- The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended subcutaneous natalizumab (Tysabri®) for individuals with relapsing remitting MS under the PBS.
- Tysabri® is an approved monoclonal antibody for relapsing remitting MS, which can be administered via a convenient 1 mL pre-filled syringe for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
- MS Australia endorses the PBAC’s recommendation to list subcutaneous Tysabri® on the PBS, advocating for affordable treatment options for people with MS.
- The positive recommendation for subcutaneous Tysabri® will now go before the Federal Government for final approval.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended the listing of natalizumab (Tysabri®) pre-filled syringe for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS). This recommendation is for people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, the most common type of MS. Currently, Tysabri® is available as a monthly intravenous (IV) infusion, but the new subcutaneous form will provide an alternative option for people living with MS.
Tysabri® is a monoclonal antibody that attaches to immune cells called T cells, preventing them from crossing the blood-brain barrier and attacking the myelin or nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia for the treatment of relapsing remitting MS since 2006.
The subcutaneous delivery of Tysabri® offers several advantages. It allows for treatment in clinical settings beyond infusion centres, such as GP clinics. This will be potentially convenient for people with relapsing remitting MS, particularly for those living remotely. The subcutaneous form can be administered in a shorter time frame compared to the IV form, and it may also allow clinicians to reduce or eliminate the post-dose observational period after six doses. This can result in a faster process for people living with MS. In addition, this option is particularly beneficial as it minimises the risk of exposure to illnesses at large healthcare settings.
The PBAC considers a range of factors when making recommendations, including the effectiveness and cost of the treatment compared to other available medicines, as well as the government’s cost of a new listing. The positive recommendation for the Tysabri® pre-filled syringe will now undergo final approval by the Federal Government. If approved, this new treatment option will be accessible to people with relapsing remitting MS across Australia. MS Australia provided a written submission in support of this medication to the PBAC. MS Australia supports and actively advocates for affordable access to all proven treatment options, aiming to provide people with MS, and their doctors, a range of effective therapies tailored to their specific circumstances. MS Australia welcomes the PBAC’s recommendation to list the Tysabri® pre-filled syringe on the PBS.
It is important for people with MS to discuss medication options with their medical team to determine which treatment is best suited for their personal situation. MS affects everyone differently, and not all individuals respond to medications in the same way.
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