Cystic fibrosis drug to be listed on PBS

Health Minister Greg Hunt says the federal government is working to quickly list a cystic fibrosis drug on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt

Health Minister Greg Hunt says the government will quickly list a cystic fibrosis drug on the PBS. (AAP)

A medication for cystic fibrosis will soon be subsidised by the federal government, Health Minister Greg Hunt says.

An independent advisory committee on Friday recommended the drug, Orkambi, be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

"We will move as quickly as possible," Mr Hunt told the federal parliament on Wednesday.

The minister said the drug for the incurable condition will be made available for anyone with cystic fibrosis aged six or older.

Another drug for treating cystic fibrosis, took about three months to be listed after being recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee last year.

But Mr Hunt is hoping Orkambi will become available more quickly.

"We will move heaven and earth," he said.

In Australia, one in every 25,000 babies is born with cystic fibrosis, which primarily affects the lungs and digestive system.


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Source: AAP



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