Australian PBS listing for Kalydeco and Soliris

Kalydeco (ivacaftor) and Soliris (eculizumab) – new treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), respectively – will be listed on the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from December 1.

Health Minister Peter Dutton said the government had approved the listings of the medicines which will have significant health benefits for patients suffering these diseases.

USA-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ (Nasdaq: VRTX) Kalydeco is a new treatment for cystic fibrosis in patients with a specific gene mutation and is the first medicine to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis in these patients. The PBS listing of ivacaftor will help more than 250 Australians affected by the cystic fibrosis G551D gene mutation.

“The PBS subsidy of this medicine, which would otherwise cost approximately A$300,000 [$264,253] a year per patient, will bring great relief to the patients and the families of people affected by this life threatening condition,” Mr Dutton said.

A$174.5 million funding approved for ivacaftor on PBS