Antidiabetics available in pharmacies are expanding

(by Livia Parisi)

More accessible therapies for millions of people, fewer trips to obtain drugs, easier procedures for prescriptions, with a consequent reduction in the bureaucratic burden on doctors. A turning point has arrived in the management of glifozines, new-generation anti-diabetes drugs also used for the treatment of heart failure and chronic renal failure. These drugs, until now available only through direct distribution in hospital pharmacies and subject to rigid therapeutic plans, will now be dispensed in pharmacies on prescription. This is provided for by a decision of the Italian Medicines Agency, welcomed with enthusiasm by patients, pharmacists and diabetologists. The Undersecretary of Health, Marcello Gemmato, defines it as "an important milestone" that "will reduce waiting lists caused by bureaucratic formalities".

The decision of the Board of Directors of Aifa, which approved the classification of glifozines in band A, fully implements the provisions of the 2024 Budget Law. Last March, a similar measure was also adopted for another category of antidiabetes drugs, gliptins, which had seen greater diffusion in the early 2000s and are now considered second choice. In announcing the news, Aifa speaks of "an important step forward towards simplification, greater adherence to therapies and the reduction of waiting lists: patients, in fact, will no longer have to undergo a specialist visit for the renewal of the Therapeutic Plans, because to access the drug, a repeatable prescription will be sufficient". For Undersecretary Gemmato "it is an important milestone to facilitate access to innovative drugs". With the transition of distribution from hospital pharmacies to contracted pharmacies, "present throughout the territory", he adds, "patients will no longer have to wait days to collect the drugs". At the same time, "it will lead to a reduction in waiting lists and a lightening of the bureaucratic burden, as doctors will be relieved of having to fill out therapeutic plans, avoiding visits prescribed only for administrative purposes".

The decision, according to the president of the Fand patients' association Manuela Bertaggia, "meets the needs of people with diabetes, especially those who live far from cities. It also simplifies treatment paths for those suffering from this disease, for their families and for doctors". "Promoting the proximity of medicines - says the general secretary of Cittadinanzattiva Anna Lisa Mandorino - means obtaining savings, containing indirect costs and avoiding unnecessary travel for patients". The measure responds to the requests of the scientific community.

"It is an important paradigm shift - for the president of the Italian Society of Diabetology Raffaella Buzzetti - because it contributes to reducing inequalities in access to innovative drugs. It is a step forward towards a healthcare system that is closer to people's needs and more sustainable in the long term". Pharmacists also welcome the innovation: "Dispensing in pharmacies - comments the president of Federfarma Marco Cossolo - allows for better monitoring of adherence to therapy, with advantages in terms of health for the patient and lower costs for public healthcare". According to the Federation of the Orders of Italian Pharmacists (Fofi) "bringing the drug closer to the citizen goes in the direction of strengthening the proximity of assistance and care".