It’s a ‘full circle moment’ for momelotinib, which was discovered three decades ago but only received TGA approval last year.
Earlier this month momelotinib was added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, a decision that Leukemia Australia CEO Chris Tanti described as “an important step forward” for patients with myelofibrosis.
The PBS listing follows momelotinib receiving TGA approval in late 2024 on the results of the SIMPLIFY-1 and MOMENTUM phase 3 trials, where the JAK and activin A receptor type 1 inhibitor led to clinically meaningful improvements in myelofibrosis symptoms, anaemia measures and spleen response.
The most frequently reported side effects of momelotinib include diarrhoea, thrombocytopenia, nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, abdominal pain, rash and cough.
Prior to the announcement patients could pay up to $70,000 per year for treatment, but now that momelotinib is listed on the PBS the medicine will cost a maximum of $31.60 per script, with concession card holders paying just $7.70.
“The Albanese Government is committed to making medicines cheaper for all Australians,” said Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler.
“We are fulfilling our promise to deliver medicines cheaper and faster to Australians no matter where they live.”
GSK’s vice president and general manager for Australia, Andrew Thomas, was thrilled to bring momelotinib “home” following the Federal Government’s decision.
“PBS reimbursement of this important bone marrow cancer therapy recognises the high unmet need that exists for patients living with myelofibrosis and moderate to severe anaemia.”
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Momelotinib was developed by Melbourne scientists Professor Andrew Wilks and Dr Chris Burns in 2005. The pair described the announcement as “very gratifying”.
“The PBS milestone is our ‘full circle’ moment. Reimbursement of our invention momelotinib will now help to ensure it is available and accessible for all eligible patients living with this very challenging bone marrow cancer,” they said in a statement.
Patients with myelofibrosis, a rare bone marrow cancer that affects one in every 100,000 Australians, commonly experience issues with anaemia. Roughly one in four patients require regular blood transfusions when they are diagnosed.
