Jorveza® (budesonide) is an orally disintegrating tablet for the treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) in adults, that was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 1 May 2022.

Jorveza represents the first TGA approved and PBS subsidised medication for adults with this chronic and progressive, immune-mediated, oesophageal disease. The efficacy of Jorveza is supported by data from a phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial. The primary endpoint – clinicohistologic remission after six weeks – was met in 57.6% of patients receiving Jorveza (1mg twice daily; BID) versus 0% in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). At week 6 histologic remission was achieved in 93% of patients administered Jorveza, versus 0% in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). After 12 weeks, clinicohistologic remission was achieved in 84.7% of patients administered Jorveza. Jorveza was well-tolerated, and the most common adverse event reported was mild to moderate local candidiasis. No clinically relevant reduction in morning cortisol levels was documented.

Long-term maintenance treatment is recommended, as patients who discontinue treatment may experience a rapid relapse once remission is achieved. Jorveza is available in 1.0 mg tablets for inducing remission and 0.5/1.0 mg tablets for maintaining remission.

Copies of the product information for Jorveza® can be requested by calling Dr Falk Pharma Australia Pty Ltd on 1800 DRFALK (1800 373 255). 

Information about EoE is available on the ASCIA website www.allergy.org.au/patients/food-other-adverse-reactions

This news item was issued on 24 May 2022 by Jill Smith, CEO of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). ASCIA is the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand.