Australian authorities have included IFINWIL® in their Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of Neuroblastoma.
The Australian Government's decision to provide clinicians with access to eflornithine, a novel therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma, has been hailed as a significant milestone by various stakeholders in the medical community.
The listing of eflornithine, also known as IFINWIL, on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) ensures equal access to a new treatment for children with neuroblastoma in Australia. This decision follows the Therapeutic Goods Administration's (TGA) registration of IFINWIL three months ago.
Neuroblastoma, an aggressive tumour that often spreads to other parts of the body, is primarily seen in infants and young children. Approximately 50 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma in Australia each year, with about half of these cases being classified as high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB).
Lucy Jones, CEO of Neuroblastoma Australia, has welcomed the PBS listing of IFINWIL, stating that it is a landmark moment for families affected by high-risk neuroblastoma in Australia. Gus Rudolph, General Manager of Norgine's Australia branch, has also expressed gratitude for the listing, reflecting the growing recognition of the urgent need for new treatment options in paediatric oncology.
Eflornithine is intended for patients with HRNB who are in remission after receiving multiagent, multimodality therapy. The PBS listing provides clinicians with a much-needed therapeutic option, offering hope for patients and their families.
However, it is crucial for parents to speak to their doctor for guidance on the best treatment approach for their child regarding eflornithine. The IFINWIL Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) provides full safety information on risks, side effects, and precautions associated with eflornithine.
The PBS listing for IFINWIL signifies government-backed financial support for eflornithine, ensuring that high-risk neuroblastoma patients in Australia can access this potentially life-extending drug as part of standard care without facing prohibitive costs. This development is a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of continued support for research and development in the field of paediatric oncology.
[1] Neuroblastoma Australia. (2022). PBS listing for IFINWIL (eflornithine) for high-risk neuroblastoma patients in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.neuroblastoma.org.au/news/pbs-listing-for-ifinwil-eflornithine-for-high-risk-neuroblastoma-patients-in-australia
[2] Norgine. (2022). Norgine announces the inclusion of IFINWIL (eflornithine) on Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Retrieved from https://www.norgine.com/media/norgine-announces-the-inclusion-of-ifinwil-eflornithine-on-australias-pharmaceutical-benefits-scheme-pbs/
[3] Australian Government Department of Health. (2022). PBS listing for IFINWIL (eflornithine) for high-risk neuroblastoma patients. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/pharmaceutical-benefits-scheme-pbs/news/pbs-listing-for-ifinwil-eflornithine-for-high-risk-neuroblastoma-patients
[4] Jones, L. (2022). Statement on the PBS listing for IFINWIL (eflornithine) for high-risk neuroblastoma patients in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.neuroblastoma.org.au/news/statement-on-the-pbs-listing-for-ifinwil-eflornithine-for-high-risk-neuroblastoma-patients-in-australia
- The recent addition of eflornithine, a novel treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma, to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme ensures not just equal access, but also promotes health-and-wellness for children battling this cancer in Australia.
- The scientific community is praising the Australian Government's decision to list eflornithine, a potential life-extending drug, for the treatment of medical-conditions like high-risk neuroblastoma, signifying the hope for significant advancements in treatment options for paediatric cancer patients.
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