5 years ago
SYMDEKO FINALLY LISTED AFTER SEVEN MONTHS OF SUFFERING
CHRIS BOWEN MP
Today the Morrison Government has announced that the life changing Cystic Fibrosis drug Symdeko will be available for those over 12 and alternate drug Orkambi will be expanded to include 2 to 5 year olds on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from 1 December.
Greg Hunt has been dragged kicking and screaming to make this PBS listing.
While better late than never, the seven month wait that sufferers of cystic fibrosis have endured is deeply regrettable
Symdeko was recommended for listing on the PBS in March.
The drug is a form of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, and treats the most common Cystic Fibrosis mutation (F508del), extending life expectancy and improving quality of life.
It is estimated to extend life for those with Cystic Fibrosis by 20 years.
Cystic Fibrosis Australia CEO Nettie Burke, who has been a fearless advocate for listing Symdeko on the PBS earlier this month said:
“Seven months of lung damage, seven months of mental stress and strain, seven months of a blame game and seven months of the best hopes and the worst fear exacerbated. Years of hope dashed by seven months.”
And Nettie is right.
Greg Hunt made a promise to those with Cystic Fibrosis they would have access to Symdeko on the PBS as soon as it was approved.
And he has let those 3,500 Australians down.
So while we welcome this announcement today, and are relieved for the Cystic Fibrosis community we point out that the Minister spent seven months ignoring Australia’s pharmaceutical experts and Cystic Fibrosis patients.
Labor will hold this Government to account for every PBS listing that they unnecessarily delay to ensure all Australians have a fair shot at a healthy life.
Greg Hunt has been dragged kicking and screaming to make this PBS listing.
While better late than never, the seven month wait that sufferers of cystic fibrosis have endured is deeply regrettable
Symdeko was recommended for listing on the PBS in March.
The drug is a form of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, and treats the most common Cystic Fibrosis mutation (F508del), extending life expectancy and improving quality of life.
It is estimated to extend life for those with Cystic Fibrosis by 20 years.
Cystic Fibrosis Australia CEO Nettie Burke, who has been a fearless advocate for listing Symdeko on the PBS earlier this month said:
“Seven months of lung damage, seven months of mental stress and strain, seven months of a blame game and seven months of the best hopes and the worst fear exacerbated. Years of hope dashed by seven months.”
And Nettie is right.
Greg Hunt made a promise to those with Cystic Fibrosis they would have access to Symdeko on the PBS as soon as it was approved.
And he has let those 3,500 Australians down.
So while we welcome this announcement today, and are relieved for the Cystic Fibrosis community we point out that the Minister spent seven months ignoring Australia’s pharmaceutical experts and Cystic Fibrosis patients.
Labor will hold this Government to account for every PBS listing that they unnecessarily delay to ensure all Australians have a fair shot at a healthy life.