The Federal Government has updated the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to include a new Parkinson’s treatment.
Patients are welcoming the additional of new treatment VYALEV (foslevodopa with foscarbidopa), a drug that’s administered under the skin via a 24-hour infusion. The treatment restores dopamine levels in the brain to reduce on-and-off periods of the disease that occurs with oral therapies. Though it received a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval, the treatment was largely unaffordable for many Parkinson’s patients.
‘Parkinson’s Australia had advocated for access to VYALEV in Australia to ensure people living with advanced Parkinson’s have a wider choice of treatment that can help improve daily living,’ says Olivia Nassaris, CEO of Parkinson’s Australia.
‘This has given men another chance for life after living with Parkinson’s for more than 30 years,’ explains Paula Argy, a participant in the treatment’s trial. ‘After being housebound for five years, I’ve regained my mobility and independence. I hope that listing of this treatment will provide other Australians the same chance to regain quality of life.’
