Erbitux, Gilenya and Other Medicines Listed on the PBS
More than 400,000 Australians will benefit from new subsidised medicines from 1 September 2011, including patients suffering multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and various forms of cancer.
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1 September 2011
More than 400,000 Australians will benefit from new subsidised medicines from 1 September 2011, including patients suffering multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and various forms of cancer.
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon explained the $200 million announcement includes the expansion of the listing of cetuximab (Erbitux®) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to include the treatment of patients with late stage bowel cancer. The listing will assist around 2700 patients per year who would otherwise have to pay up to $30,000 a year for treatment.
“Today’s listing of Erbitux onto the PBS is great news for patients suffering late stage bowel cancer,” Minister Roxon said.
“The listing of Erbitux was complex given that it is the first time any Government has listed a medicine on the PBS while also attempting to list a co-dependent genetic test on Medicare,” Ms Roxon said.
“While the assessment of Medicare funding for the genetic test is still ongoing, the drug manufacturer has offered to pay for this test. This offer has allowed the Government to bring forward its consideration of Erbitux.
“Along with Erbitux, a number of other new drugs that will also be listed, including new drugs to help patients suffering from Hodgkin disease, enlarged prostate, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and psychosis.
“In particular, I am pleased that Gilenya is now available through the PBS, which will assist patients who are suffering with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It is the first oral treatment for MS and will reduce clinical relapses and slow progression of the disease.
“The PBS now subsidises more than 770 medicines, in more than 1960 forms, marketed under more than 3,950 brand names.”
In all, twenty-one (21) new listings on the PBS come into effect from 1 September. More detail on these is available on the PBS website at www.pbs.gov.au.
For more information, contact the Minister's Office on (02) 6277 7220
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