Medicine company, Lilly Australia has launched an online platform to help patients access medicines that fall outside of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), with pharmacists central to how the service works.
A new pathway
Called LillyDirect, the platform lets eligible patients submit an e-script to a secure online system, which is then directed to a licensed third-party pharmacist for dispensing and home delivery.
The service will begin with Mounjaro, prescribed for chronic weight management, type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea with obesity, before expanding to other Lilly medicines not funded through the PBS.
Evermed is reportedly the third-party pharmacy party.
According to Lilly Australia, every order is verified and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist in line with standard practice, and patients are given the dispensing pharmacy’s contact details so they can ask questions about their medications.
“Similarly, pharmacists are able to contact patients directly before dispensing, where appropriate,” says the company.
Responding to a funding gap
Lilly Australia General Manager, Manny Simons, says the new service offering is a direct response to the growing challenges of securing government funding for new medicines.
“LillyDirect is about making medicines not funded through the PBS more accessible and affordable for more Australians,” he says.
“LillyDirect is a new option for dispensing medicines that complements the vital role of pharmacists while responding to the evolving needs and expectations of patients.”
Affordability without PBS pricing
The company says that “while patients shouldn’t expect PBS pricing through this new offering”, it’s a step towards “greater affordability”.
“It’s important to note that Lilly remains committed to securing the PBS listing of new medicines, where it is viable to do so,” they say.
Lilly research has also found that transparency and reduced stigma around collecting certain medicines — which “can be associated with collecting certain medicines in person” — is valued by patients.
A click-and-collect option is planned for the coming months.
