Health Minister Greg Hunt announced today that the cost of HIV-prevention drug PrEP will be significantly reduced across Australia, with the medication being added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
An $180 million subsidy was described by Hunt as “[putting] Australia in reach of being one of the first countries in the world to end the transmission of HIV.”
“PrEP is a medical innovation that will save Australian lives and the decision to list it is one of the most significant advancements in HIV transmission Australia has ever seen,” he continued.
“32,000 patients each year will pay a maximum of only $39.50 per script … without subsidy, patients would pay $2,496 per year for this medicine.
“Access to PrEP will not only benefit gay and bisexual men but will also drive down rates of HIV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, migrant communities and other population groups which have seen increased transmission rates over recent years.”
The drug is up to 99% effective in stopping the transmission and spread of HIV if taken daily. It will be subsided by April 1.
