ACON has expressed its strong disappointment over the decision by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to not recommend the listing of TruvadaTM as PrEP on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

PrEP is an antiretroviral treatment taken by HIV negative people at high risk of acquiring HIV to prevent infection. Studies have shown that PrEP is extremely effective at preventing HIV transmission.

As NSW’s leading HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTI health organisation, ACON welcomed the news earlier this year that PrEP was listed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, meaning that TruvadaTM was approved for sale in Australia. However, without subsidisation, the drug is far too expensive for most people.

“The opportunity to take advantage of arguably the most substantial breakthrough in HIV-prevention in decades has been missed,” ACON President Dr Justin Koonin said.

“While the TGA decision to list PrEP was welcomed by ACON, approval for sale doesn’t mean it is truly accessible. ACON has strongly advocated for PrEP to be available to those who would benefit most from it – and a substantial part of that access is affordability. That is why we are very disappointed in this decision.”

Explaining the next steps, Dr Koonin noted that the onus is now back on the sponsoring company, Gilead Sciences, to develop a new application to PBAC that strengthens the cost-effectiveness argument for this essential new innovation in HIV prevention.

“We strongly encourage Gilead to work expediently with others in the HIV sector to act in interests of public health and put forward a submission that will facilitate national access to this drug.” Koonin said.

Commenting on the situation in NSW, ACON’s Acting CEO Karen Price said, “We are incredibly fortunate to have the leadership of the Health Minister, Jillian Skinner in NSW. Under her leadership, the NSW health system – along with other partners including the Kirby Institute – are working hard to implement EPIC-NSW. Under EPIC, thousands of people most at risk of HIV infection in NSW are being protected.” Price said.

Expanded PrEP Implementation in Communities (EPIC-NSW) is Australia’s largest implementation study of PrEP as a HIV prevention strategy. Through this study, 3700 people (mostly gay and bisexual men) at highest risk of acquiring HIV will be protected by PrEP. Enrolments into the study are through the state-wide network of public sexual health clinics and selected GP practices.

“NSW is leading the way in terms of PrEP access. In fact, the rate of enrolment of people into the EPIC-NSW study is unprecedented internationally. Our community has clearly demonstrated that it is ready to incorporate PrEP into their lives as part of the range of HIV prevention options,” Price said.

“We know that PrEP works. It prevents HIV which remains an incurable, lifelong condition which has a range of implications, including treatment costs for every individual infected for the rest of their lives.”

“On average in NSW alone, one person finds out they have HIV every day. PrEP use, condoms, regular testing and early treatment work in combination to effectively drive down new infections.” Price concluded.

To find out more about the EPIC-NSW study call 1800 451 624, talk to your doctor or visit the EPIC – NSW website or ACON’s Ending HIV website.”

ENDS

For media comment:

NSW – David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications Officer
E: dalexander@acon.org.au | T: (02) 9206 2044 | M: 0428 477 042

National – Bridget Haire, AFAO President | M: 0439 074 526