Australians with a rare, fatal heart condition will soon have subsidised access to a ground-breaking medicine for the first time, thanks to its new listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
From 1 February, Uptravi® (selexipag) will be PBS-listed for the first time to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), for use in combination with existing PAH therapies.
It is estimated over 700 Australians could access Uptravi® for PAH through the PBS each year. Without subsidy, patients might pay more than $41,000 per year to access this medicine.
As a result of this listing, patients will now only pay $41.30 per script or $6.60 for concessional patients.
“This listing can provide some patients with improvement in daily activities and quality of life, as well as delaying the need for injectable treatments and reducing the risks associated with IV infusions,” said Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt.
“PAH is caused by narrowing or blockage of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. The heart needs to pump against this higher pressure to keep blood flowing through the lungs, making it work harder which can eventually cause heart failure,” he said.
“PAH is a complex disease and can advance quickly if left untreated. Uptravi® can delay the progression of PAH for some patients.
“The Australian Government continues to make important medicines available to Australians at affordable prices.”
A treatment drug for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has also been added to the expanded PBS listing, the Health Minister announced yesterday.
Vyvanse® (lisdexamfetamine) will now be available to patients who are diagnosed with ADHD after they turn 18 years old.
“The PBS listing extension means Vyvanse® is now subsidised for Australians diagnosed as adults, rather than as children,” said Mr Hunt.
“Around 20,000 patients accessed a comparable treatment for this condition and could benefit from this new treatment option. Without PBS subsidy, patients might pay more than $1,200 per year for treatment. They will now pay $41.30 per script, or $6.60 with a concession card.”
He said the medicine may help to increase a patient’s ability to pay attention, stay focused, and stop fidgeting.
Some studies suggest that up to 3% of Australian adults have ADHD.
