Medical and patient community welcome PBS listing of Janssen’s prostate cancer therapy

Pharma News: Second-generation androgen receptor axis-targeted agents have ushered in a new era in the treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Starting from 1 June, Janssen’s cutting-edge drug, Erlyand (apalutamide), will be included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for mHSPC, offering a ray of hope for men grappling with this life-threatening condition, which carries a significantly higher mortality risk than its early-stage counterpart.

Last year, Erlyand secured its place on the PBS for non-metastatic prostate cancer (nmCRPC), affirming its effectiveness across various stages of the disease.

In Australia, where the five-year relative survival rate for Stage I prostate cancer stands at an impressive 100%, the stark reality is that the survival rate plunges to a mere 36.4% for Stage 4 cases. This stark contrast underscores the critical importance of early detection and the pressing need for targeted treatments tailored specifically to metastatic disease.

Renowned expert Professor Anthony Joshua from the Kinghorn Cancer Centre at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney welcomed the PBS listing of Erlyand as an additional therapeutic option for mHSPC, given the devastating impact this disease has on individuals.

“Metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer is a destructive cancer which has substantial impacts on patient survival and overall quality of life. Erlyand is one of the next-generation oral androgen receptor inhibitors, which block the action of testosterone in prostate cancer cells and works by preventing androgen from binding to the androgen receptor,” stated Professor Joshua.

The TITAN study compared Erlyand in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to a placebo plus ADT in patients with mHSPC. After a median follow-up period of 22.7 months, the risk of radiographic progression was slashed by an impressive 52% (p < 0.001). Moreover, an interim analysis of overall survival (OS) showed a remarkable 33% reduction in mortality risk favoring Erlyand plus ADT (p = 0.0053).

Anne Savage, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, expressed her relief on behalf of the patient community regarding the inclusion of Erlyand on the PBS.

“Living with metastatic prostate cancer can be incredibly difficult for those with the disease, as well as their loved ones and carers. Erlyand’s listing on the PBS represents an important step forward in providing an alternative treatment option to counter this often aggressive and advanced form of prostate cancer. With prostate cancer now being the most prevalent cancer in Australia, the need for continued investment in research to better understand the condition, and for new treatments including Erlyand to address the condition are crucial,” emphasised Ms Savage.

Erlyand received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in 2019 and represents a convenient once-daily oral treatment that patients can administer from the comfort of their homes, without the need for hospital visits or medical facilities.

Urs Voegeli, the Managing Director of Janssen Australia and New Zealand, sees the PBS listing of Erlyand as a testament to Janssen’s unwavering commitment to prostate cancer patients.

“Janssen has always been driven by supporting those who may benefit most from Erlyand, those currently living with prostate cancer. We extend our warmth and thanks to all those who have contributed to ensuring Erlyand is now available on the PBS, including the patient and medical communities, as well as the Federal Government.”

Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern, accounting for approximately 33% of male cancer diagnoses each year. The risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer increases with age, with Australian men facing a 1 in 7 chance of being diagnosed by the age of 75, which rises to 1 in 5 by the age of 85.

Regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is recommended for individuals living with mHSPC, as a rapid rise in PSA levels serves as an ominous sign of cancer spreading. Since PSA levels can fluctuate over time, consistent monitoring is crucial.

The availability of Erlyand through the PBS signifies a major stride forward in the fight against this aggressive form of cancer, providing patients and their families with additional treatment options and a chance for improved outcomes.

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