From today, Australians with an aggressive form of prostate cancer will have access to cheaper medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Abiraterone acetate and prednisolone (Andriga-10®) will be listed for the first time for the treatment of castration-resistant metastatic carcinoma of the prostate (mCRPC).
mCRPC is an advanced stage of prostate cancer that continues to progress despite medical or surgical castration. When the disease progresses, it can cause severe symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue and fractures, which greatly affect quality of life.
Andriga-10® blocks hormones that fuel cancer growth, while prednisolone helps manage side effects. Together, they can slow the disease, ease symptoms and help patients feel better for longer.
In 2024, over 2,200 patients accessed a comparable treatment through the PBS.
Without subsidy patients might pay $930 per script.
PBS listing means eligible patients will pay a maximum of $25 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card.
Since July 2022, the Australian Government has approved extra funding for 399 new and amended listings on the PBS.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The medicine we're listing today will be life changing for men with an aggressive and advanced form of prostate cancer.
"The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring Australians can access the medicines they need at an affordable price.
"Without the PBS, Australian patients would pay thousands of dollars instead of the newly reduced maximum of $25 per script, or just $7.70 for those who hold a concession card."
