As outlined in the chart below, the drug approval process in Australia is complex, with multiple steps along the way before a drug moves from clinical trial status to being subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS.)
Ovarian Cancer Australia engages in advocacy across the process, including engaging with pharmaceutical companies about their plans for bringing novel therapies to Australia, as well as representing the experience of those with lived experience in reviews of the process such as National Medicines Policy (NMP) Review, and the upcoming Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review.
Multiple medicines have been put forward in the past year for assessment by Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), with the hope of more medicines being subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for Ovarian Cancer.
OCA represents the voice of those impacted by ovarian cancer to the committee, and we have also encouraged people to provide their own stories and experiences to the process. Some of these listings have been recommended, and others not yet, and OCA will continue to do what we can to see a greater number of medicines listed more quickly for a greater number of people.
Please find below past submissions to PBAC and MSAC:
- OCA consumer submission to PBAC on listing of Niraparib as first line maintenance therapy in high grade serous advanced ovarian cancer
- OCA submission to PBAC on expansion of Olaparib to be given alongside Bevacizumab in first line maintenance therapy in HRD population
- OCA consumer comment submission to MSAC regarding funding of HRD testing
Ovarian Cancer Australia is not aware of any current opportunities for consumer comments for active submissions.
We are awaiting the outcomes of multiple submissions that are being considered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) at their meetings in March 2023. These outcomes are made public approximately 6 weeks post the meetings, and we will endeavour to update our community on the outcomes and next steps.