On Friday, 21 August 2020, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) made announcements regarding two MS treatments seeking Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidy.
Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®)
Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®) was not recommended for listing on the PBS for Primary Progressive MS (PPMS).
This decision has been made despite already being registered for use in Australia in 2017 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), for the treatment of people living with Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
Mayzent® (siponimod)
Mayzent® (siponimod) has been recommended for listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for Secondary progressive MS (SPMS).
This treatment has previously been registered for use in Australia by the TGA, for the treatment of people living with SPMS, but will now be subsidised.
Always speak to your neurologist or treating GP about what treatment best suits your individual circumstances.
For further details regarding these announcements, head to MS Australia’s website.