OPDIVO® becomes the first and only immuno-oncology therapy PBS listed for advanced lung and kidney cancer1,2
Federal Government confirms PBS listings quickly to give patients affordable access to new treatment
OPDIVO® now PBS listed for three indications across melanoma, lung and kidney cancer 1,2
Sunday 30th July 2017 – Bristol-Myers Squibb today announced that OPDIVO® (nivolumab) will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1st August for locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and advanced (stage IV) clear cell variant renal cell carcinoma (RCC)1,2.
The PBS listings represent the first time patients with advanced NSCLC and RCC will have PBS reimbursed access to immuno-oncology therapy.
The 1st August PBS listing of OPDIVO® is for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC (advanced lung cancer) who have progressed on or after prior platinum based chemotherapy1,2 .
The PBS listing in advanced kidney cancer is for patients with stage IV clear cell variant RCC, after prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in adults1,2.
Brent Pfeiffenberger, General Manager for Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia and New Zealand, welcomed both PBS listings and commended the Federal Government on a quick decision following positive recommendations by the PBAC in March.
"OPDIVO® will be the first and only immuno-oncology therapy with a PBS listing for advanced lung and advanced kidney cancer. The Federal Government has listened to these communities and acted quickly to give eligible patients reimbursed access to a treatment that is improving survival," said Brent Pfeiffenberger.
"At Bristol-Myers Squibb, we are driven to work with speed to help more cancer patients. With the addition of advanced lung and advanced kidney cancer, we have expanded the PBS listing of OPDIVO® in Australia to include three distinct types of advanced cancer – kidney cancer, melanoma and lung cancer. OPDIVO® is cementing immuno-oncology as an established treatment option in the fight against cancer," said Brent Pfeiffenberger.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia3 with 8,000 people dying from the disease each year3. Around 80-85% of diagnosed lung cancers are NSCLC 4 with the non-squamous form of NSCLC diagnosed in the majority of cases4.
Around 3,500 new cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed every year in Australia5, with approximately 75% confirmed as clear cell variant RCC6.
Patient groups welcomed the PBS listing announcements that give patients with advanced NSCLC and advanced RCC reimbursed access to immuno-oncology therapy.
"Lung cancer is a devastating disease that kills more Australians than any other cancer; more even than melanoma, prostate and breast cancer combined. The lack of treatment options, especially in later stages of the disease, has resulted in a significant unmet medical need that had to be addressed," said Heather Allan, CEO of Lung Foundation Australia.
"This makes the PBS listing of OPDIVO® in advanced lung cancer all the more welcome and we congratulate the Government for making a quick decision that will help thousands of patients," said Heather Allan.
Kidney Health Australia, the peak body dedicated to helping Australians affected by kidney diseases also welcomed the PBS listing confirmation.
"We’re delighted the Government has acted quickly to confirm the PBS reimbursement of OPDIVO® for advanced kidney cancer. This group of patients have been short on good news in recent times, but the PBS listing of OPDIVO® has the potential to make a significant difference to them and their families," said Mikaela Stafrace, CEO Kidney Health Australia.
The lung cancer PBS listing provides another treatment option for Australian patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on or after prior chemotherapy, irrespective of their PD-L1 biomarker status1. The safety and efficacy of nivolumab as treatment for...
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