In response to an application by GSK to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to remove the oral corticosteroid (OCS) requirement to qualify for biologics in uncontrolled severe asthma, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) OCS criteria change that was recommended by the PBAC in March 2024 has come into effect on 1 October 2024. This change was supported by a submission from ASCIA.

The change removes the OCS requirement under defining ‘optimised asthma therapy’ as part of the INITIATION criteria for Nucala^® (mepolizumab). The change aslo applies to other biologics (omalizumab, benralizumab and dupilumab) listed on the PBS for uncontrolled severe asthma.

The updated form is available at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/pb075 

This news item was issued on 2 October 2024 by Jill Smith, CEO of ASCIA, the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand.