For the first time in 15-years, women with an invasive form of early breast cancer will now have access to an additional medicine via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
From 1 May 2024, the drug abemaciclib (Verzenio®) will be expanded on the PBS to treat patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-), lymph node positive, invasive, resected early breast cancer at high risk of disease recurrence.
Sadly, these women face a one-in-three chance of their cancer coming back despite surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and ongoing hormone therapy.
“Every year thousands of Australian women get a lifechanging breast cancer diagnosis,” said Federal Health and Aged Care Minister, Mark Butler.
“The Albanese Government is working hard to ensure each one gets the latest and the best treatment at a price they can afford.
“This listing of Verzenio will benefit thousands of Australian women, and is yet another example of how the Albanese Government is delivering on its promise to provide cheaper medicines.”
Early breast cancer is invasive cancer that is contained in the breast and may or may not have spread to lymph nodes in the breast or armpit. HR+, HER2- breast cancer is the most common form of breast cancer, accounting for around 70% of all cases.
Verzenio works by blocking the action of specific overactive proteins that signal cancer cells to grow. This helps to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
This lifechanging listing is expected to benefit around 2,400 patients per year. Without subsidy, patients may pay $97,000 per course of treatment.
The PBS listing of this medicine means eligible patients will pay only a maximum of $31.60 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card.
