Dutton adds new medicines to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

SUFFERERS of cystic fibrosis and a rare disease that attacks organ function will be able to access cheaper treatments from December.

SUFFERERS of cystic fibrosis and a rare disease that attacks organ function will be able to access cheaper treatments from December.

Health Minister Peter Dutton today announced two new medicines for the diseases would be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

The medicines, Kalydeco, for cystic fibrosis and Soliris, or atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome, will be listed from December 1.

Mr Dutton said listing the Kalydeco medicine would help more than 250 Australians affected by cystic fibrosis, saving about $300,000 a year for each patient.

He also said listing the Soliris medicine, for the ultra-rare aHUS condition, would help sufferers and their families meet the $500,000 annual cost of that medicine.

Listing both medicines on the PBS will cost the government about $238 million over the next four years, the drug manufacturers will have to meet some conditions prior to the listing.
- APN NEWSDESK
 

Originally published as Dutton adds new medicines to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme