PBAC consultation calling all mesothelioma sufferers and carers alike – ACV/GARDS encourages you to participate if you can offer anything from your experiences – Medicines subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme must be assessed by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and found to be good value (clinically and cost effective).
In March, PBAC will assess a combination medicine called nivolumab (Opdivo®) plus ipilimumab (Yervoy®) for people with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). They are a type of immunotherapy called immune checkpoint inhibitors. PBAC is considering listing them on the PBS for (1) patients with MPM who have not received therapy for MPM before (1st line treatment), and (2) patients with MPM who have received chemotherapy for MPM and the MPM has continued to get worse (2nd line treatment).
PBAC has a lot of data from trials as well as economic evidence, but your input can help them learn more, especially about accessing treatment, what having treatment is like, what matters most in terms of quality of life, and other needs. Your experience can help them better understand the value of a treatment. You can submit your input online (no later than 10 February) at this site: https://www1.health.gov.au/…/PBAC_online_submission_form
