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2 clusters · 5 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Australian PBS subsidy for SOD1-related MND treatment

Overview

The Australian Federal Government has announced that the drug Tofersen will be subsidized via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) starting October 1. The medication targets a rare genetic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a subtype of motor neurone disease (MND) involving a specific SOD1 gene mutation.

In patients with this mutation, the gene causes a “toxic gain of function” that destroys motor neurons. Clinical experts note that Tofersen works by reducing the amount of toxic protein in these neurons, which may slow disease progression and help patients maintain physical function.

The PBS listing is expected to provide targeted treatment for approximately 70 Australians annually. The subsidy will significantly lower costs, reducing the price from roughly $28,600 per script to a maximum of $25 for eligible patients, or $7.70 for concession card holders.

Entities

Tofersen · Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme · PBS · Mark Butler · Australian Government

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Australia expands palliative care support and subsidizes MND treatment

    Australia is expanding palliative care support through new pharmacist training initiatives and subsidizing the MND drug Tofersen via the PBS, significantly reducing costs for ALS patients.

  2. 6 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Tofersen treatment for rare MND to be subsidized on PBS

    Starting October 1, the PBS will subsidize Tofersen, a new treatment for a rare form of motor neurone disease caused by the SOD1 gene mutation, helping to slow disease progression.

Sources

mindbodygreen.com · psa.org.au · psnews.com.au · regionriverina.com.au · waToday.com.au