The government adds two new treatments for heart disease to the PBS | Ministers of the Health Portfolio

Australians with various types of cardiomyopathies can now access new treatments under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Tafamidis (Vyndamax®) will be indicated for the first time for the treatment of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I-II transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM).

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 causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. If this condition is not treated, it leads to heart failure.

Vyndamax works by preventing this dangerous buildup and helping to slow the progression of the disease.

The May 1 listing is expected to benefit 1,200 Australians. Without subsidies, Vyndamax could cost patients approximately $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 a list of mavacamten (Camzyos®).

HCM is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thicker and less flexible, making it harder for the heart to fill and pump blood.

Obstructive HCM occurs when this muscle thickening blocks blood flow, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, and swelling of the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and veins in the neck.

Camzyos works by reducing excessive contractions and the obstruction of blood flow.

This offer is expected to benefit 3,600 Australians. Without subsidies, Camzyos could cost patients about $30,000 per year of treatment.

By listing these medications on the PBS, eligible patients will now only pay a maximum of $31.60 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card.

Quotes attributed to Minister Butler:

“Cardiomyopathy includes a number of diseases that affect the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body. If these conditions are left undiagnosed and untreated, they can lead to heart failure.

“That’s why it’s critical that Australians have easy and affordable access to the latest treatments.

“By listing Vyndamax and Camzyos on the PBS, we are giving patients and their doctors new treatment options at an affordable price.

“It is part of the Albanian government’s commitment to keeping medicines cheaper for Australians.”