Spinal arthritis med Simponi to list on Australia's PBS

The Australian government has announced that it will make a drug for severe inflammatory spinal arthritis more affordable when it is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), saving patients more than A$15,000 ($10,870) a year.

Almost 4,000 patients who suffer from active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis will benefit when Simponi (golimumab), which is marketed in Australia by Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) subsidiary Janssen, becomes available on the PBS on December 1.

Patients who would have had to pay over A$1,300 per script will only pay a maximum of A$39.50 per script, or only A$6.40 if they have a concession card.

The government has also negotiated immediate compassionate access for patients, meaning those who need it most will have access to the medication without having to wait until it’s listed on the PBS.

The medication will be of particular benefit to patients who are no longer able to relieve the inflammation and pain using conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended this listing.