The decisions were made as part of PBAC’s May meeting.
Take note, dermatologists.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has recommended the General Schedule, Authority Required (in writing) listing of bimekizumab (Bimzelx, UCB Australia) for the treatment of moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
For guselkumab (Tremfya, Janssen-Cilag) it has also recommended a pre-filled pen for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.
The announcement relates to the 100mg in 1ml single use pre-filled pen for guselkumab, and four forms of bimekizumab:
- 160mg in 1mL single use pre-filled pen
- 160mg in 1mL single use pre-filled syringe
- 320mg in 2mL single use pre-filled pen
- 320mg in 2mL single use pre-filled syringe
“The PBAC’s recommendation was based on, among other matters, its assessment that the cost effectiveness of bimekizumab would be acceptable if it were cost minimised to the least costly alternative therapy of either secukinumab or adalimumab,” the PBAC meeting outcomes document read.
The PBAC felt there was sufficient evidence to suggest that guselkumab provided some patients with significantly greater efficacy than adalimumab, etanercept and ustekinumab.
“The PBAC’s recommendation for listing was based on, among other matters, its assessment that the cost effectiveness of guselkumab PFP would be acceptable if it were cost-minimised to the least costly alternative therapy of guselkumab PFS, bimekizumab, ixekizumab, tildrakizumab, risankizumab and secukinumab,” the document read.
Bimekizumab is also indicated for the treatment of adult patients with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondylarthritis, while guselkumab is also indicated for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
