The Health Minister has announced the PBS listing of ponatinib (Iclusig) for the treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

“Access to new medicines is crucial if we’re to help Australians beat life threatening diseases, which so often can rob them of their independence,” said Ms Ley in a statement.

“This $20 million investment will deliver greater affordable access for patients who would otherwise pay up to $66,500 per year for the life-saving treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

“This new listing of ICLUSIG will particularly benefit patients who are intolerant of the treatments already on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for this rare disease that is most common in adults over 50,” she said.