TRELEGY® ELLIPTA® listed on PBS for severe asthma
Single inhaler triple therapy for severe asthma reimbursed by the PBS in Australia
Friday 1st April, 2022 – Melbourne, Australia: GSK Australia has welcomed the announcement that TRELEGY® ELLIPTA® 200 (Fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium and vilanterol; 200/ 62.5/ 25mcg) will be reimbursed by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for maintenance therapy of severe asthma* for Australian adults from the 1st of April 2022.
TRELEGY ELLIPTA becomes the latest “three in one” therapy for severe asthma to be reimbursed by the PBS.
While 2.7 million Australians are affected by asthma1, based on international studies it is estimated that 3-10% of these people have severe asthma2. This represents between 52,800 and 176,000 people in Australia2.
Research shows that up to 30% of people living with asthma report uncontrolled asthma symptoms despite regularly using preventer medicines containing inhaled corticosteroids.3,4
TRELEGY ELLIPTA contains three active ingredients – fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium and vilanterol – that are delivered via a single inhaler. Fluticasone furoate (steroid) reduces the swelling and irritation in the small air passages in the lungs and so eases breathing problems. Umeclidinium and vilanterol work together to help open the airways and make it easier for air to get in and out of the lungs.4
Australian respiratory specialist, Professor Greg King, said that having access to a new option was important for Australians with severe asthma.
“We need to help patients with severe asthma to control their symptoms, such as breathing difficulties and improve their quality of life. That’s why new evidence-based options are very welcome among doctors. TRELEGY ELLIPTA 200 is an addition to our options for patients with severe asthma” said Professor King.
Michele Goldman, CEO at Asthma Australia, said it can be a difficult journey for someone with severe asthma to find the right treatment.
“Severe asthma can be a debilitating breathing condition that is difficult to treat and can lead to multiple hospital admissions. Asthma Australia welcomes new severe asthma treatment options and their listing on the PBS, as they offer hope of better health for these people,” said Ms Goldman.
Dr Alan Paul, Country Medical Director at GSK Australia, said the announcement was part of GSK’s ongoing commitment to improving the lung health of Australians.
“We are proud to be able to bring new options to Australians affected by severe asthma. GSK is committed to bringing our innovative medicines to the people that need them most and today’s announcement provides clear evidence of that,” said Dr Paul.
