28 April 2014 - Vertex’ cystic fibrosis (CF) drug treatment Kalydeco (ivacaftor) should be listed on the PBS, but if patients do not improve on the drug they should be taken off it and the company should make full refund to the government, experts have recommended.

The recommendation, by the PBAC, has been condemned by Vertex and also by patient groups. The drug costs A$300,000 per year for each of Australia’s approximately 200 CF patients.

Vertex says it is unable to agree to all the conditions which PBAC has attached to its recommendation and has urged the government to reject them. The conditions being sought “will prevent patients who could benefit from Kalydeco from being able to get it, or from remaining on treatment even when demonstrating improvement,” said Simon Bedson, senior vice president and international general manager at Vertex. 

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmatimes.com/Article/14-04-28/Australian_PBS_pay_for_performance_deals_slammed.aspx#ixzz30EXREZcp