The Hon. Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health
The Hon. Michelle Landry MP
Member for Capricornia
Assistant Minister for Children and Families
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia
Patients living with one of Australia’s most common forms of leukaemia are set to benefit from expanded access to a breakthrough medicine through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
From 1 December, access to Venclexta® (venetoclax) will be extended in combination with obinutuzumab for the first-line treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia who have co-existing conditions and are unsuitable for fludarabine-based chemo-immunotherapy.
Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said up to 500 patients every year are expected to benefit from this listing.
“The Liberal-Nationals Government is continuing to make important medicines available to Australians at affordable prices,” Ms Landry said.
“Without the PBS subsidy, up to 500 patients would pay more than $69,250 per course of treatment. Thanks to the PBS subsidy, they will pay $41 per script or $6.60 with a concession card.”
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Venclexta listing provided new hope for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
“Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a relatively uncommon type of cancer however it is the most common type of leukaemia diagnosed in Australia with around 1,000 people diagnosed each year,” Minister Hunt said.
“Based on a landmark research discovery by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Venclexta was also co-developed and trialled in Australia, showcasing the great work of our nation’s medical researchers.”
These PBS listings have been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Since 2013, the Government has approved more than 2,500 new or amended listings on the PBS at an overall investment by the Government of over $11.8 billion.
The Government’s commitment to ensuring that Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.
