PBAC backs triptorelin PBS expansion

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended an expansion of triptorelin’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing to support its use across several women’s health conditions.
 
Following a July special meeting to discuss the proposal, the PBAC has backed the General Benefit listing for the triptorelin 3.75 mg intramuscular injection (sold as Diphereline) being made unrestricted.
 
It is currently PBS-listed to treat hormone-dependent locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.

While it is also used to treat breast cancer, endometriosis and fibroids, the PBAC had not previously recommended its listing on the PBS for those conditions.
 
The decision follows AstraZeneca’s announcement earlier this year that it will pull low-dose goserelin (sold as Zoladex), which is used to treat the same conditions, from the Australian market on 1 November.
 
In response, the PBAC said the cost effectiveness of triptorelin 3.75 mg for a broader population will be ‘acceptable if it were cost minimised against goserelin 3.6 mg subcutaneous implant (SCI)’.
 
‘The PBAC considered that goserelin 3.6 mg SCI was an appropriate comparator,’ it said.
 
‘The PBAC advised that an unrestricted listing would align with contemporary and evidence-based clinical practice.
 
‘The PBAC advised that a review of triptorelin 3.75 mg utilisation should be completed around two years after the amendment to the PBS listing to determine whether there are any changes to the expected utilisation.’
 
AstraZeneca will continue to provide the Zoladex implant at no cost in Australia from 1 November for patients without suitable treatment pathways.
 
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Diphereline goserelin PBAC Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee triptorelin Zoladex