How you can help make ibrutinib plus venetoclax fixed duration therapy a reality for Australians with previously untreated CLL

[CLLerinOz]

In Australia, no new medicine can be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) unless it has first been recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).

In March 2024, PBAC will again consider a submission to recommend a 15-month combination therapy of ibrutinib plus venetoclax for those with untreated CLL. Between now and 31 January 2024, there is a chance for patients, carers, health professionals, consumer groups or organisations and members of the public to provide input which PBAC will consider along with the clinical and economic evidence presented to the committee by the applicant.

If it is recommended and then included on the PBS, this will be the first time that untreated CLL patients in Australia could access a funded, fixed duration tablet-only treatment.

It's important that Australians with CLL and their families let the committee know the difference this would make.

You can participate whether you're newly diagnosed, on 'watch and wait' or awaiting, undergoing or already through any treatment. Being involved won't take much of your time but it is a simple thing that could have a big impact.

To make your submission, use this link which will take you to the relevant section of PBAC's website: ohta-consultations.health.g... (when you open the survey, you will need to select 'ibrutinib' from the dropdown box in Section #7 = "the medicine you would like to provide input on"

If you wish to find out more before you proceed with your submission, Lymphoma Australia also has some helpful information:

lymphoma.org.au/YourLifeMat...

CLLerinOz

Note: this is an unlocked post

[Kiwidi]

It is interesting that the two combination meds are not actually defined as such ( well as far as I could see) I filled in the survey assuming that and used my daughter’s phone# . She lives in Victoria but I live in NZ but will certainly move across the ditch should I need treatment. Correct me if I am wrong but if you didn’t know what the two drugs are it would be difficult to complete the survey.

[CLLerinOz Administrator Volunteer in reply to Kiwidi]

Thanks so much for completing a submission.

It is a bit confusing, isn't it? The Lymphoma Australia campaign information helps in that regard.

For those yet to complete the survey, here's also a link to the PBAC meeting agenda for March 2024. pbs.gov.au/industry/listing...

If you search within that document for 'ibrutinib' you'll find the relevant section that details the therapy being put forward for consideration.

CLLerinOz

[Kiwidi in reply to CLLerinOz]

Sorry I just did that and still can’t see the combination. Am I being a bit stupid? What heading do I look under?

[CLLerinOz Administrator Volunteer in reply to Kiwidi]

I'm not sure where you looked but the entry for the new drug application for ibrutinib in combination with venetoclax is shown at the bottom of Page 16 of the PBAC March 2024 meeting agenda linked above.

It's a little confusing because the table of new drug applications only shows ibrutinib in the first column. However, the third column explains that this application is for ibrutinib used in combination with venetoclax.

CLLerinOz

[Lilsa]

Done!

[AussieNeil Administrator]

Done!