A Nowra father of three now has life-changing access to affordable cancer treatment, with his medicine now listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Clinton James, 42, who was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)10 years ago, is one of around 130 Australians that will save around $8200 per script with the addition of Selpercatinib (Retevmo®) on the PBS.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said she was delighted with the announcement made on August 1.
“I’ve been working alongside Clinton and advocating for his medicine to be added to the PBS,” Mrs Phillips said.
“I know being diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer has been very distressing for Clinton and his family, and I’m so pleased they will be able to go about their lives without the added burden of costly medical treatment.”
Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler said the Albanese Government was making health care affordable for all Australians, including people with cancers and rare genetic disorders.
“Without the PBS subsidy patients like Clinton might pay up to $8,200 per script, but this PBS listing means eligible patients will pay a maximum of $25 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card,” he said.
“This is precisely why our Government invests so strongly in making medicines cheaper, giving help and hope to Australians with serious health conditions.”
Clinton said the listing was a great outcome for himself and other MTC patients, including children, that required access to the “life-saving and life-changing medicine”.
"Thanks to the strong advocacy of some kind and dedicated people, including Fiona, a successful outcome has been reached,” he said.
"Affordable access to the medication I need will allow me to continue working and providing for my family and being there for those important milestones that mean so much to me as a father and husband.
"Minister Butler and the Albanese Government have shown that Australia is capable of recognising the ever-changing landscape of medical science and recognising the life changing impacts that these types of medicines can have on patients who need them to continue living a productive and fulfilling life.
"I sincerely thank Minister Butler, his team, the wonderful advocates and my local Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips for showing compassion and understanding and for giving many of us hope for the future.”
Selpercatinib (Retevmo®) will be expanded for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic MTC, a rare type of thyroid cancer that develops in cells of the thyroid gland and can spread to other parts of the body.
Additionally, under new Medicare arrangements, patients with thyroid cancer will be able to undergo genetic testing to identify mutations in the RET gene, to confirm eligibility for treatment with Retevmo.
Since July 2022, the Albanese Government has approved extra funding for 474 new and amended listings on the PBS.
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with cancer patient Clinton James who now has access to cheaper medicine under the PBS.
