Zytiga (abiraterone) - recommendation to Minister to approve PBS listing

[Admin]

Back in October hundreds of men with prostate cancer, and those who care for them, came to our site to find out how to make a submission to the committee considering whether to recommend that Zytiga (abiraterone) goes on the PBS for men who have failed docetaxel chemotherapy.

 

The decision faced three hurdles:

• The committee had to make a recommendation.
• The company had to agree to the terms and conditions set.
• The Minister for Health had to approve the expenditure to Cabinet.

 

The first hurdle has been crossed, presumably helped by the many submissions of men and the people who care for them; the committee recommended listing on the PBS.

 

It now appears the second hurdle has also been crossed.

 

It is not official, but a statement is expected in "a week or two" from Janssen, the company offering Zytiga (abiraterone) confirming it has agreed to the latest terms set by the PBAC in its recommendation that Zytiga be listed on the PBS for Australian men who have failed treatment with the chemotherapy agent docetaxel.

 

The Minister has 6 months to consider the recommendation.

 

If you are one of the thousands of men who stand to gain a longer, higher quality life from this drug, now or in the future, it is time to think about writing to the Minister about a quick, humane decision.

 

The Advanced Prostate Cancer Support Group will have suggestions and help on this shortly. The PCFA (Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia) that we are affiliated with, and canSpeak have already sent such a letter to the Minister urging immediate action. Read that letter here.