Medicines Update.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), delivered welcomed news for Australians living with biliary cancer this week with IMFINZI® (durvalumab) being made available for patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC) from 1 December 2023.

Patients will now have reimbursed access to IMFINZI® (durvalumab) – the first new treatment in over ten years for this incurable disease. This will mean the cost of treatment is significantly reduced - helping patients have equitable access to treatments. 

November is Pancreatic Awareness Month.

This globally recognised initiative is our community's time to raise awareness for Pancreatic Cancer, to advocate for increased funding, celebrate survivors, and remember the loved ones we have lost.

Because most people have few if any, detectable symptoms in the early stages, this aggressive cancer is typically diagnosed at later, more advanced stages.

PBAC recommends subsidised therapies for biliary and oesophageal cancers

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) last week announced two positive recommendations for therapies that will benefit biliary and oesophageal cancer patients. The therapies brought to PBAC have been submitted by two different companies, who made recommendations to have the medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), enabling patients to have greater access to more affordable treatments.