THE Federal Government is listing a new form of fast-acting insulin on the PBS from 01 Oct.
The listing is welcome news for the thousands of people affected by the supplier's removal of the products Fiasp and Fiasp FlexTouch from the PBS.
In Mar, the gov't stated it secured access to Fiasp and Fiasp FlexTouch for a further six months and has since negotiated with its drug sponsor NovoNordisk to list a new form of the fast-acting insulin aspart, Fiasp Penfill.
Cem Ozenc, Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Novo Nordisk Oceania, said, "we heard loud and clear the impact to the 15,000 Australians living with diabetes if the Fiasp they depend on was no longer available on the PBS".
"The views of Australians living with diabetes were taken into this decision to list this alternative form of Fiasp, and so we thank Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Australia (JDRF) and Diabetes Australia for their tireless work to advocate for the needs of the people they represent.
"Novo Nordisk looks forward to continuing a positive, solutions-focused working relationship with the Department of Health and the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care for our future medicines portfolio," Ozenc added.
JDRF CEO Mike Wilson commented, "this announcement brings significant relief".
"We commend the Minister for Health, Mark Butler, for delivering a resolution with Novo Nordisk on this matter, and for listening to JDRF and the type 1 diabetes community in Australia.
"We equally commend the type 1 diabetes community and all patient organisations who have been advocating tirelessly for this issue over the last six months.
"We know how much this news will mean to them."
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain emphasised a similar message, adding that diabetes is a demanding and complicated condition that needs constant monitoring.
"Australians living with diabetes need access to the best available insulins and medicines, at affordable prices, to have their best quality of life and reduce the impact of diabetes-related complications." JG
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 19 Sep 23
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 19 Sep 23
