From October 1, a new fast-acting insulin product, Fiasp Penfill, will replace the outgoing Fiasp and Fiasp Flextouch products on Australia’s PBS. Image source: xb100 on Freepik
The federal government has listed a new form of fast-acting insulin to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), beginning on October 1.
The new listing comes after the removal of the Fiasp and Fiasp FlexTouch products (forms of fast-acting insulin aspart) from the PBS — a move that the Alabanese Government blames on the suppliers of these Fiasp products.
The change will affect some 15,000 Australians living with diabetes who accessed Fiasp and Fiasp FlexTouch through the PBS.
The announcement will provide certainty to these Australians, after the Fiasp and Fiasp FlexTouch products were due to be removed from the PBS in October, an issue the government blames on the supplier.
The new product is the Fiasp Penfill, which quickly reduces blood sugar levels and help to minimise spikes after meals.
The Fiasp Penfill will be available under the same conditions as the other products, and will be supplied by drug sponsor Novo Nordisk.
“Australians with type 1 diabetes can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they will continue to have affordable access to fast-acting insulin,” said Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler.
“We understand how important it is for people with type 1 diabetes to have access to a stable supply of products and medications to manage their illness.
“The PBS is a vital lifeline to affordable medicines for millions. We’ll continue to ensure it meets the needs of all Australians.”
However, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Anne Ruston cast doubt over who was to blame for the removal of the Fiasp and Fiasp FlexTouch products.
Ruston accuses Butler of falsely indicating that the manufacturer was unwilling to negotiate and he had no legal power to intervene in an alleged attempt to mislead the diabetes community
“The Minister has still not explained why he decided not to use his ministerial discretion to ensure Fiasp can remain permanently on the PBS, rather than pursing a band-aid response with this temporary extension.”
The Federal Government’s media release regarding the PBS’ new insulin product can be read in full here.
