AstraZeneca secures PBS listing of its SGLT2 inhibitor for heart failure

Pharma News: AstraZeneca’s SGLT2 inhibitor has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) starting March 1st. Forxiga (dapagliflozin) is indicated for the treatment of chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, where the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) exceeds 40%.

This development follows on the heels of the November 2023 inclusion of Boehringer Ingelheim-Eli Lilly’s SGLT2 inhibitor, Jardiance (empagliflozin), for the same category of heart failure. A meta-analysis comparing Forxiga and Jardiance at 10 mg revealed a significant improvement in preventing heart failure-related hospitalisations, with the efficacy of both treatments found to be “comparable”.

Adelaide-based cardiologist, Dr Alicia Chan, underscoresd the significance of this addition, stating “The listing of Forxiga for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction provides access to another option in the treatment of a serious chronic condition. My aim as a cardiologist is to work closely with my patients living with heart failure to manage their condition, which can help them stay out of the hospital and reduce the risk of cardiovascular death.”

Tanya Hall, CEO and Founder of hearts4heart, emphasised the importance of effective management. “Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to enable people with heart failure to live a full and active life. As an organisation supporting people living with heart failure, we see the importance of new treatment options listed on the PBS and welcome this announcement from the Australian Government.”

Federal Minister for Health, Mark Butler MP, commented “Around 98,000 Australians living with chronic heart failure will now have another treatment choice thanks to the Albanese Government. About 180 Australians are hospitalised every single day with symptomatic chronic heart failure and they are often repeated hospitalisations.”

Ben McDonald, Country President of AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand, expressed pride in the PBS listing, asserting “Thousands of Australians may now benefit from reimbursed access to Forxiga. AstraZeneca is proud of this PBS listing and will continue to invest in cardiovascular disease research and innovation in Australia.”

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