Cystic Fibrosis medicine on PBS will benefit Mackay children

SEPTEMBER 5, 2018: I welcome the move by the Morrison Government to subsidise a life-changing cystic fibrosis medicine which significantly extends the lives of patients while saving families up to a quarter of a million dollars a year.I had written to Health Minister Greg Hunt about putting Orkambi® on the PBS on a number of occasions, and also delivered a speech in parliament at about this time last year highlighting the experiences of Mackay children Ashlin Brazil and Maddie Kaddatz, who will both now be able to access this treatment.Orkambi® is life changing for these children and their families, with about 1200 across Australia being provided with longer life and less time in treatment.Orkambi® will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 October 2018 for all patients over the age of 6 years who have the most the most common form of cystic fibrosis - two copies of the f508del mutation in the CFTR gene.Health Minister Greg Hunt said patients would otherwise pay up to $250,000 a year for Orkambi but with the Morrison Government’s investment they will now only pay a maximum of $39.50 per script, with concessional patients paying just $6.40.” Minister Hunt said.This is a landmark listing and we know how much it means to the entire cystic fibrosis community.“This medicine has been out of reach for many Australian families until now. It is truly life-changing for so many families and it will deliver joy, happiness and the hope of a better life,” Mr Hunt said.“We moved as quickly as possible to fund Orkambi following a positive recommendation from the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).”Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. A defective gene causes a thick, sticky build- up of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Orkambi has been shown to slow the rate of decline in lung function and reduce the number of infections in people with cystic fibrosis.The PBAC is independent of Government by law and in practice. By law the Federal Government cannot list a new medicine without a positive recommendation from PBAC.Mr Christensen said since coming into Government, the Coalition has helped improve the health of Australians by subsidising more than $9 billion worth of new medicines.Health Minister Greg Hunt said in the recent Budget we announced our commitment to invest $2.4 billion in new medicines to build on our commitment to guarantee the essential services that all Australians rely on.“Our commitment to the PBS is rock solid. Together with Medicare, it is a foundation of our world-class health care system” Minister Hunt said.