FROM 01 May, pharmacists will be able to dispense Verzenio (abemaciclib) through the PBS to treat Australian patients with an invasive form of early breast cancer that is at high risk of recurring after initial treatment.
Eli Lilly's Verzenio is being reimbursed for women with the most common (HR , HER2-) subtype of breast cancer, where they face a one-in-three chance of their cancer coming back, despite surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and ongoing hormone therapy.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women, with 57 diagnosed with it daily.
HR /HER2- constitutes around 70% of all breast cancer cases.
Verzenio inhibits proteins that promote cell growth, helping to slow or stop the spread.
The new listing is expected to benefit around 2,400 Australian patients per year.
Without subsidy, patients may pay $97k per course of treatment. JG
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