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), UptraviĀ® (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

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

ā€œOur 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.ā€

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.

ā€œLiving with PAH can mean difficulty carrying out day-to-day tasks, work, travel and social opportunities.

ā€œThis can have a major impact on patientsā€™ functioning and physical, psychological and social wellbeing.ā€

Dr Sophie Glover-Koudounas, Executive Director, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Janssen Australia and New Zealand, adds: ā€œWe 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.

ā€œWe commend the Federal Governmentā€™s commitment to bringing about the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for Australians living with a rare disease through itsĀ National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Disease, with this listing being a tangible demonstration of this,ā€ she says.

References:

  1. Department of Health. Recommendations Made by the PBAC – July 2020. Available at:Ā 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:Ā http://www.pbs.gov.au/pbs/home
  3. Department of Health. Pharmaceutical Benefits: Fees, Patient Contributions and Safety Net Thresholds. Available at:Ā http://www.pbs.gov.au/info/healthpro/explanatory-notes/front/fee

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