HALVING the PBS co-payment to encourage patient preference for biosimilars over the reference biologic was one of several key policy recommendations arising from this week's Sandoz Biosimilar Policy Summit.
The generic and biosimilar medicines company hosted the Department of Health, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the Australian Patients Association, the Australian Patient Advocacy Alliance, Crohn's and Colitis Australia, and the Gastroenterological Society of Australia for discussions on policy changes aimed at improving the accessibility and affordability of biosimilars.
The summit explored pathways to expanding patient access to prescription medicines and reducing health system costs.
As well as reducing the PBS co-payment for patients from $31.60 to $15.80 (or $7.70 to $3.85 for concession holders), the summit also recommended mandatory biosimilar prescription for new patients, unless there is a medical justification to opt for the reference biologic.
Reducing the administrative burden for prescribers was another recommendation.
The discussions highlighted the significant benefits that the proposed policy changes would bring to patients, saving out-of-pocket costs for medicines, lowering the prices of biosimilars on the PBS, and ensuring that patients gain access to these vital medicines sooner.
The proposed changes are expected to deliver substantial cost savings for the Government, potentially expediting the introduction of new medicines.
"We are excited with the outcomes of this summit and the collaborative spirit demonstrated by all participants," said Sandoz Australia/NZ GM Clint Holland.
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