Ivosidenib approved for reimbursement in Ireland
In October 2025 the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland approved reimbursement of ivosidenib (Tibsovo®), a targeted therapy for people with advanced cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) with an IDH1 gene fault. This now brings Ireland into line with the UK and other European countries which have already approved use of the treatment.
What is a targeted therapy?
Cholangiocarcinoma tumours vary from one person to the next. Each tumour may have different gene faults that help it to survive and grow. Although these gene faults are a problem, some cancer treatments are designed specifically to target them – these are called targeted therapies.
About ivosidenib
Ivosidenib (pronounced as i-voh-sih-deh-nib) is a targeted therapy for cholangiocarcinoma tumours with an IDH1 gene fault.
Cholangiocarcinoma patients may be offered ivosidenib if they meet all the following criteria:
- their disease is locally advanced, can’t be removed through surgery, or has spread (metastasised).
- their disease has progressed after receiving first-line therapy, the combination chemotherapy and immunotherapy gemcitabine, cisplatin and durvalumab (GEM/CIS/DURVA).
- their tumour has an IDH1 gene fault, identified by molecular profiling tests.
Ivosidenib is taken orally as tablets.
You can learn more about this treatment in AMMF’s patient information booklet:
Paul Howard, Head of Policy & Research at AMMF, said:
“Cholangiocarcinoma is a challenging cancer that is usually diagnosed late, when treatment options are limited. Therefore, we are delighted that the HSE has approved reimbursement for the life-extending targeted therapy, ivosidenib. Whilst this treatment is not a cure, it can enable cholangiocarcinoma patients with IDH1 gene faults to have more, good quality time with their loved-ones. It is right that Irish citizens without private health insurance now have equal access to this treatment.”
Thank you to Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland
AMMF would like to thank Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland and members of their online group for help with our evidence submission to the HSE. With their assistance, AMMF was able include the experiences and voices of Irish cholangiocarcinoma patients and their families, which was essential for the decision-makers to hear.
