FED: Arthritis sufferers welcome Enbrel listing
SYDNEY, Dec 11 AAP - Arthritis sufferers today welcomed a recommendation by federalhealth advisers to make the powerful drug Enbrel available on government subsidy.
Arthritis Australia said the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) hadrecommended Enbrel, an advanced arthritis drug which costs patients around $18,000 a year,be listed on the PBS.
The organisation said the drug would be made available on a restricted basis to peoplewith severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had not responded to traditional treatments.
Arthritis Australia Chief Executive Bridget Kirkham said the decision would mean long-termsavings for the health system.
"Making Enbrel affordable to those who need it will significantly reduce the cost burdenof arthritis on our economy, as patients will need less hospital treatment, home helpand other medical assistance," she said.
"We would now urge the government to make Enbrel available as soon as possible to bringrelief to those struggling with severe RA."
Dr Julien De Jager, president of the Australian Rheumatology Association, said thedecision to list Enbrel would reassure the seriously ill and taxpayers alike.
The government had baulked at listing Enbrel after a $100 million blowout in the costof another listed arthritis drug, Celebrex.
An estimated half a million Australians suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and, accordingto Arthritis Australia, cost the health care system an estimated $700 million, with $2.5billion in indirect costs.
Comment was being sought from the government.
AAP jjs/cjh
KEYWORD: ENBREL
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