From 1 October, Australians with advanced or metastatic gastro-oesophageal cancers will have access to new treatment through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The Australian Government will expand the PBS listing of nivolumab (Opdivo®) for the treatment of advanced or metastatic gastro-oesophageal cancers.
An average of 1,450 patients per year could benefit from this listing.
Without subsidy, patients might pay over $92,000 per course of treatment for nivolumab. Now, it will cost $42.50 per script, or just $6.80 for people with a concession card.
There is a high clinical need for effective treatments for gastro-oesophageal cancers. Only one in five Australians with oesophageal cancer survive at least five years after diagnosis.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“The expanded listing of Opdivo is vitally important. It will provide affordable treatment that will improve the lives of patients with gastro-oesophageal cancers.
“The Albanese Government is delivering on our commitment to make medications cheaper for millions of Australians.
“We will cut the cost of medications for millions of Australians by reducing the PBS co-payment from the current maximum of $42.50 per script, to a maximum of $30 per script from 1 January 2023.”