Government’s last-minute rescue: Diabetes drug secured for thousands amidst pressure from Opposition

Pharma News: The Hon Mark Butler, Health Minister, has confirmed ongoing access to Novo Nordisk’s type 1 diabetes drug for over 15,000 Australians grappling with diabetes through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The decision comes after Fiasp FlexTouch was removed from the PBS on April 1, 2023, citing “commercial reasons” by Novo Nordisk, causing concern within the diabetes community. To address this, a temporary ‘PBS supply only’ arrangement was put in place until September 30, 2023.

Following tireless advocacy from JDRF Australia, Diabetes Australia, Senator Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Melissa McIntosh MP, Deputy Chair of the House’s Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport, the Health Minister’s confirmation of the PBS listing of Fiasp from 1 October 2023, provides a crucial lifeline for patients in need.

Senator Ruston strongly emphasised in her recent address to Parliament, “Combined with the Coalition’s advocacy and demands, we managed to get the government to agree to a six-month extension for those people who were on Fiasp to be able to maintain their prescriptions until 1 October 2023. It’s 11 September today, so Fiasp will no longer be available for Australians in 20 days’ time, unless the government changes that decision and allows Fiasp to remain on the PBS. We know that this Minister is very good at leaving everything to the last minute. It’s a completely unacceptable level of uncertainty.”

Ms McIntosh, who has a son diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, stressed the critical nature of the medicine, saying, “It’s actually a life-saving insulin. Kids who may have not been able to play sport because they couldn’t control their blood sugar levels, can take Fiasp as it acts really fast, and then they can get back out on the field or doing whatever they love. They can be pretty much like a normal kid.”

Novo Nordisk expressed gratitude towards the Department of Health for their collaborative efforts in securing continued access to this vital treatment.

“Australians deserve equitable, fast access to new, innovative medicines, like Fiasp that tackle Australia’s biggest health challenges including diabetes, obesity and other serious chronic health conditions,” commented Cem Ozenc, Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Novo Nordisk Oceania.

Fiasp is renowned for its ultra-fast acting properties, effectively managing blood sugar spikes. The newly PBS-listed Fiasp Penfill ensures the same rapid insulin delivery in a more advanced, user-friendly device, guaranteeing a seamless transition from Fiasp Flextouch. As of now, the alternative, Eli Lilly’s Lyumjev, is not yet available in Australia.

Adocia, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is also advancing its phase 3 study of BioChaperone Lispro, belonging to the latest generation of ultra-rapid insulins, standing alongside Fiasp and Lyumjev.

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