To the Editor: Following two articles in the Journal,1,2 I wish to provide an update on the pricing of statins in Australia and the implications for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) expenditure. I was prompted to do so by a recent review by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), which was instigated by the Senate when it passed legislation enabling the current pharmaceutical pricing arrangements.3 The purpose of the review was to determine if there was new evidence on whether rosuvastatin and atorvastatin should be included in the existing statins therapeutic group.
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- 1. Clarke PM, Fitzgerald EM. Expiry of patent protection on statins: effects on pharmaceutical expenditure in Australia. Med J Aust 2010; 192: 633-636. <MJA full text>
- 2. Clarke PM. Challenges and opportunities for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme [editorial]. Med J Aust 2012; 196: 153-154. <MJA full text>
- 3. Commonwealth of Australia Parliamentary Debates. The Senate. National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) Bill 2010. Second Reading. Speech: Senator Nick Xenophon. Hansard 2010; 22 Nov: 1799.
- 4. Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. July 2012 PBAC meeting outcomes — review. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/pbacrec-july12-reviews (accessed Feb 2013).
- 5. Department of Health and Ageing. National Health (weighted average disclosed price — main disclosure cycle) determination 2011. Instrument number PB 80 of 2011. http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2011L02702 (accessed Feb 2013).
No relevant disclosures.