THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia has raised concerns over Echo Therapeutics' decision to limit distribution of Pegasys (Peginteferon Alfa-2A) injections exclusively through Echo's home delivery partner, JustMeds, citing the approach as a disruption to patient choice and National Medicines Policy principles.
The Guild expressed that patients should have the option to access their prescribed medications at their chosen pharmacy.
"Restricting access to a single delivery method poses risks, particularly for complex treatment regimens requiring professional support," stated a Guild alert.
The organisation has escalated the issue to the Department of Health and Aged Care, seeking guidance on whether the arrangement aligns with patient rights and policy.
However, Echo Therapeutics's Managing Director Jude D'Silva defended the move as a necessary measure to safeguard limited Pegasys stock amid global supply shortage constraints.
D'Silva told Pharmacy Daily that the company had noted that "unusual, large orders suspected to be bound for export had compounded shortages, leading them to pull the medication from pharmacy wholesalers".
The TGA had been informed of suspected unauthorised exports and potential local supply impacts prior to the shift to JustMeds.
"This is a temporary solution, aimed solely at ensuring patients with legitimate prescriptions continue receiving treatment," D'Silva said, adding that the company anticipates resuming normal distribution by the second half of next year.
He added patient responses to the JustMeds home delivery program after "teething problems" has been largely positive.
Echo clarified that the move does not violate any legislative laws and was intended to protect patient access, not restrict choice, with the supply of Pegasys continuing in hospitals for inpatients. JG
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