Today (1 August 2022), the Federal Health and Aged Care Minister, the Hon Mark Butler MP announced the listing of Vumerity® (diroximel fumarate) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of Australians living with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).
Vumerity® was approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in March 2022.
In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective layer (myelin) around the nerve cells. This causes inflammation and damage, which stops the nervous system from working properly. In RRMS, Vumerity® has been shown to result in fewer relapses, less disease activity in the brain and less progression of disability.
MS Australia made a submission to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) supporting the listing of this medication, as the provision of more affordable and accessible treatments can improve the lives of people with MS.
“With the rate of MS seemingly on the rise in Australia1, having access to more treatments is welcome news for our community,” said Dr Julia Morahan, Head of Research at MS Australia.
“This PBS listing is a significant milestone because it provides broad access for so many people who are already facing a challenging diagnosis. The economic cost of MS impacts not only those diagnosed, but also their families, carers and the broader community.”
To read more about VUMERITY® please visit MS Australia’s webpage about disease-modifying therapies for MS and scroll down to VUMERITY®.
It is important that individuals with MS discuss any new treatment options with their neurologist, as Vumerity® is not suitable for everyone.
Read the latest media release, PBS Listings will help people with spinal muscular atrophy, schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis, from the Minister for Health and Aged Care.
1. MS Australia. MS on the rise in Australia but still flying under our radar.
Available: https://www.msaustralia.org.au/news/ms-rise-australia-still-flying-radar/. Accessed July 2022.
