The Albanese Government has secured access to Fiasp and Fiasp FlexTouch on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) for Australians living with Type 1 diabetes for the next six months.
Fiasp is a fast acting insulin product currently used by approximately 14,000 people with Type 1 diabetes.
The decision comes after the sponsor of the drug, Novo Nordisk, decided to remove Fiasp from the PBS for commercial reasons on April 1 2023.
Under the Supply Only arrangements to be implemented by the Government from 1 April, patients who already have a prescription will be able to refill their current scripts and repeat scripts at a pharmacy over the next six months.
If you have previously used Fiasp, and do not have a current prescription please go to your doctor before April 1 to ensure you are able to access Fiasp through the Supply Only period, or to discuss longer term treatment alternatives.
The Government will continue to work with diabetes advocacy groups and industry to ensure Australians living with Type 1 diabetes will have access to fast acting insulin beyond the Supply Only period.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The decision by Novo Nordisk to withdraw Fiasp from the PBS has been deeply disappointing and distressing for Australians living with Type 1 diabetes and their families.
"Labor has a proud record of supporting Australians living with diabetes, including establishing the Insulin Pump Program in 2008 and last year giving all 130,000 Australians with Type 1 diabetes access to subsidised CGM products under the National Diabetes Services Scheme.
"The Government will continue to act in the best interests of Australians living with Type 1 diabetes."
