Funding for new treatment for rare heart and lung disease welcomed

The Federal Government is providing funding for an oral treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a move welcomed by medical experts, patients and the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

From today (1 February 2021), Uptravi® (selexipag) will become available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for Australians with PAH, and will be reportedly used in combination with an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) and/or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE-5i). ^1,2

Eligible patients will now pay $41.30 (general patients) of $6.50 (concessional patients) for each treatment.³

“By having Uptravi available on the PBS, clinicians now have a more complete arsenal of treatments available to tackle this disease,” says Dr Helen Whitford, Respiratory Physician, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Lung Transplantation Service, The Alfred.

“Our overall treatment goal for people living with PAH is to keep overall disease risk as low as possible. This translates into better long-term outcomes for patients.”

Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke says this PBS listing is another step towards more equitable access for patients to receive the best treatment for their lung disease.

“Living with PAH can mean difficulty carrying out day-to-day tasks, work, travel and social opportunities.

“This can have a major impact on patients’ functioning and physical, psychological and social wellbeing.”

Dr Sophie Glover-Koudounas, Executive Director, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Janssen Australia and New Zealand, adds: “We are proud as a company to have achieved a listing for Uptravi on the PBS for this rare disease that can go undiagnosed for too long and is in an area of significant unmet need.

“We commend the Federal Government’s commitment to bringing about the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for Australians living with a rare disease through its National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Disease, with this listing being a tangible demonstration of this,” she says.

References:

1. Department of Health. Recommendations Made by the PBAC – July 2020. Available at: https://www.pbs.gov.au/industry/listing/elements/pbac-meetings/pbac-outcomes/2020-07/positive-recommendations-07-2020.pdf
2. Department of Health. Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits. Available at: http://www.pbs.gov.au/pbs/home
3. Department of Health. Pharmaceutical Benefits: Fees, Patient Contributions and Safety Net Thresholds. Available at: http://www.pbs.gov.au/info/healthpro/explanatory-notes/front/fee