Date of submission of the HTAC Recommendation: 10 August 2026
Date of notification to HTAC on the SOH decision: 15 September 2026

The Secretary of Health (SOH) concurs with the final recommendation of the HTA Council on abiraterone acetate 500mg film-coated tablet as first-line treatment or second-line treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) through Department of Health (DOH) Department Circular No. 2026-0520 “Inclusion of an Additional Preparation of Abiraterone in the Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF)” dated 26 August 2026. 

As a final recommendation, the HTA Council recommends the government financing of abiraterone acetate 500 mg film-coated tablet. However, due to the substantial budget impact of financing this drug, the DOH should explore conducting price-lowering strategies to ensure affordability and sustainable access to this treatment.

For further details, please refer to the documents below: