Industry News
Australians Living with Vision Loss to Benefit from New Eye Treatment Subsidy
Australians suffering from two major causes of vision loss will gain subsidised access to EYLEA (aflibercept) 8mg, a new injectable eye treatment. This development, facilitated through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), is expected to assist approximately 11,000 individuals diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) or diabetic macular edema (DMO).
Without the PBS subsidy, the annual cost of EYLEA 8mg would be around $5,500. However, eligible patients will now only need to pay $7.70 per month if they hold a pension or concession card, or $31.60 for general patients.
This PBS listing arrives at a critical time, as eye injections are among the most frequently performed medical procedures in Australia. Alarmingly, one in six Australians with age-related macular degeneration will face some form of vision loss.
EYLEA 8mg is classified as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, designed to block the formation of abnormal blood vessels and reduce fluid leakage in the eyes. The treatment involves an injection directly into the eye under local anesthesia, typically administered once a month for the first three months. Subsequent injections will be scheduled based on the patient’s response.
Previously, EYLEA 2mg has been available through the PBS for those with wAMD and DMO since 2012.
Patients receiving EYLEA 8mg may experience side effects such as bloodshot eyes, eye pain, cataracts, increased intraocular pressure, membrane detachment, or visual disturbances. The treatment is not suitable for individuals with hypersensitivity to its components or those experiencing eye infections or severe inflammation.
For more detailed information about EYLEA 8mg, including potential side effects and usage guidelines, consult the Consumer Medicines Information.
