GSK secures PBS listing for first COPD biologic

Nucala (mepolizumab) has become the first biologic treatment to be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for adults living with uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and raised blood eosinophils, as an add-on to inhaler triple therapy.

The PBS listing comes as COPD continues to impose a significant health burden in Australia. Around 500,000 Australians aged 45 and over are estimated to be living with the condition, while studies suggest that 20%-35% of people with COPD have elevated blood eosinophils, which can increase the risk of flare-ups, or exacerbations, of COPD symptoms.

Mark Brooke, Chief Executive Officer of Lung Foundation Australia, said “Living with uncontrolled COPD can be incredibly challenging. Managing breathlessness, infections and repeated flare-ups can be a source of ongoing anxiety and make everyday life harder.”

GSK’s interleukin inhibitor Nucala delivered a 21% reduction in the annualised rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations compared with placebo, meeting the primary endpoint of the MATINEE study. It also reduced the annual rate of exacerbations resulting in emergency room visits and hospitalisations by 35%, meeting one of the study’s key secondary endpoints.

Dr Gregory King, Head of Respiratory Medicine at the Royal North Shore Hospital and Research Leader at The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, welcomed the PBS listing.

“One of the challenges in COPD management is that many people with uncontrolled COPD continue to experience flare-ups despite inhaler triple therapy,” said Dr King. “Some people with COPD have raised eosinophils, which are associated with an increased risk of flare-ups. The PBS listing provides subsidised access to an additional treatment option for eligible patients who meet the PBS criteria.”

Andrew Thomas, Vice President and General Manager, GSK Australia, said “We are delighted that eligible Australians with uncontrolled COPD and raised eosinophils will now have access to Nucala on the PBS. GSK is committed to improving outcomes for people living with respiratory diseases.”

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