Afinitor gets Australian PBS listing

Australia’s government will make a medicine for the treatment of seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis more affordable, saving patients A$17,000 a year ($12,143), it was announced by Health Minister Greg Hunt on Saturday.

Swiss pharma giant Novartis’ (NOVN: VX) Afinitor (everolimus) is being listed on the expert Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from January 1, for the treatment of refractory seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

The medicine would cost around A$17,000 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.

Tuberous sclerosis complex causes benign tumors to grow in the brain and on other vital organs. It usually affects the central nervous system and results in a combination of symptoms including seizures. Treatment with Afinitor may reduce the frequency of seizures.

This listing will help people who suffer the terrible side-effects of tuberous sclerosis complex and at the same time saving families nearly A$20,000 a year.

This PBS listing was recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).