties.
Looking forward, patients are encouraged to stay informed about the changes and reach out to healthcare providers for personalized treatment plans. Pharmac’s efforts to secure a stable supply and diversify treatment options demonstrate a robust response to the ongoing healthcare landscape challenges, prioritizing patient needs and continuity of care.
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
