Roche welcomes new IPHA Framework Agreement
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The new four year Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) Framework Agreement has been welcomed by Roche, wider industry and the Department of Health. It represents a shift toward faster patient access and a more predictable business environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Ireland. The Agreement is a key part of regulating the pricing, supply and reimbursement of new medicines supplied by the 41 IPHA member companies to the Irish public health service. The new agreement presents 3 main opportunities for healthcare in Ireland:
1. Accelerated Patient Access (The 180-Day Goal)
The most significant outcome of the Agreement is the commitment to meet the timelines established in the Health Act 2013.
Faster Decisions: The agreement aims for the HSE (Health Service Executive) to make reimbursement decisions within 180 days.
Ministerial Support: For the first time, the Minister for Health has committed to achieving these legal timelines.
2. Investment in Innovation
The Agreement commits to continued investment in new innovation. This reinforces Ireland's position as a global leader in life sciences and signals a “pro-innovation economy” that values and pays for innovation. It also allows the State to achieve efficiencies in existing medicine spending, which are then reinvested back into new, innovative treatments.
3. System Reform
The Agreement is not just a pricing deal - it is a structural reform of how the system operates. It establishes a "practical framework" of reforms to drive better performance in the reimbursement process over the next four years.
By providing a four-year roadmap, it offers clinicians, the health service, and pharmaceutical companies a "stable policy framework" for planning and investment. This also includes review mechanisms that allow for constant communication between the pharmaceutical industry and the State.
The Agreement demonstrates a true partnership approach, where the industry's economic contribution is balanced with the public health system's need for sustainability and improved patient outcomes.
Commenting on the agreement, David McCarthy, Head of Access said:
“This Agreement is a significant step forward in securing the long-term sustainability of the Irish healthcare system while championing the role of innovation. At Roche, we applaud the Government’s recognition of the pharmaceutical sector as a key partner in improving public health. This investment in innovation not only ensures that the latest medical advancements reach those who need them most but also strengthens the ecosystem required to bring next-generation therapies to the heart of Irish clinical practice.”
Date of prep: January 2026/M-IE-00002354