Australians with a rare, fatal heart condition will soon have subsidised access to a ground-breaking medicine for the first time, thanks to its new listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
From 1 February, Uptravi® (selexipag) will be PBS listed for the first time to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), for use in combination with existing PAH therapies.
It is estimated over 700 Australians could access Uptravi® for PAH through the PBS each year. Without subsidy, patients might pay more than $41,000 per year to access this medicine.
As a result of this listing, patients will now only pay $41.30 per script or $6.60 for concessional patients.
This listing can provide some patients with improvement in daily activities and quality of life, as well as delaying the need for injectable treatments and reducing the risks associated with IV infusions.
PAH is caused by narrowing or blockage of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. The heart needs to pump against this higher pressure to keep blood flowing through the lungs, making it work harder which can eventually cause heart failure.
PAH is a complex disease and can advance quickly if left untreated. Uptravi® can delay the progression of PAH for some patients.
The Australian Government continues to make important medicines available to Australians at affordable prices.
Each of these listings has been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Since 2013, the Australian Government has approved more than 2,550 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month - or one each day - at an overall investment by the Government of $12.4 billion.
The Government's commitment to ensuring that Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.
