Drug that helps Spinal muscular atrophy sufferers put on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
A YOUNG girl battling Spinal muscular atrophy has been given a massive boost with a much needed drug going on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
South East
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A YOUNG girl battling Spinal muscular atrophy has been given a massive boost with a much needed drug going on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Ally, 10, and her mother Georgia Clarke joined federal Treasurer Scott Morrison, Health Minister Greg Hunt and Dunkley MP Chris Crewther at Frankston Hospital today as they discussed the drug Spinraza going on the PBS.
Mr Hunt noted the drug had cost individuals more than $300,000 per year, but would now be affordable.
He said the government had committed $240 million so Spinraza could go on the PBS. Mr Hunt said this would give Ally, of Seaford, and other children access to life changing treatment immediately.
Mr Morrison said this and other initiatives announced in the budget, including funding for the Baxter rail project, had been made possible by a stronger economy.
“Our budget is a plan for a stronger economy,” he added.
Spinraza helps build muscle mass and will cost about $40 per script on the PBS — a program of the Federal Government that provides subsidised prescription drugs.
Mr Hunt said the budget featured $30 billion of additional funding for Australian hospitals.