Pharmaceutical Management Agency

Future Procurement Opportunity (FPO) - Supply of transdermal oestradiol product(s)

Oestradiol is the major female sex hormone. It is used in the management of a range of conditions. We understand most of the funded oestradiol usage in New Zealand is for the management of menopausal symptoms. It is most commonly used as a transdermal patch. The annual spend in the 2022/23 financial year across all funded oestradiol products was $3.86 million New Zealand dollars (NZD).

Over recent years the global demand for oestradiol patches has increased substantially, driven by increasing awareness of the benefits of oestradiol in managing menopausal symptoms. This has outpaced available supply and led to global supply issues resulting in disrupted treatment and stress for many people requiring oestradiol.

Pharmac is considering issuing a competitive process for supply of oestradiol transdermal product(s). This would aim to alleviate supply pressures and provide people with a greater range of oestradiol presentations. This may result in the listing of at least one additional transdermal presentation of oestradiol on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. This would be subject to the pricing received and available budget.

To inform our planning, we are interested in hearing from suppliers of transdermal oestradiol products which are not currently funded. For example, we understand that oestradiol gels are supplied in some overseas markets.

Pharmac staff consider it important that a range of oestradiol formulations are available to meet the needs and aspirations of all people requiring oestradiol treatment in Aotearoa. At this stage, we are considering a competitive process that would award Principal Supply Status for any included oestradiol transdermal products. This is likely (but not limited) to an oestradiol gel product. Oestradiol patches are currently in the draft 2023/24 Invitation to Tender - https://pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/consultation-2023-07-24-itt-suppliers/.

We are interested in hearing about potential transdermal oestradiol products from suppliers to help inform our planning. We are also interested in hearing about the impact of including oestradiol patches in the 2023/24 ITT compared with a different RFx process.

Subscribe to this FPO to access additional information, including more information on the funded oestradiol market.

Indicative RFx Release Date: Q2 2024
Project Status: Initial development
Indicative Total Value: $1M - $5M