Botulinum toxin type A (Dysport) has been recommended for listing on the PBS for treatment of focal spasticity of the lower limb (LLFS) following stroke or other acute neurological event.

The recommendation is for a Section 100 (Botulinum Toxin Program) Authority Required (STREAMLINED) listing for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe LLFS.

The listing of Dysport was recommended by the PBAC on a cost minimisation basis with botulinum toxin type A (Botox) in terms of comparative efficacy and safety.

In March 2019 the PBAC recommended that the PBS listing for Dysport  for treatment of moderate to severe focal spasticity of the upper limb following a stroke, to also include spasticity following acute events other than stroke.

At that time the PBAC recommended the listing subject to criteria such as a Modified Ashworth Scale rating of 3 or more, and use of  botulinum toxin type A not exceeding a maximum of 4 treatment periods per upper limb in the first year of treatment,.

The PBAC considered that the equi-effective doses of Dysport and Botox should be based on the maximum dispensed quantities which would result in equivalent treatment costs per cycle. The PBAC considered that the equi-effective doses were: 3.75U Dysport and 1U Botox (i.e. 1500U Dysport = 400U Botox).