Cheaper Medicines For People Living With Cystic Fibrosis
The Australian Government is delivering more support for Australians with cystic fibrosis (CF) with a new medicine listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Vanzacaftor with tezacaftor and with deutivacaftor (Alyftrek®) will be listed for the first time to treat cystic fibrosis in people who have at least one mutation in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene which is responsive to treatment.
The listing will give more than 2,650 CF patients access to a new treatment which would otherwise cost them around $250,000 a year, will now cost a maximum of $25 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card.
CF is an incurable genetic disease which causes an abnormal amount of thick and sticky mucous in the lungs, digestive and other systems. Over time, this can cause irreversible damage to lungs and other organs.
This latest listing builds on better, more affordable access to CF medicines through the PBS since 2022, including making Trikafta® and Orkambi® available through the PBS for younger children and people with rare CFTR mutations.
These medicines together with improved treatment and care, have increased the life expectancy for people with CF from 47 to 60 years in the past two decades.
In addition to expanding access to life-changing medicines, the Australian Government is also strengthening Australia's research capability into the disease.
In 2025, the Australian Government delivered and investment of almost $280 million in health and medical research into CF and other chronic and complex conditions.
This investment through the National Health and Medical Research Council and Medical Research Future Fund programs underscores the government's continued commitment to improving health outcomes including for people living with cystic fibrosis.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"Alyftrek's PBS listing is great news for hundreds of Australians who live with rare mutations of CF.
"It will give them access to a more effective treatment which until now would have cost $250,000 a year - an impossible price for most people.
"The government subsidy applied through the PBS will reduce the cost to a maximum of $25 per script.
"As a result, these people will be able to lead longer and better-quality lives."
Quotes attributable to Dr Jo Armstrong, CEO Cystic Fibrosis Australia:
"This is a landmark moment for our community and a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when we advocate together as a strong, united national peak body. It shows that when our collective voice is heard, real progress follows.
"This is more than a listing. It sets a new horizon for innovative cystic fibrosis therapies being made available to Australians, in record time, strengthening treatment options and accelerating access for people who need them most.
"For people and families living with cystic fibrosis, this announcement brings relief, reassurance and hope. Affordable access through the PBS reduces financial pressure, supports better long-term health, and represents a significant step forward for equity in our healthcare system, regardless of postcode or income."
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/cheaper-medicines-for-people-living-with-cystic-fibrosis?language=en
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