PBS Announcement for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
The Australian Government has announced that Olaparib will now be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), for HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer patients with a faulty or mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
As part of the PBS listing, the Government has also announced that germline BRCA testing will now be reimbursed for all metastatic and early-stage breast cancer patients who may benefit from Olaparib to reduce their risk of recurrence, not just those with a high hereditary risk.
Additionally, under this PBS listing, germline BRCA testing will be reimbursed for all metastatic breast cancer patients who require the test to access PBS-subsidized treatment. Previously, only specific types of breast cancer were eligible for testing.
This new listing is expected to benefit approximately 300 patients annually. Without the subsidy, the cost of Olaparib treatment would be around $72,000 per course.
“The risk of facing a cancer diagnosis is higher for people with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, as is the chance the cancer will be aggressive and harder to treat...These listings offer new hope of slowing the progression of such prostate and breast cancers. Giving patients and their families more time together.”
The Hon Mark Butler MPMinister for Health and Aged Care
“This PBS listing ensures more Australian breast cancer patients have another option for affordable access to new medicines. We will continue to advocate for earlier, faster, fairer access to medicines for all Australians.”
Ben McDonaldCountry President of AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand
This information has been sourced from official authorities, including the Australian Government Department of Health.
