Minister Greg Hunt, Connor Philpott, Shane Philpott, Michelle Philpott, Prime Minister Morrison. Front: Hamish Philpott, Macyn Philpott. Source: GregHuntMP twitter account
Orkambi, a cystic fibrosis medicine, will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from 1 October 2018 for patients six years of age and over who have two copies of the f508del mutation in the CFR gene.
This listing will benefit over 1200 Australians currently battling this form of cystic fibrosis – an incurable progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.
Orkambi has been shown to slow the rate of decline in lung function and reduce the number of infections in people with cystic fibrosis for periods of up to two years.
The Australian Government’s investment will reduce patient costs from up to $250,000 per year to only $39.50 per script, $6.40 for concessional patients.