Ipsen’s Dysport PBS listing extended in cerebral palsy

Pharma News: Thousands of Australian children living with cerebral palsy now have access to an additional treatment option following a Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing extension to treat upper limb moderate-­severe spasticity with Dysport.

Dysport (Clostridium botulinum type A toxin-­haemagglutinin complex), a neurological toxin derived from the C botulinum bacterium, is now PBS listed for the treatment of moderate-­severe spasticity of the upper limb in children with cerebral palsy aged two years and over.

Upper limb spasticity in either one or both arms affects more than two-­thirds of children living with cerebral palsy. Upper limb spasticity in children causes involuntary and uncontrolled muscle contractions in the elbow, wrist, and finger muscles.

According to paediatrician Dr Chris Ingall, Lismore, NSW, “Ipsen is an established provider globally in the neurotoxin field and Dysport’s new listing adds to the armamentarium to manage and address the often profound impacts of moderate and severe spasticity on children’s lives.

“Around 1 in 700 Australian children live with cerebral palsy and are faced with daily challenges resulting from debilitating and uncontrollable muscle spasms and limited muscle movement,” Dr Ingall said.

“The PBS listing extension of Dysport is welcomed by the community, providing doctors with more options for Australian children and families living with cerebral palsy.

“Neurological toxin treatment can offer improvement in muscle tone, reducing stiffness and movement difficulties and may help improve a child’s ability to engage in daily activities,” said Dr Ingall.

“Children with cerebral palsy may further benefit from the growing evidence that supports the effects of Dysport lasting longer than 12 weeks.

“This may serve to expand the amount of time between painful injections which are often both physically and psychologically distressing on children,” Dr Ingall said.

The Dysport PBS listing for upper limb moderate-­severe spasticity in children with cerebral palsy is based on a Phase III study with children aged two to 17 years, being treated for upper limb spasticity due to cerebral palsy. The Phase III study was officially published last week in Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology.