Australia to fund new medicine to help end the transmission of HIV

The Australian government is taking a critical step in helping end the transmission of HIV infection in Australia with the April 1 listing of tenofovir with emtricitabine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS), said Health Minister Greg Hunt.

Known as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), the preventative medicine is for people at medium to high risk of HIV infection. It puts Australia in reach of being one of the first countries in the world to end the transmission of HIV, the minister noted.

PrEP is a medical innovation that will save Australian lives and the decision to list it is one of the most significant advancements in HIV transmission Australia has ever seen. The PrEP indication for tenofovir with emtricitabine was developed by US biotech major Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD), which markets the combination under the trade name Truvada.

The treatment involves taking an anti-retroviral medicine daily to reduce the risk of HIV infection and will now be a key component in our comprehensive commitment in the fight against HIV.

Subsidized cost

The A$180 million ($139 million) listing means up to 32,000 patients each year will pay a maximum of only A$39.50 per script, with concessional patients paying just A$6.40. Without subsidy patients would pay A$2,496 per year for this medicine.

This decision implements a recommendation by the independent expert Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), which found that PrEP significantly reduces the risk of sexually-acquired HIV.

The Committee emphasized that PrEP should form part of a comprehensive approach to sexual health and complement other safe sex practices.

The government is also providing A$1.2 million over five years for education and awareness activities for both prescribers and affected communities.

In addition to the PBS subsidization of PrEP, the government funds research, education and awareness activities on HIV prevention.

The Federal government is providing A$800,000 each year to community organizations including, the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations and the National Association of People with HIV Australia for education and awareness on HIV prevention.

In addition it is also providing A$4.4 million over two years to support translational research activities to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of blood borne viruses, including HIV.