Tremfya and Ilumya to be listed on Australia's PBS

The Australian government said on Friday that it will make two new medicines for the treatment of the skin condition psoriasis more affordable, saving patients up to A$32,600 ($23.453) per year.

Tremfya (guselkumab), from Janssen, part of US healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), is being listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from February 1 for the treatment of severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

The medicine would cost around A$30,200 per patient, per year without PBS subsidy. Under the PBS the price goes down to just A$40.30 per script, or A$6.50 for concessional patients.

Psoriasis, which is a lifelong condition without a cure, can impact the emotional and social wellbeing of affected people. It can be associated with psychosocial issues including social isolation, poor self-image, depression and anxiety.

Treatment with Tremfya neutralizes the activity of a protein called interleukin (IL)-23, and reduces proteins in the skin responsible for forming the plaques seen in psoriasis

This listing will help people who suffer the terrible effects of severe chronic plaque psoriasis and at the same time saving families more than A$30,000 a year.

The government will also list Ilumya (tildrakizumab), from India drug major Sun Pharmaceuticals (BSE: 524715), on the PBS from February 1. This medicine treats severe chronic plaque psoriasis too.

The medicine would also cost around A$32,600 per patient, per year without PBS subsidy. Under the PBS the price goes down to just A$40.30 per script, or A$6.50 for concessional patients.

Treatment with Ilumya reduces the inflammation and other symptoms of the disease and promotes skin clearance.

These two medicines are expected to benefit 3,600 Australian patients with this condition. The PBS listings were recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).

The recent 2018–19 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) invests a further A$1.4 billion in new medicines, saving sick Australians hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.