Last month we commemorated Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with approximately 55 Australians diagnosed every day and 1 in 7 women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
The Australian Government understands the lifechanging impacts this illness can have. This is why we are helping to improve access to vital treatment for Australians battling breast cancer.Â
As of the 1st of November 2021, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing of Verzenio® (abemaciclib) will also be expanded for use in combination with fulvestrant. Verzenio® works by inhibiting two proteins that drive the growth of tumour cells and when used in combination with fulvestrant can slow the progression of breast cancers in some patients.
The treatment will be accessible for non-premenopausal breast cancer patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) inoperable locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
This expanded PBS listing is expected to benefit around 1,600 Australians and their families each year. Without this PBS subsidy Australians would have to pay around $80,000 per course of treatment, instead they’ll only pay $41.30 per script or $6.60 with a concession card.
Listings like these help improve the lives of many Australians, ensuring they can access the treatment they need, while reducing their out of pocket costs.Â
Since 2013, the Coalition Government has approved more than 2,700 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $13.8 billion.
We are committed to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines when they need them.Â
