Cladribine tablets (Mavenclad) have been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 January 2019 for relapsing remitting MS (RRMS).

The listing follows a recommendation by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, which concluded in July 2018 had acceptable cost effectiveness in MS when compared to fingolimod.

Cladribine is an immunosuppressive agent that targets lymphocytes to reduce the inflammatory attack on myelin. In trials it has been shown to has been shown to result in fewer relapses, less disease activity in the brain and less progression of disability.

The treatment is administered in two treatment courses, one year apart; each treatment course consists of two treatment weeks.

In evaluating its application for subsidy, the PBAC noted that cladribine was associated with adverse events including lymphopenia and malignancy, but accepted that overall it was well tolerated.

In December 2018 Federal health minister Greg Hunt announced an additional PBS listing for everolimus (Afinitor) for treatment of refractory seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis.