Those with arthritis, Crohn’s and osteoarthritis will benefit from a new formulation of adalimumab and the appearance of romosozumab on the PBS.
The PBAC and the PBS have made moves that will benefit rheumatology patients across a range of different diseases.
Patients with a range of rheumatological conditions may soon be able to access a new citrate-free, high-concentration formulation of adalimumab (Hyrimoz), after the medication was given a positive recommendation by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee earlier this week.
The PBAC recommendation includes two new doses (20mg and 80mg) at a higher concentration (100mg/ml). The 40mg dose has previously been recommended and is already available on the market.
Adalimumab is used to treat a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid, psoriatic and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa and uveitis.
“The PBAC’s recommendation supports our ongoing efforts to ensure these life-changing medicines are affordable and accessible to patients,” said Clint Holland, general manager at Sandoz ANZ.
“With a wider range of strengths for all approved indications for treatment, this important product will benefit an even broader number of Australians.”
Leanne Raven, chief executive of Chron’s and Colitis Australia, was similarly positive about the decision.
“This is an important medication for many Australians living with IBD. This recommendation can benefit [the] treatment of patients through the additional strengths being available,” she said.
In other pharmaceutical news, romosozumab (Evenity) has been added to the PBS as a first-line treatment after patients with severe, established osteoporosis have sustained a fracture.
To be eligible, patients must be at a very high risk of fracture, have a bone mineral density T-score of -2.5 or less, have had a symptomatic fracture from minimal trauma and had one or more additional hip or vertebral fractures in the previous 24 months or had two or more other fractures (including one symptomatic new fracture) in the previous 24 months.
Patients must not have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with anti-resorptive therapies, teriparatide or romosozumab.
Romosozumab is a monoclonal antibody that builds bone by targeting and binding sclerostin. It is administered through two subcutaneous injections (given at the same time) once a month for 12 months.
More information on romosozumab prescribing on the PBS here.
