Nucala® (mepolizumab) is now subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 April 2023 as an add-on treatment for adult patients (18 years and above) with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) that is severe, eosinophilic and recurrent post-surgery.

Nucala is the first biologic treatment to be PBS listed for the treatment of severe CRSwNP, which provides subsidised access to a new treatment option for people with this condition.

To read the GSK media release go here 

To access the ASCIA submission supporting the PBS listing of CRSwNP  go here

To view the Health Minister's announcement of the funding for Nucala for nasal polyps go here 

Thank you to the ASCIA CRSwNP working party for developing the ASCIA CRSwNP Position Paper which provides important details about the management of CRSwNP. This Position Paper was developed in conjunction with the Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery (ASOHNS). The working party members are A/Prof Raewyn Campbell, Prof Richard Harvey, Prof Connie Katelaris AM (Chair), Prof Michaela Lucas, Dr Kathryn Patchett, A/Prof Janet Rimmer and Prof Ray Sacks.

ASCIA supports the PBS listing of Nucala for the following reasons::

• The advent of effective, targeted biologic therapies such as Nucala® (mepolizumab), for the management on nasal polyps in CRS, with very acceptable safety profiles, is a welcome addition to current management options. The PBS listing of Nucala® (mepolizumab) ensures equitable access to Australians with nasal polyps in CRS.
• Studies have shown statistically significant reduction in nasal polyps after treatment with Nucala® (mepolizumab) dosing in most patients, and a decreased number of patients requiring surgery. Therefore, the PBS listing of Nucala® (mepolizumab) for treatment of patients with nasal polyps in CRS should make a significant difference to the health outcomes for patients and health-economic benefits for the health system, by decreasing the need for surgery and reducing the use of steroids.
• CRSwNP has a significant impact on quality of life, especially when atopic diseases, asthma or other comorbidities are present. Therefore, the PBS listing of Nucala® (mepolizumab) for nasal Polyps in CRS should also have indirect health-economic benefits by improving the health related quality of life for patients, reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity.

This news item was issued on 3 April 2023 by Jill Smith, CEO of ASCIA, the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand.