Australians with different types of cardiomyopathies now have access to new treatments under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Tafamidis (Vyndamax®) will be listed for the first time to treat transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I-II.
ATTR-CM is a rare, late onset and progressive disease of the heart muscle. An abnormal protein builds up in the heart, causing the heart muscle to thicken, preventing it from working normally and leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. Left untreated, this condition leads to heart failure.
Vyndamax works by preventing this dangerous build-up and helping to slow the progression of the disease.
The 1 May listing is expected to benefit 1,200 Australians. Without subsidy, Vyndamax might cost patients around $122,000 per year of treatment.
Australians with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) will also have access to a new treatment through the PBS, with the first time listing of mavacamten (Camzyos®).
HCM is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thicker and less flexible, making it harder for the heart to fill and to pump blood.
Obstructive HCM is when this muscle thickening blocks blood flow, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen and veins in the neck.
Camzyos works by reducing excess contractions and the obstruction to blood flow.
This listing is expected to benefit 3,600 Australians. Without subsidy, Camzyos might cost patients around $30,000 per year of treatment.
By listing these medicines on the PBS, eligible patients will now pay only a maximum of $31.60 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“Cardiomyopathy covers a number of diseases that affect the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body. If left undiagnosed and untreated, these conditions can lead to heart failure.
“That’s why it’s vitally important that Australians have ready and affordable access to the latest treatments.
“By listing Vyndamax and Camzyos on the PBS, we’re giving patients and their doctors new options for treatment at an affordable price.
“It’s part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to keep medicines cheaper for Australians.”
