New PBS listings to counter short bowel syndrome and upper limb spasticity

Effective 1 October 2019 patients with intestinal failure associated with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS), and those suffering spasticity in the upper limbs, will have access to greater medicinal support on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Short Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that arises from an inability to absorb food nutrients and fluid across the gastrointestinal tract, and one that is often caused by surgical removal of all or part of the small intestine.

Australians experiencing SBS will be able to purchase first time listing Revestive (Teduglutide), a medicine that improves the absorption of nutrients and fluid from the gut.

Up to 70 patients per year will benefit from the listing, with the PBS subsidy saving patients up to $284,700 per year for treatment. 

In addition, the current listing of Dysport (clostridium Botulinum Type A Toxin – Haemagglutinin C Complex) will be extended to include patients with moderate to severe spasticity of the upper limbs, following an acute event.

Dysport temporarily relaxes overactive or contracting muscles, and resolves stiffness in the arm and/or hand.

Up to 6,600 patients per year will benefit from the listing. Without the PBS subsidy, patients might pay more than $9,700 per course of treatment.

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