Australia lowers cost of motor neurone disease drug
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The Australian Government reduced the cost of Radicava, a drug for motor neurone disease (MND), from $28,000 to $25,000 after listing it on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
This change makes the treatment more affordable for Australians living with MND, a condition that progressively damages motor neurones and leads to muscle weakness. Previously, the high price of Radicava created a barrier for many patients seeking to slow the progression of their disease.
The PBS listing means the government will subsidise a portion of the drug’s cost, lowering the out-of-pocket expense for individuals. The decision to subsidise Radicava followed a recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), an independent body that advises the government on which medicines to add to the PBS. The PBAC assessed Radicava and determined it provided sufficient clinical benefit to justify its inclusion.
The government anticipates this change will improve the quality of life for people diagnosed with MND in Australia. Motor neurone disease is a debilitating condition with limited treatment options, and Radicava represents one of the few available therapies to potentially extend survival.
