{"id":3974,"date":"2019-10-22T04:16:43","date_gmt":"2019-10-22T04:16:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/?p=3974"},"modified":"2019-10-22T04:16:43","modified_gmt":"2019-10-22T04:16:43","slug":"life-changing-medicines-listings-to-save-cystic-fibrosis-patients-up-to-250000-a-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/2019\/10\/22\/life-changing-medicines-listings-to-save-cystic-fibrosis-patients-up-to-250000-a-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Life-changing medicines listings to save cystic fibrosis patients up to $250,000 a year"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Morrison Government will provide immediate access to life-changing medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to help support people with cystic fibrosis, saving them and their families up to $250,000 per year.
\nFrom 1 December 2019, the life-changing cystic fibrosis medicine Symdeko\u00ae will be listed on the PBS for patients with cystic fibrosis over the age of 12, who have specific gene mutations.
\nThe current listing of Orkambi\u00ae will also be expanded for children aged 2-5 years of age, allowing earlier access to this life changing medicine.
\nPatients can gain access to Symdeko\u00ae and Orkambi\u00ae immediately, with the manufacturer agreeing to the Government\u2019s request to provide early access, until the medicine is listed on the PBS on 1 December.
\nThis is expected to provide new or improved treatment options for up to 1,400 patients.
\nPeople might otherwise pay up to $250,000 a year for Symdeko\u00ae, or for Orkambi\u00ae, but with the Government\u2019s investment they will now only pay a maximum of $40.30 per script, with concessional people paying just $6.50.
\nIn Australia, one in 2,500 babies are born with cystic fibrosis, and there is currently no cure.
\nCystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. A defective gene causes a thick, sticky build-up of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs.
\nThe average life expectancy for Australians with cystic fibrosis is 38, still less than half that of the average Australian.
\nThis is why it is so important to provide access to new medicines that can extend the lives of people with cystic fibrosis.
\nThe Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended these medicines be listed on the PBS.
\nPBAC is independent of Government by law and in practice. By law, the Federal Government cannot list a new medicine without a positive recommendation from PBAC.
\nUnlike Labor, we are subsidising all drugs recommended by the independent medical experts.
\nSince 2013, the Government has listed more than 2,200 new or amended items on the PBS.
\nThis represents an average of around 30 listings per month \u2013 or one each day \u2013 at an overall cost of around $10.6 billion.
\nOur commitment to ensuring that all Australians can access affordable medicines remains rock solid. Our plan for a strong economy continues to deliver record funding for essential health services that saves lives.
\nMore information these new PBS listings:<\/p>\n