Mesothelioma drug added to Pharmaceutical Benefits list
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended an extension of the listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS) of Alimta (pemetrexed) for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Given this advice, and following the Health Minister Tony Abbott’s arguments with a dying victim of the disease in Tasmania, the Government has said it wants Alimta to be listed for mesothelioma at the earliest opportunity, that is from 1 January 2008.
This will be subject to quick negotiations between the Department of Health and Ageing and the sponsor company on price and guarantee of supply.
The Opposition has supported this action, under the relevant caretaker Government processes.
The Government estimates the cost will be about $21 million between 2007-08 and 2011-12. The extension of the listing of Alimta is expected to benefit an average 300 patients a year between 2008 and 2011.
