A life-changing breast cancer medication that would otherwise cost patients around $71,820 per year will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the listing on the PBS of ribociclib (Kisqali®) from July 1 was welcome news for people with inoperable or metastatic hormone receptor positive breast cancer.
“Sadly, too many of us know someone who has had breast cancer,” Mr Chester said.
“Hormone receptor positive tumours are the most common form of breast cancer and account for most of the deaths from the disease.
“This investment of $703.6 million by the Federal Government will be welcome news for more than 3000 people across Australia diagnosed with this form of breast cancer.
“The cost of an effective, life-saving medication should not prevent someone from using it. The listing of this drug on the PBS will reduce financial stress on those who are already taking it and make it accessible to others who couldn’t otherwise afford to take it.”
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said by inhibiting two proteins that drive the growth of tumour cells, ribociclib — used in combination with other drugs — would slow the progression of inoperable and metastatic breast cancers in some patients.
The independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended the listing of Kisqali. By law, the Federal Government cannot list a new medicine without a positive recommendation from this committee.
The Coalition has helped to improve the health of Australians by subsidising approximately $9 billion worth of new medicines since coming into government.