‘Life-changing’: Kidney disease drug added to PBS

A $1000-per-year drug for kidney illness will now value simply $30 per script after being added to the pharmaceutical advantages scheme (PBS).

Health Minister Mark Butler described the addition of Kerendia to the PBS as “life-changing”.

“Over 26,000 Australians could benefit from the government listing Kerendia on the PBS,” he mentioned.

“Instead of paying more than $1000 per treatment, thanks to the Albanese government, it will cost no more than $30 per script.”

The variety of diabetic Australians struggling kidney failure has tripled up to now 20 years.

A kidney failure necessitates dialysis or a transplant.

Director of Endocrinology at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne Professor Richard MacIsaac mentioned the influence of continual kidney illness can’t be underestimated.

“Kidney disease is one of the most common and dangerous complications of type 2 diabetes 6 and affects around one in every four Australians living with the condition,” he mentioned.

“Rising rates of type 2 diabetes have seen diabetes-induced kidney disease reach epidemic levels.”