Zanubrutinib has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia as a first line treatment for CLL/SLL

[CLLerinOz]

Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) today added Zanubrutinib as a first line therapy for the treatment of CLL/SLL.

As well as being available for those who are "untreated with drug treatment at the time of the first dose of this drug", it will also be available on the PBS for those who have "developed an intolerance of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal following use of another drug PBS indicated as first-line drug treatment of CLL/SLL".

The listing for zanubrutinib, which was uploaded to the PBS site today, states:

"Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)

Treatment Phase: First line drug treatment of this indication

Clinical criteria:

The condition must be untreated with drug treatment at the time of the first dose of this drug; OR

Patient must have developed an intolerance of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal following use of another drug PBS indicated as first-line drug treatment of CLL/SLL,

AND

The treatment must only be prescribed for a patient with active disease in accordance with the International Workshop on CLL (iwCLL) guidance (latest version) in relation to when to prescribe drug treatment for this condition,

AND

The treatment must be the sole PBS-subsidised systemic anti-cancer therapy for this PBS indication.

Treatment criteria:

Patient must be undergoing initial treatment with this drug - this is the first prescription for this drug; OR

Patient must be undergoing continuing treatment with this drug - the condition has not progressed whilst the patient has actively been on this drug."

pbs.gov.au/medicine/item/12...

It's always nice to be the bearer of good news and this excellent news is especially welcome on World CLL Day 2023.

CLLerinOz

[Kiwidi]

OMG -this is great news for Australians (and for those of us kiwis who are in a position to make the move) And yes very timely with today being CLL Day!

[Vivekannd]

Hi CLLerinOz

Thanks for the wonderful news. Does it mean we can opt for his as first line instead of FCR?

[CLLerinOz Administrator in reply to Vivekannd]

Yes, the PBS listing indicates that Brukinsa/zanubrutinib is now funded as a first line monotherapy for CLL but it would be best for someone approaching treatment to check with their specialist to determine exactly what is possible and best for them. It is also funded for some relapsed/refractory CLL patients .

CLLerinOz

[Vivekannd in reply to CLLerinOz]

Thanks a ton for your reply