Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.
About 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85 and from 1 December, men with advanced prostate cancer will have affordable access to a further treatment option through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) thanks to the Albanese Government.
Nubeqa (darolutamide) will be expanded on the PBS to treat patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).
mHSPC is an advanced stage of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and Nubeqa works by blocking the activity of androgens, stopping the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Without subsidy, around 5,000 Australian men might pay more than $40,000 per year for Nubeqa.
This PBS listing will mean that from 1 December 2023 eligible patients will pay a maximum of $30 per script, or just $7.30 if they hold a concession card.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.
“This listing will give about 5,000 Australian men access to an additional form of treatment at a fraction of the cost they normally would have to pay.
“The Albanese Government is committed to make medicines more affordable for all Australians and giving the best possible care and treatment to people suffering with this incurable form of advanced prostate cancer.”
