PBS listings to treat prostate cancer, heart failure and Crohn’s disease

Pharma News: In addition to the recently announced PBS listings in severe asthma and HIV, patients are set to benefit from the reimbursement of therapies in prostate cancer, heart failure, Castleman disease and Crohn’s disease from 1st April 2022.

AstraZeneca’s PARP inhibitors Lynparza (olaparib) is extended on the PBS to include the treatment of metastatic castration‑resistant prostate cancer in patients with specific pathogenic gene variants.

Lynparza is an oral treatment that has shown improved survival outcomes for patients with the specific gene variants (called BRCA1 or BRCA2) in their prostate cancer. Without PBS subsidy, around 200 Australians may pay around $78,000 per course of treatment.

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly’s type 2 diabetes drug Jardiance (empagliflozin 10mg) will be subsidised for Australians living with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and whose symptoms may persist despite existing treatment.

Professor Andrew Coats, Cardiologist from Melbourne and President of the Heart Failure Association, said “Many people with heart failure suffer greatly in their daily lives. They will certainly welcome news of the availability of a new treatment option.”

Link Medical has secured PBS listing for Sylvant (siltuximab) in treating people with idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease.

Castleman disease is a rare disorder involving an overgrowth of cells in the lymphatic system. While idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease can occur at any age, patients generally present with symptoms in their 50s and 60s. Without PBS subsidy, around 70 Australians might pay around $135,000 per year of treatment.

Chiesi’s Entocort (budesonide) will also be listed for Australians with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Entocort helps to reduce this inflammation during times when patients have a flare and are not in remission on the maintenance treatment.

The Health Industry Hub news and content is copyright protected and access is provided under individual user licenses. Visit https://www.healthindustryhub.com.au/about-us/ and T&Cs for more information.