Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has conceded the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is under growing pressure as billion-dollar drug companies demand higher prices for their products, leaving patients caught in the middle even as more life-changing medicines are added.
Until now, mum Kirsti Wetton has relied on an EpiPen to save her daughters’ lives if they suffer a severe allergic reaction. Now they have another option.
New nasal spray for anaphylaxis added to PBS
Neffy, the first adrenaline nasal spray for anaphylaxis, is being added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. “A really amazing addition to our first aid kit,” Wetton said. “It’ll give us more freedom.” The new treatment will benefit about 150,000 Australians, who will only pay $25 per dose. “We are confident that it will work appropriately in the right situation,” allergy specialist Professor Connie Katelaris said.
Some patients missing out on PBS coverage
But while some Australians gain access to new medicines, others are missing out. Jessica Panigiris, 36, has a rare form of ovarian cancer and has to fundraise to access some treatment. “A lot of the medications that we need aren’t covered under the PBS,” she said. Advocates say patients are waiting too long. “Unfortunately, the pace that medicines are coming to market to Australian patients is far too slow,” Rare Cancers Australia CEO Christine Cockburn said. “The outcomes are worse and they’re dying sooner.”
Government acknowledges need for improvement
Butler agrees the system needs to improve. “We’d like to see it happen more quickly and we’re doing a lot of work with industry and patient groups on that right now,” he told 7NEWS. Pressure is mounting as drug companies say new medicines cost more to develop and want higher prices. Changes in the US are also adding to the strain. But the government says it won’t write a blank cheque. “That means often we’re in a price negotiation with those companies,” Butler said. “Our job is to make sure that taxpayer money is spent wisely.” Despite the global uncertainty, Butler has assured Australians they won’t be left behind. “So we want to see more and more of the world’s best medicines come to Australia and be listed on the PBS,” he said. “And that’s my commitment as Health Minister.”
