GSK's OMJJARA (momelotinib) is listed on the PBS from today for people with a form of myelofibrosis.
The listing is for treating intermediate or high-risk primary myelofibrosis, post-polycythaemia vera myelofibrosis or post-essential thrombocythaemia myelofibrosis in patients with moderate to severe anaemia and who are Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor naïve or have been treated with ruxolitinib.
OMJJARA. discovered in Melbourne in 2005, is a daily tablet used in adult patients. It is one of only a handful of Australian drug discoveries to be approved for use in the US and Australia.
Announcing the PBS reimbursement, Andrew Thomas, GSK Australia vice president and general manager, said, “After being introduced internationally, we are thrilled to finally bring OMJJARA ‘home’ and remain enormously proud of our contribution and of the teams who have made this happen.
“PBS reimbursement of this important bone marrow cancer therapy recognises the high unmet need that exists for patients living with myelofibrosis and moderate to severe anaemia.
“We also acknowledge the award-winning Australian scientists whose original idea has now gone from ‘bench to bedside’.”
Myelofibrosis is diagnosed in around one in every 100,000 Australians, most commonly in those aged between 60 and 70. People diagnosed have an average survival of five to seven years, and almost a quarter are in need of regular blood transfusions at diagnosis. Within a year, up to 46 per cent will experience anaemia.
The Melbourne scientists who developed OMJJARA, Professor Andrew Wilks and Dr Chris Burns, said, “Today’s PBS milestone is our ‘full circle’ moment. Reimbursement of our invention OMJJARA will now help to ensure it is available and accessible for all eligible patients living with this very challenging bone marrow cancer. To see this achieved thirty years after it was invented is very gratifying.”
Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti said, “Those living with myelofibrosis often have limited treatment options and their quality of life can be very much affected. Giving eligible Australian patients access to another treatment option is an important step forward.”