The Generic Medicines Industry Association (GMiA) has welcomed the decision of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to consider 'a' flagging of biosimilars, and to list biosimilar insulin (BASAGLAR) on the PBS.
According to the outcomes statement from the March meeting of the PBAC, BASAGLAR was recommended for the treatment of type 1 and 2 diabetes on a cost-minimisation basis with Sanofi's LANTUS, the reference biologic.
The PBAC also confirmed that it had "further considered PBS subsidy of biosimilar medicines at its special meeting on 17 April 2015. The outcomes of that meeting will be published separately."
“Australian patients are now able to benefit from more affordable biosimilars and, as a result of competition, the PBS savings expected to be generated from biosimilars can provide an opportunity to improve patient access to life-changing medications,” said GMiA CEO Belinda Wood
“The availability, and PBS listing, of biosimilars means more patients can be treated within the same budget. However, savings can only be realised if more affordable biosimilars are listed on the PBS, prescribed by doctors and dispensed by pharmacists.
“GMiA welcomes the PBAC decision to consider the marking as equivalent, also known as 'a' flagging, of biosimilars and their reference products on a case-by-case basis,” said Ms Wood.
