New Cystic Fibrosis medicine added to PBS to benefit patients in Hinkler

The Coalition Government will subsidise a life-changing cystic fibrosis medicine which significantly extends the lives of patients while saving families up to a quarter of a million dollars a year.

Orkambi® will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 October 2018 for all patients over the age of 6 years who have the most the most common form of cystic fibrosis – two copies of the f508del mutation in the CFTR gene.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said this will provide over 1,200 Australian patients, and their families, with a longer and better life.

“I know we have local parents who have been advocating for this medicine to be listed and I congratulate them for their tenacity. As a parent, I too would fight to access medication that could give my sick child a better life,” he said.

Since coming into Government, the Coalition has helped improve the health of Australians by subsidising more than $9 billion worth of new medicines.

“Unlike Labor, we are subsidising all drugs recommended by the independent medical experts. We are now listing a new or amended medicine on the PBS on average every day of the year,” Mr Pitt said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt also announced, that from the start of September all eligible patients can access the medicine immediately with Vertex agreeing to our request to provide compassionate free access until the medicine is listed on the on the PBS on 1 October.

“Patients would otherwise pay up to $250,000 a year for Orkambi but with the Morrison Government’s investment they will now only pay a maximum of $39.50 per script, with concessional patients paying just $6.40,” Minister Hunt said.

“This is a landmark listing and we know how much it means to the entire cystic fibrosis community.”

“This medicine has been out of reach for many Australian families until now. It is truly life-changing for so many families and it will deliver joy, happiness and the hope of a better life.”

“We moved as quickly as possible to fund Orkambi following a positive recommendation from the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).”

The PBAC is independent of Government by law and in practice. By law the Federal Government cannot list a new medicine without a positive recommendation from PBAC.