In case you missed the news, Parkinson’s Australia wrote a submission to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to support the application of VYALEV® (foslevodopa/foscarbidopa) on the Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme (PBS). Our submission included emotional impact statements from people who have been on the VYALEV® trial and impact statements from their family members.
The good news is that the PBAC has made a positive recommendation for the listing of VYALEV® on the PBS. Parkinson’s welcomes this recommendation and wants to advise our community that this is only the first step in the process.
AbbVie, the pharmaceutical company that made the application, will now work with the Department of Health and Aged Care on the terms of listing. In a communication to us and state-based organisations, AbbVie advised that:
A timeline on when VYALEV® will be available on the PBS for healthcare professionals to prescribe for Australian patients is not known at this time.
The PBS listing process can be lengthy due to a range of factors and includes multiple steps and stakeholders including the Department of Health and Aged Care and Government. The timing of each of these steps is not solely determined by AbbVie and therefore the exact timing of the process is not known.
We are working through the PBAC recommendation and hope an agreement can be reached which will ensure sustainable access of VYALEV® and the quality use of medicines.
AbbVie remains committed to keeping stakeholders updated as the process continues.
Parkinson’s Australia extends its gratitude to AbbVie for their dedication to keeping our community informed throughout this process.
We are especially thankful to the people living with Parkinson’s and their families, whose stories were instrumental in crafting a compelling lobbying statement that led to this positive outcome.
Keep you posted as always.
Yours in advocacy and change,
Olivia Nassaris
CEO, Parkinson’s Australia
National Advocate & Changemaker
