A course of these treatments no longer costs between $40,000 and $140,000 for hundreds of people every year.
The latest update to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) included two medications for the first time, including one for cytomegalovirus (CMV) illness, and expanded the listings of several cancer treatments.
Ribociclib (Kisqali, Novartis) was previously listed for advanced breast cancer but has been expanded to treat patients with early-stage breast cancer.
Patients with early-stage HR-positive, HER2-negative, lymph node-positive breast cancer who are at high risk of their cancer returning after surgery will now be able to access subsidised medication.
The expansion of the listing is set to benefit 620 people a year who would pay nearly $140,000 for a course of treatment.
It acts on specific overactive proteins to slow or stop breast cancer growth, the most common cancer in women in Australia which is diagnosed on average 58 times a day.
Anitviral medicationmaribavir (Livtencity, Takeda Pharmaceuticals)was a new inclusion to treat post-transplant CMV where other treatments have failed, which affects around 260 Australians per year.
Without treatment, CMV infection can cause organ rejection or death, but a course of treatment without subsidy could cost nearly $40,000.
Ivosidenib (Tibsovo, Servier Pharmaceuticals) was another first-time inclusion for locally advanced or metastaticcholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer that is often diagnosed late.
Fewer than 100 patients a year are affected but they would otherwise pay more than $120,000 per course of treatment.
It is characterised by an abnormal form of enzyme IDH1, which the medication blocks the effects of to slow or halt the growth of the cancer.
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Finally, nivolumab (Opdivo, Bristol Myers Squibb) was expanded to treat patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, the most common form of bladder cancer.
A course of medication for this difficult to treat cancer costs over $100,000 without PBS subsidy. Nearly 600 people are expected to benefit from the expansion of this listing.
Opdivo works alongside the immune system, assisting it to find and attack cancer cells.
The cost is currently capped at $31.60 per script for non-concession card holders, which will drop to $25 at the start of next year. Concession card holders can access these medications for $7.70.
Minister for Health, Disability, and Ageing, Mark Butler, told media that this government is committed to making life changing medicines cheaper.
“The medicine listings being announced on the PBS today will make a world of difference for hundreds of patients who are battling very severe illnesses,” he said.
“This is part of our promise to give Australians early, affordable and safe access to breakthrough treatments.”
