Praxbind (idarucizumab) reimbursed in England, Ireland and Wales

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced that Praxbind (idarucizumab) is now available to be used commercially in England, Ireland and Wales after the Health Technology Appraisal bodies in these countries agreed that it is eligible for full reimbursment without the need for a full appraisal.

Idarucizumab rapidly and specifically reverses the anticoagulant effect of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) for patients needing emergency surgery /urgent procedures or in situations of life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding.

Idarucizumab received its European Commission marketing authorisation in November 2015 and is the first and only specific reversal agent for a NOAC to be granted a licence in the European Union.

Welcoming the news Professor Klaus Dugi, Medical Director and Managing Director Boehringer UK and Ireland said: “Anticoagulants offer important benefits to patients but there are going to be very rare circumstances when rapid reversal of the anticoagulation effect of dabigatran is beneficial. The decision by NICE, AWMSG and NCPE supports availability of, Idarucizumab, to doctors in England, Wales and Ireland is fantastic news.

“While we do not anticipate that it will be used regularly there can be no doubt that its availability will provide added confidence for prescribers when choosing dabigatran for their patients.

“I’m proud that Boehringer Ingelheim is again continuing to lead the way in anticoagulation care for patients in the United Kingdom and Ireland.”