People with motor neurone disease (MND) receiving a new treatment that helps to slow the progression of the disease can avoid daily trips to the hospital through Epworth at Home.
Radicava was listed on the PBS in May 2025 and is available on prescription for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – the most common form of MND. The new medication helps to slow down the progression of the illness, with the aim of improving the patient's quality of life.
In the first month of treatment, infusions must be given every day for 14 consecutive days. In subsequent months, this reduces to 10 infusions in a 14-day period followed by 14 days of no treatment.
Through Epworth at Home – a hospital-in-the-home service – patients receive the first doses of their first and second cycle as a hospital day admission, and if eligible, the remainder can be administered at their home by highly trained Epworth nurses.
"MND impacts daily functions like speech, swallowing, walking and fine motor skills, and it can also impact breathing. Our goal is to ensure patients can receive this new treatment in the comfort of their home - reducing the need to visit the hospital every day," Cindy Joffe, Epworth at Home Director, said.
"Travelling to hospital every day for 10 or 14 days in a row would be a significant burden for many of us, and our families, let alone for those experiencing the symptoms of MND. This is about providing considered and compassionate care while we work to get the best outcomes for our patients."
Nadine Fraginal, Epworth Nurse Unit Manager, said MND is a very rare condition but greatly affects patients' quality of life at an early age.
"MND is difficult to diagnose, and early detection is key as treatment needs to commence within 2 years of diagnosis. This is why our team is so committed to delivering this therapy promptly and compassionately," she said.
"Patients and their families have expressed deep gratitude for a service that not only eases the physical and emotional burden of hospital visits, but that also helps them stay actively involved in their own care."
To access the Epworth at Home service, patients must pass eligibility requirements and have a referral from their neurologist. The team will then work with them to arrange a schedule.
