Cystic fibrosis sufferers will save thousands of dollars with the PBS listing of a potentially life-changing medicine.
Kalydeco, the trading name for ivacaftor, will be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from December 1.
Cystic Fibrosis Australia says the inclusion of the drug to help people affected by the cystic fibrosis G551D gene mutation will be life-changing.
"Not only will it save lives in the long term, it will have a profound impact on the day-to-day lives of these people," chief executive Michelle Skinner said.
About 250 Australians have the gene mutation and ivacaftor is the first medicine to treat the condition's underlying cause.
Also on the PBS from December 1 will be a new treatment for atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome, an ultra-rare disease that severely damages vital organs and is often fatal.
The drug Soliris, or eculizumab, will help patients control the symptoms and severity of attacks and can also help restore organ function, Health Minister Peter Dutton said.
The two listings will cost the government $237.5 million over the next four years.
Another nine new and amended medicines to be listed on the PBS from December include treatments for prostate cancer and hepatitis C.
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