Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia

 

PB 116 of 2023

 

National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (December Update) Instrument 2023

 

National Health Act 1953

 

I, NIKOLAI TSYGANOV, Assistant Secretary, Pricing and PBS Policy Branch, Technology Assessment and Access Division, Department of Health and Aged Care, delegate of the Minister for Health and Aged Care, make this Instrument under subsection 100(2) of the National Health Act 1953.

Dated  30 November 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NIKOLAI TSYGANOV

Assistant Secretary

Pricing and PBS Policy Branch

Technology Assessment and Access Division

 

 

Contents

1 Name

2 Commencement

3 Authority

4 Schedules

Schedule 1—Amendments

National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement 2021
(PB 27 of 2021) 2

 

 

1      Name

(1)           This instrument is the National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (December Update) Instrument 2023.

(2)           This instrument may also be cited as PB 116 of 2023.

2      Commencement

(1)           Each provision of this instrument specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.

 

Commencement information

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Provisions

Commencement

Date/Details

1.  The whole of this instrument

1 December 2023

1 December 2023

Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this instrument as originally made. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this instrument.

(2)           Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this instrument. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this instrument.

3      Authority

This instrument is made under subsection 100(2) of the National Health Act 1953.

4      Schedules

Each instrument that is specified in a Schedule to this instrument is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this instrument has effect according to its terms.

 

 

 

Schedule 1Amendments

National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement 2021 (PB 27 of 2021)

[1]           Schedule 1, after entry for Adefovir in the form Tablet containing adefovir dipivoxil 10 mg

insert:

 

Tablet containing adefovir dipivoxil 10 mg (S19A)

Oral

Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets 10 mg (SigmaPharm Laboratories)

C4490 C4510

 

60

5

[2]           Schedule 1, entry for Entecavir in the form Tablet 1 mg (as monohydrate)

omit:

 

 

 

ENTAC

C5037 C5044

 

60

5

[3]           Schedule 1, entry for Filgrastim in the form Injection 300 micrograms in 0.5 mL single-use pre-filled syringe

omit:

 

 

 

Neupogen

C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696

 

20

11

[4]           Schedule 1, entry for Filgrastim in the form Injection 480 micrograms in 0.5 mL single-use pre-filled syringe

omit:

 

 

 

Neupogen

C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696

 

20

11

[5]           Schedule 1, omit entry for Ibandronic acid

[6]           Schedule 1, entry for Infliximab in the form Powder for I.V. infusion 100 mg [Brand: Inflectra; Maximum Quantity: See Schedule 2; Number of Repeats: See Schedule 2]

(a)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9400 C9402

(b)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9481 C9487

(c)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9587

(d)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9621

(e)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C13589

(f)             omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C13689

(g)           insert in numerical order in the column headed “Circumstances”: C14667 C14683 C14689 C14701 C14705 C14707 C14716 C14718 C14723 C14724 C14737

[7]           Schedule 1, entry for Infliximab in the form Powder for I.V. infusion 100 mg [Brand: Remicade; Maximum Quantity: See Schedule 2; Number of Repeats: See Schedule 2]

(a)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9400 C9402 C9487

(b)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9587

(c)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C13589

(d)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C13689

(e)           insert in numerical order in the column headed “Circumstances”: C14667 C14705 C14716 C14718 C14724 C14737

[8]           Schedule 1, entry for Infliximab in the form Powder for I.V. infusion 100 mg [Brand: Renflexis; Maximum Quantity: See Schedule 2; Number of Repeats: See Schedule 2]

(a)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9400 C9402

(b)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9481 C9487

(c)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9587

(d)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9621

(e)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C13589

(f)             omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C13689

(g)           insert in numerical order in the column headed “Circumstances”: C14667 C14683 C14689 C14701 C14705 C14707 C14716 C14718 C14723 C14724 C14737

[9]           Schedule 1, entry for Mycophenolic acid in the form Tablet (enteric coated) containing mycophenolate sodium equivalent to 360 mg mycophenolic acid

insert in the columns in the order indicated, and in alphabetical order for the column headed “Brand”:

 

 

 

MYCOTEX

C4084 C4095 C9692 C9809

 

240

5

[10]       Schedule 1, entry for Nevirapine in the form Tablet 200 mg

insert in the columns in the order indicated, and in alphabetical order for the column headed “Brand”:

 

 

 

Nevirapine Viatris

C4454 C4512

 

120

5

[11]       Schedule 1, entry for Octreotide in the form Injection 500 micrograms (as acetate) in 1 mL

omit:

 

 

 

Octreotide MaxRx

C6369 C6390 C8165 C9232 C9233 C9289

 

90

11

[12]       Schedule 1, entry for Selexipag in the form Tablet 200 micrograms

substitute:

Selexipag

Tablet 200 micrograms

Oral

Uptravi

C11193 C11195 C11261

 

See Schedule 2

See Schedule 2

[13]       Schedule 1, entry for Selexipag in each of the forms: Tablet 400 micrograms; and Tablet 600 micrograms

(a)           omit from the column headed “Maximum quantity”: 60  substitute: See Schedule 2

(b)           omit from the column headed “Maximum repeats”: 5  substitute: See Schedule 2

[14]       Schedule 1, entry for Selexipag in the form Tablet 800 micrograms

substitute:

 

Tablet 800 micrograms

Oral

Uptravi

C11193 C11195 C11261

 

See Schedule 2

See Schedule 2

[15]       Schedule 1, entry for Selexipag in each of the forms: Tablet 1 mg; Tablet 1.2 mg; Tablet 1.4 mg; and Tablet 1.6 mg

(a)           omit from the column headed “Maximum quantity”: 60  substitute: See Schedule 2

(b)           omit from the column headed “Maximum repeats”: 5  substitute: See Schedule 2

[16]       Schedule 1, entry for Zoledronic acid

substitute:

Zoledronic acid

Injection concentrate for I.V. infusion 4 mg (as monohydrate) in 5 mL

Injection

Zoledronic Acid Accord

C5605 C5703 C5704 C5735 C9268 C9304 C9317 C9328 C14729 C14735

P14729 P14735

1

0

 

 

 

APO Zoledronic Acid

C5605 C5703 C5704 C5735 C9268 C9304 C9317 C9328

 

1

11

 

 

 

DEZTRON

C5605 C5703 C5704 C5735 C9268 C9304 C9317 C9328

 

1

11

 

 

 

ZoledronateDRLA 4

C5605 C5703 C5704 C5735 C9268 C9304 C9317 C9328

 

1

11

 

 

 

Zoledronic Acid Accord

C5605 C5703 C5704 C5735 C9268 C9304 C9317 C9328 C14729 C14735

P5605 P5703 P5704 P5735 P9268 P9304 P9317 P9328

1

11

 

 

 

Zometa

C5605 C5703 C5704 C5735 C9268 C9304 C9317 C9328

 

1

11

[17]       Schedule 2, entry for Infliximab [Maximum quantity: 1 dose of 5 mg per kg of patient weight; Maximum repeats: 3]

(a)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9400 C9402 C9487

(b)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9587

(c)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C13589

(d)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C13689

(e)           insert in numerical order in the column headed “Circumstances”: C14667 C14683 C14689 C14701 C14705 C14707 C14716 C14718 C14723 C14724 C14737

[18]       Schedule 2, entry for Infliximab [Maximum quantity: 1 dose of 3 mg per kg of patient weight; Maximum repeats: 2]

(a)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9481

(b)           omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C9621

[19]       Schedule 2, after entry for Romiplostim [Maximum quantity: 1 vial; Maximum repeats: Sufficient for treatment for 24 weeks]

insert:

Selexipag

C11193 C11195

60

5

 

C11261

140

Sufficient for treatment for 12 weeks

[20]       Schedule 3, omit entry for Ibandronic acid

[21]       Schedule 3, entry for Infliximab

(a)           omit:

 

C9400

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Initial treatment Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 5 years)
Patient must have received prior PBSsubsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition in this treatment cycle; AND
Patient must not have already failed, or ceased to respond to, PBSsubsidised treatment with this drug for this condition during the current treatment cycle; AND
Patient must not receive more than 18 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Ankylosing Spondylitis PBS Authority Application Supporting Information Form.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide for infusions at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
An application for a patient who has received PBSsubsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition who wishes to change or recommence therapy with this drug, must be accompanied by evidence of a response to the patient’s most recent course of PBSsubsidised biological medicine treatment, within the timeframes specified below.
Where the most recent course of PBSsubsidised biological medicine treatment was approved under either Initial 1, Initial 2, Initial 3 or continuing treatment restrictions, an assessment of a patient’s response must have been conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 4 weeks from the date of completion of treatment.
An application for the continuing treatment must be accompanied with the assessment of response following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy with this drug and submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 4 weeks from the date of completion of treatment. This will enable ongoing treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBSsubsidised treatment.
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 of the BASDAI and 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBSsubsidised treatment, that same marker must be measured and supplied in all subsequent continuing treatment applications.
All measurements provided must be no more than 1 month old at the time of application.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBSsubsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.
A patient may retrial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBSsubsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

 

C9402

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
First continuing treatment
Patient must have received this drug as their most recent course of PBSsubsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Ankylosing Spondylitis PBS Authority Application Supporting Information Form.
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 of the BASDAI and 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBSsubsidised treatment, that same marker must be measured and supplied in all subsequent continuing treatment applications.
All measurements provided must be no more than 1 month old at the time of application.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide for infusions at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
An application for the continuing treatment must be accompanied with the assessment of response following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy with this drug and submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 4 weeks from the date of completion of treatment. This will enable ongoing treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBSsubsidised treatment.
Where the response assessment is not submitted within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBSsubsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.
A patient may retrial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBSsubsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

(b)           omit:

 

C9481

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Subsequent continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
Patient must have previously received PBSsubsidised treatment with this drug for this condition under the First continuing treatment restriction; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 of the BASDAI and 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBSsubsidised treatment, that same marker must be used to determine response for all subsequent continuing treatments.
The measurement of response to the prior course of therapy must be documented in the patient’s medical notes.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBSsubsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.
A patient may retrial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBSsubsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Authority Required procedures Streamlined Authority Code 9481

 

C9487

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Continuing treatment balance of supply
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the first continuing treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the subsequent continuing Authority Required (in writing) treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks treatment; AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 24 weeks treatment available under the above restrictions.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.

Compliance with Authority Required procedures

(c)           omit:

 

C9587

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Subsequent continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
Patient must have previously received PBSsubsidised treatment with this drug for this condition under the First continuing treatment restriction; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Ankylosing Spondylitis PBS Authority Application Supporting Information Form.
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 of the BASDAI and 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBSsubsidised treatment, that same marker must be measured and supplied in all subsequent continuing treatment applications.
All measurements provided must be no more than 1 month old at the time of application.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide for infusions at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
Each application for subsequent continuing treatment with this drug must include an assessment of the patient’s response to the prior course of therapy. If the response assessment is not provided at the time of application the patient will be deemed to have failed this course of treatment, unless the patient has experienced serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
A patient may retrial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBSsubsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

(d)           omit:

 

C9621

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Subsequent continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
Patient must have previously received PBSsubsidised treatment with this drug for this condition under the First continuing treatment restriction; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 of the BASDAI and 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBSsubsidised treatment, that same marker must be used to determine response for all subsequent continuing treatments.
The measurement of response to the prior course of therapy must be documented in the patient’s medical notes.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBSsubsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.
A patient may retrial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBSsubsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Authority Required procedures Streamlined Authority Code 9621

(e)           omit:

 

C13589

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Initial treatment Initial 3 (recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of more than 5 years)
Patient must have received prior PBSsubsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have a break in treatment of 5 years or more from the most recently approved PBSsubsidised biological medicine for this condition; AND
The condition must be radiographically (plain Xray) confirmed Grade II bilateral sacroiliitis or Grade III unilateral sacroiliitis; AND
Patient must have at least 2 of the following: (i) low back pain and stiffness for 3 or more months that is relieved by exercise but not by rest; or (ii) limitation of motion of the lumbar spine in the sagittal and the frontal planes as determined by a score of at least 1 on each of the lumbar flexion and lumbar side flexion measurements of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI); or (iii) limitation of chest expansion relative to normal values for age and gender; AND
Patient must have a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) of at least 4 on a 010 scale that is no more than 4 weeks old at the time of application; AND
Patient must have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour that is no more than 4 weeks old at the time of application; OR
Patient must have a Creactive protein (CRP) level greater than 10 mg per L that is no more than 4 weeks old at the time of application; OR
Patient must have a clinical reason as to why demonstration of an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met and the application must state the reason; AND
Patient must not receive more than 18 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Ankylosing Spondylitis PBS Authority Application Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) a copy of the radiological report confirming Grade II bilateral sacroiliitis or Grade III unilateral sacroiliitis; and
(ii) a completed BASDAI Assessment Form.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide for infusions at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
An assessment of a patient's response to an initial course of treatment must be conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy. An application for the continuing treatment must be accompanied with the assessment of response and submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 4 weeks from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This will enable ongoing treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBSsubsidised treatment.
Where the response assessment is not submitted within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBSsubsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

(f)             omit:

 

C13689

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Initial treatment Initial 1 (new patient)
The condition must be radiographically (plain Xray) confirmed Grade II bilateral sacroiliitis or Grade III unilateral sacroiliitis; AND
Patient must not have received PBSsubsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have at least 2 of the following: (i) low back pain and stiffness for 3 or more months that is relieved by exercise but not by rest; or (ii) limitation of motion of the lumbar spine in the sagittal and the frontal planes as determined by a score of at least 1 on each of the lumbar flexion and lumbar side flexion measurements of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI); or (iii) limitation of chest expansion relative to normal values for age and gender; AND
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response following treatment with at least 2 nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), whilst completing an appropriate exercise program, for a total period of 3 months; AND
Patient must not receive more than 18 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
The application must include details of the NSAIDs trialled, their doses and duration of treatment.
If the NSAID dose is less than the maximum recommended dose in the relevant TGAapproved Product Information, the application must include the reason a higher dose cannot be used.
If treatment with NSAIDs is contraindicated according to the relevant TGAapproved Product Information, the application must provide details of the contraindication.
If intolerance to NSAID treatment develops during the relevant period of use which is of a severity to necessitate permanent treatment withdrawal, the application must provide details of the nature and severity of this intolerance.
The following criteria indicate failure to achieve an adequate response and must be demonstrated at the time of the initial application:
(a) a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) of at least 4 on a 010 scale; AND
(b) an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour or a Creactive protein (CRP) level greater than 10 mg per L.
The BASDAI must be determined at the completion of the 3 month NSAID and exercise trial, but prior to ceasing NSAID treatment. The BASDAI must be no more than 1 month old at the time of initial application.
Both ESR and CRP measures should be provided with the initial treatment application and both must be no more than 1 month old. If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reason this criterion cannot be satisfied.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Ankylosing Spondylitis PBS Authority Application Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) a copy of the radiological report confirming Grade II bilateral sacroiliitis or Grade III unilateral sacroiliitis; and
(ii) a completed BASDAI Assessment Form; and
(iii) a completed Exercise Program Self Certification Form included in the supporting information form.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide for infusions at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
An assessment of a patient's response to an initial course of treatment must be conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy. An application for the continuing treatment must be accompanied with the assessment of response and submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 4 weeks from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This will enable ongoing treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBSsubsidised treatment.
Where the response assessment is not submitted within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBSsubsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

(g)           insert in numerical order after existing text:

 

C14667

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Initial treatment - Initial 3 (recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of more than 5 years)
Patient must have received prior PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have a break in treatment of at least 5 years from the most recently approved PBS-subsidised biological medicine for this condition; AND
The condition must be either radiologically (plain X-ray) confirmed: (i) Grade II bilateral sacroiliitis; (ii) Grade III unilateral sacroiliitis; AND
Patient must have at least 2 of the following: (i) low back pain and stiffness for 3 or more months that is relieved by exercise but not by rest; (ii) limitation of motion of the lumbar spine in the sagittal and the frontal planes as determined by a score of at least 1 on each of the lumbar flexion and lumbar side flexion measurements of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI); (iii) limitation of chest expansion relative to normal values for age and gender; AND
Patient must have a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) of at least 4 on a 0-10 scale that is no more than 4 weeks old at the time of application; AND
Patient must have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour that is no more than 4 weeks old at the time of application; OR
Patient must have a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 10 mg per L that is no more than 4 weeks old at the time of application; OR
Patient must have a clinical reason as to why demonstration of an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met and the application must state the reason; AND
Patient must not receive more than 18 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1) a completed authority prescription form; and
(2) a completed authority application form relevant to the indication and treatment phase (the latest version is located on the website specified in the Administrative Advice).
The following must be provided at the time of application and documented in the patient's medical records:
(i) details (name of the radiology report provider, date of the radiology report and unique identifying number/code that links report to the individual patient) of the radiological report confirming Grade II bilateral sacroiliitis or Grade III unilateral sacroiliitis; and
(ii) a baseline BASDAI score; and
(iii) a baseline ESR and/or CRP level.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide for infusions at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response, conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from cessation of the most recent course of biological medicine. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment be submitted no later than 4 weeks from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure treatment continuity for those who meet the continuing restriction.
Where a response assessment is not conducted within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition within this treatment cycle. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

 

C14683

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
First continuing treatment
Patient must have received this drug as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 units (on a scale of 0-10) in the BASDAI score combined with at least 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBS-subsidised treatment, that same marker must be measured and used to assess all future responses to treatment.
The assessment of response to treatment must be documented in the patient's medical records and must be no more than 4 weeks old at the time of the authority application.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition within this treatment cycle. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.
A patient may re-trial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBS-subsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 14683

 

C14689

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
First continuing treatment
Patient must have received this drug as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 units (on a scale of 0-10) in the BASDAI score combined with at least 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBS-subsidised treatment, that same marker must be measured and used to assess all future responses to treatment.
The assessment of response to treatment must be documented in the patient's medical records and must be no more than 4 weeks old at the time of the authority application.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition within this treatment cycle. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.
A patient may re-trial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBS-subsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 14689

 

C14701

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Subsequent continuing treatment
Patient must have received this drug as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition under the First continuing treatment restriction; OR
Patient must have received this drug under this treatment phase as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 units (on a scale of 0-10) in the BASDAI score combined with at least 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBS-subsidised treatment, that same marker must be measured and used to assess all future responses to treatment.
The assessment of response to treatment must be documented in the patient's medical records and must be no more than 4 weeks old at the time of the authority application.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition within this treatment cycle. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.
A patient may re-trial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBS-subsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 14701

 

C14705

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Continuing treatment - balance of supply
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the first continuing treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the subsequent continuing Authority Required (in writing) treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks treatment; AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 24 weeks treatment.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.

Compliance with Authority Required procedures

 

C14707

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Initial treatment - Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 5 years)
Patient must have received prior PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition in this treatment cycle; AND
Patient must not have already failed/ceased to respond to PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition during the current treatment cycle; AND
Patient must not receive more than 18 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide for infusions at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
An application for a patient who is either changing treatment from another biological medicine to this drug or recommencing therapy with this drug after a treatment break of less than 5 years, must be accompanied with details of the evidence of a response to the patient's most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine within the timeframes specified below.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response, conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from cessation of the most recent course of biological medicine. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment be submitted no later than 4 weeks from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure treatment continuity for those who meet the continuing restriction.
Where a patient is changing from PBS-subsidised treatment with a biosimilar medicine for this condition, the prescriber must submit baseline disease severity indicators with this application, in addition to the response assessment outlined below.
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 units (on a scale of 0-10) in the BASDAI score combined with at least 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBS-subsidised treatment, that same marker must be measured and used to assess all future responses to treatment.
The assessment of response to treatment must be documented in the patient's medical records.
Where a response assessment is not conducted within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition within this treatment cycle. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.
A patient may re-trial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBS-subsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Authority Required procedures

 

C14716

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
First continuing treatment
Patient must have received this drug as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1) a completed authority prescription form; and
(2) a completed authority application form relevant to the indication and treatment phase (the latest version is located on the website specified in the Administrative Advice).
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 units (on a scale of 0-10) in the BASDAI score combined with at least 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBS-subsidised treatment, that same marker must be measured and used to assess all future responses to treatment.
The assessment of response to treatment must be documented in the patient's medical records.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide for infusions at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
An application for the continuing treatment must be accompanied with the assessment of response conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from cessation of the most recent course of treatment. This will enable ongoing treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment.
Where a response assessment is not conducted within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition within this treatment cycle. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.
A patient may re-trial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBS-subsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

 

C14718

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Initial treatment - Initial 1 (new patient)
The condition must be either radiologically (plain X-ray) confirmed: (i) Grade II bilateral sacroiliitis; (ii) Grade III unilateral sacroiliitis; AND
Patient must not have received PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have at least 2 of the following: (i) low back pain and stiffness for 3 or more months that is relieved by exercise but not by rest; (ii) limitation of motion of the lumbar spine in the sagittal and the frontal planes as determined by a score of at least 1 on each of the lumbar flexion and lumbar side flexion measurements of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI); (iii) limitation of chest expansion relative to normal values for age and gender; AND
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response following treatment with at least 2 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), whilst completing an appropriate exercise program, for a total period of 3 months; AND
Patient must not receive more than 18 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
The application must include details of the NSAIDs trialled, their doses and duration of treatment.
If the NSAID dose is less than the maximum recommended dose in the relevant TGA-approved Product Information, the application must include the reason a higher dose cannot be used.
If treatment with NSAIDs is contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information, the application must provide details of the contraindication.
If intolerance to NSAID treatment develops during the relevant period of use which is of a severity to necessitate permanent treatment withdrawal, the application must provide details of the nature and severity of this intolerance.
The following criteria indicate failure to achieve an adequate response and must be demonstrated at the time of the initial application:
(a) a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) of at least 4 on a 0-10 scale; and
(b) an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour or a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 10 mg per L.
The baseline BASDAI score and ESR or CRP level must be determined at the completion of the 3 month NSAID and exercise trial, but prior to ceasing NSAID treatment. All measurements must be no more than 4 weeks old at the time of initial application.
If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reason this criterion cannot be satisfied.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1) a completed authority prescription form; and
(2) a completed authority application form relevant to the indication and treatment phase (the latest version is located on the website specified in the Administrative Advice).
The following must be provided at the time of application and documented in the patient's medical records:
(i) details (name of the radiology report provider, date of the radiology report and unique identifying number/code that links report to the individual patient) of the radiological report confirming Grade II bilateral sacroiliitis or Grade III unilateral sacroiliitis; and
(ii) a baseline BASDAI score; and
(iii) a completed Exercise Program Self Certification Form included in the supporting information form; and
(iv) baseline ESR and/or CRP level.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide for infusions at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
An assessment of a patient's response to this initial course of treatment must be conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks prior the completion of this course of treatment.
Where a response assessment is not conducted within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition within this treatment cycle. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

 

C14723

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Subsequent continuing treatment
Patient must have received this drug as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition under the First continuing treatment restriction; OR
Patient must have received this drug under this treatment phase as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 units (on a scale of 0-10) in the BASDAI score combined with at least 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBS-subsidised treatment, that same marker must be measured and used to assess all future responses to treatment.
The assessment of response to treatment must be documented in the patient's medical records and must be no more than 4 weeks old at the time of the authority application.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition within this treatment cycle. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.
A patient may re-trial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBS-subsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 14723

 

C14724

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Subsequent continuing treatment
Patient must have received this drug as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition under the First continuing treatment restriction; OR
Patient must have received this drug under this treatment phase as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1) a completed authority prescription form; and
(2) a completed authority application form relevant to the indication and treatment phase (the latest version is located on the website specified in the Administrative Advice).
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 units (on a scale of 0-10) in the BASDAI score combined with at least 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBS-subsidised treatment, that same marker must be measured and used to assess all future responses to treatment.
The assessment of response to treatment must be documented in the patient's medical records.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide for infusions at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
An application for the continuing treatment must be accompanied with the assessment of response conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from cessation of the most recent course of treatment. This will enable ongoing treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment.
Where a response assessment is not conducted within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition within this treatment cycle. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.
A patient may re-trial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBS-subsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

 

C14737

 

Ankylosing spondylitis
Initial treatment - Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 5 years)
Patient must have received prior PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition in this treatment cycle; AND
Patient must not have already failed/ceased to respond to PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition during the current treatment cycle; AND
Patient must not receive more than 18 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1) a completed authority prescription form; and
(2) a completed authority application form relevant to the indication and treatment phase (the latest version is located on the website specified in the Administrative Advice).
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide for infusions at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
An application for a patient who is either changing treatment from another biological medicine to this drug or recommencing therapy with this drug after a treatment break of less than 5 years, must be accompanied with details of the evidence of a response to the patient's most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine within the timeframes specified below.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response, conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from cessation of the most recent course of biological medicine. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment be submitted no later than 4 weeks from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure treatment continuity for those who meet the continuing restriction.
Where a patient is changing from PBS-subsidised treatment with a biosimilar medicine for this condition, the prescriber must submit baseline disease severity indicators with this application, in addition to the response assessment outlined below.
An adequate response is defined as an improvement from baseline of at least 2 units (on a scale of 0-10) in the BASDAI score combined with at least 1 of the following:
(a) an ESR measurement no greater than 25 mm per hour; or
(b) a CRP measurement no greater than 10 mg per L; or
(c) an ESR or CRP measurement reduced by at least 20% from baseline.
Where only 1 acute phase reactant measurement is supplied in the first application for PBS-subsidised treatment, that same marker must be measured and used to assess all future responses to treatment.
The assessment of response to treatment must be documented in the patient's medical records.
Where a response assessment is not conducted within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition within this treatment cycle. Serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment is not considered as a treatment failure.
A patient may re-trial this drug after a minimum of 5 years have elapsed between the date the last prescription for a PBS-subsidised biological medicine was approved in this cycle and the date of the first application under a new cycle under the Initial 3 treatment restriction.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

[22]       Schedule 3, entry for Selexipag

(a)           omit from the column headed “Purposes Code” for the circumstances code “C11193”: P11193

(b)           omit from the column headed “Purposes Code” for the circumstances code “C11195”: P11195

(c)           omit from the column headed “Purposes Code” for the circumstances code “C11261”: P11261

[23]       Schedule 3, entry for Zoledronic acid

(a)           insert in the column headed “Purposes Code” for the circumstances code “C5605”: P5605

(b)           insert in the column headed “Purposes Code” for the circumstances code “C5703”: P5703

(c)           insert in the column headed “Purposes Code” for the circumstances code “C5704”: P5704

(d)           insert in the column headed “Purposes Code” for the circumstances code “C5735”: P5735

(e)           insert in the column headed “Purposes Code” for the circumstances code “C9268”: P9268

(f)             insert in the column headed “Purposes Code” for the circumstances code “C9304”: P9304

(g)           insert in the column headed “Purposes Code” for the circumstances code “C9317”: P9317

(h)           insert in the column headed “Purposes Code” for the circumstances code “C9328”: P9328

(i)             insert in numerical order after existing text:

 

C14729

P14729

Adjuvant management of breast cancer
Patient must be post-menopausal.
Patient must not be undergoing PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this indication for more than 36 months.

Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 14729

 

C14735

P14735

Adjuvant management of breast cancer
Patient must be post-menopausal.
Patient must not be undergoing PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this indication for more than 36 months.

Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 14735