Israel Begins 2027 Drug Basket Deliberations with 527 New Medications and 40 Technologies

The Israeli Ministry of Health has launched the 2027 drug basket discussions by publishing a list of 527 new medications and indications, alongside 40 new medical technologies. Professional medical associations will soon submit their recommendations, continuing the annual evaluation process. The budget remains fixed at 650 million shekels, identical to previous years, posing challenges for committee members to approve new entries amid limited funds.

Among the notable candidates are innovative treatments for severe diseases, obesity medications, vaccines, and diagnostic services. In oncology, several cutting-edge therapies have been proposed, including Imdeltra (Terlutumab), a novel biologic targeting small cell lung cancer by activating the immune system against DLL3 protein on tumor cells, potentially extending patient survival. Other cancer treatments under consideration include Impinzi, which reduces early bladder cancer recurrence risk by 32%, Anaherto for early breast cancer patients with residual disease post-surgery, and Datravi for triple-negative breast cancer showing improved response and survival rates.

Chronic disease treatments also feature prominently, such as Kaspandi, a new hypertension drug with a novel mechanism, and Tizild, aimed at delaying type 1 diabetes onset in children. Respiratory treatments like Pasnera seek expanded indications for nasal polyposis patients. Obesity treatments are expected to be a focal point, with candidates including Eli Lilly’s new weight loss pill Orphoglipron, expanded eligibility for Wegovy among young adults, and broader use of Maongero for obese patients with heart failure or sleep apnea.

New medical technologies proposed include the inclusion of the Bexero vaccine against meningococcal B for infants, extending public funding for children’s eyeglasses up to age 10, early fetal anomaly blood tests, and low-dose CT scans for early lung cancer detection in workers exposed to harmful dust. Additionally, Nerandomilast, a breakthrough therapy for advanced pulmonary fibrosis (IPF and PPF), marks a significant advancement in treating this rare, progressive lung disease.

A novel PTSD treatment, PRISM, employing FDA-approved neurofeedback technology targeting the amygdala, offers a personalized, clinically effective, and safe option without requiring patients to relive traumatic events. This innovation could provide new hope for patients struggling with traditional exposure-based therapies.

The committee faces a difficult task balancing innovation with budget constraints in this election year, as the fixed budget limits the number of new therapies that can be added to the national drug basket.