8 NEWS
2025
8 NEWS
14 FEBRUARY 2025 ausdoc . com . au
Push to list obesity drug on PBS
Mohana Basu PHARMACEUTICAL giant Eli Lilly is readying a PBAC application for tirzepatide , which if successful , would become the first GLP-1 receptor agonist |
Lilly Australian spokesperson . “ However , the cost of not treating this chronic disease is immense .” Currently , tirzepatide ( Mounjaro ) costs up to $ 645 a month on the private |
In September , Mounjaro was TGA registered to treat obesity in adults with a BMI of 30kg / m 2 or more or a BMI of 27kg / m 2 plus at least one weight-related comorbid condition |
( semaglutide ) listed for diabetes but not obesity .
Eli Lilly Australia said it was planning a PBAC submission later this year and would “ explore all feasible
|
publicly funded for obesity treatment . |
market . |
following an Eil Lilly – funded trial |
pathways that might enable equita- |
Without giving a dollar figure , the |
In December , the UK approved |
that found Mounjaro led to an average |
ble access to Mounjaro ”. |
company has acknowledged that a list- |
the drug for around 3.4 million NHS |
weight loss of 20.2 % compared with |
“ We have consulted broadly with |
ing would be expensive for taxpayers |
patients , starting in March . |
13.7 % with semaglutide ( Wegovy ). |
medical experts and the Federal |
but says the downstream effects will |
The drug will be available alongside |
However , recent applications |
Government , and there is recogni- |
be worth it . |
diet and exercise guidance , specifically |
by pharmaceutical companies to |
tion across the board of the urgent |
“ The cost of treating obesity is considerable given the large number of Australians impacted ,” said an Eli |
for UK patients with a BMI over 35kg / m 2 and at least one weight-related condition , to be phased in over 12 years . |
list GLP-1 receptor agonists on the PBS for obesity alone have failed , with Novo Nordisk ’ s Ozempic |
need for action on obesity ,” said Tori Brown , general manager of Eli Lilly Australia and New Zealand . |
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Warning for asthma medication
Rachel Fieldhouse NEW boxed warnings on montelukast advise doctors to stop treatment if patients develop depression , suicidality or other neuropsychiatric symptoms .
Commonly used to treat children with chronic asthma as well as seasonal allergic rhinitis , the TGA warns of the potential neuropsychiatric side effects associated with the leukotriene receptor agonist .
“ In many cases , symptoms resolved after stopping montelukast therapy ; however , in some cases , symptoms persisted after discontinuation of montelukast ,” they read .
“ Therefore , patients should be monitored and provided supportive care until symptoms resolve .”
The TGA recommended that doctors discuss the risks and benefits of the drug with patients .
It said it had received 356 reports of psychiatric disorders associated with montelukast since 1998 , with common symptoms including aggression , anxiety , suicidal ideation , depression , insomnia and nightmares .
Of 91 reports mentioning suicidal behaviour , 10 involved patient deaths by suicide .
However , the TGA stressed that reports did not mean a causal relationship was established .
Dr Kerry Hancock , chair of the RACGP ’ s Specific Interests Respiratory Medicine group , said : “ I would encourage GPs to provide consumer medicine information to every patient or their carer every time they prescribe or re-prescribe montelukast and highlight the warnings .
“ GPs could also consider referral for a Home Medicines Review for their patients taking montelukast to ensure they or their carers are aware of these potential adverse effects .” If this news story has raised issues for you , call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact your local doctors ’ health advisory service .