First batch of new drugs approved by '1+' mechanism listed on HA Drug Formulary

The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (July 26) that the two new drugs for treating cancer, approved for registration in Hong Kong after review under the new mechanism for registration of New Drugs ("1+" mechanism), are listed under the category of "Special Drug" on the HA Drug Formulary (HADF).

According to HA, the new drugs are the oral targeted therapy for treating metastatic colorectal cancer and are suitable for patients for whom conventional chemotherapy has been ineffective or inapplicable. Patients prescribed with these new drugs under specified clinical application are only required to pay for the standard fees and charges, which are substantially subsidized. This could greatly alleviate the financial burden on patients. It is estimated that around 300 patients will benefit every year and the subsidy amount is around $12 million.

"With the '1+' mechanism now in effect, the number of drugs successfully registered in Hong Kong would increase, thus enabling clinicians and patients to have more choices for drug treatment. The HA is conducting a comprehensive review of the procedure of new drugs listing on the HADF with the aim of expediting the process. While bringing new hope for the treatment of life-threatening or severely debilitating diseases, we hope that the financial burden on patients could also be greatly alleviated," the Chief Pharmacist of the HA, Mr William Chui, said.

Apart from the two drugs aforementioned, the HA is actively proceeding with the listing of a third new registered drug, which is for treating paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, on the HADF. The procedure is expected to be completed in the coming few months.

The HA will continue to meet regularly with patient groups and other stakeholders to receive their opinions and suggestions on the listing of new drugs. The HA will also boost efforts in patient empowerment to ensure patients are well-informed about the relevant drug information. The HA will continue to enhance the evaluation of new drugs as well as reviews of the HADF and the coverage of the safety net, so that more treatment options will be available for patients. The HA will also consult experts on health economics to have more cost-effective drugs of proven safety and efficacy listed on the HADF, benefitting more patients.