BREAST Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has welcomed a PBAC recommendation to subsidise the breast cancer drug Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) for HER2-low metastatic breast cancer on the PBS.
However, BCNA's Director of Policy, Advocacy & Support Services, Vicki Durston, emphasised that challenges remain as the drug continues to be out of reach for many due to its cost.
Durston highlighted that despite PBAC's recommendation, AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical company behind Enhertu, has yet to lower the price of its Patient Access Program, keeping the drug financially inaccessible for many.
The current program requires patients to pay up to $50,000 in co-payments, a significant burden for women.
BCNA has persistently called on AstraZeneca to ensure greater equity in access to Enhertu, noting its potential to prolong lives.
Speaking to Pharmacy Daily, an AstraZeneca spokesperson said, "AstraZeneca is pleased to learn that the PBAC recommended reimbursed access to Enhertu and we will continue to work with the Department to finalise the next steps to enable a timely PBS listing.
"While the PBAC continues to review applications under the current guidelines, we believe the ongoing Health Technology Assessments review is critical to continue to drive reform to the PBS to deliver earlier, faster, fairer access to medicines."
AstraZeneca stated it supports Medicines Australia's vision for faster access to medicines, with reimbursed access achieved within approximately 60 days of registration with the TGA.
The company's spokesperson explained that currently, the average time from registration to reimbursement is 466 days.
"AstraZeneca continues to advocate for an Interim Cancer Fund, as we believe this is the best way to provide faster and fairer access to new medicines, bridging the gap between TGA approval and PBS reimbursement," the spokesperson concluded. JG
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 29 Apr 24
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 29 Apr 24