PBAC Recommendations from Alzheimers Post-Market Review

23 April 2013

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) considered the findings of the Post-Market Review of anti-dementia drugs to treat Alzheimers Disease in December 2012, including that these medicines are being used in a much broader population and for longer periods of time than originally agreed as cost-effective. Additionally, the research on the effectiveness of these medicines is consistent with that previously considered by PBAC, which indicates significant uncertainty in the benefits for patients, particularly beyond six months.

To account for the use of these medicines in a broader population, the PBAC recommended a price reduction of 40 per cent and also agreed to simplify the continuing restriction to better align with current clinical use. The restriction changes are intended to make access to these medicines easier for prescribers and patients who respond to treatment.

The Hon Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Health, accepted these recommendations. The new prices were implemented on 1 April 2013 and the revised restriction will be published in Pharmaceutical Benefit Schedule on 1 May 2013.

The Department appreciates the valuable contributions made by organisations and individuals who provided submissions or comments during this review. The PBAC Minutes for this item are now available (PBAC Minutes - Word 67 KB).