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Dad's Life-Saving Drug Access Cut: $8k Monthly Bill
6 Mar
Summary
- Father of three denied subsidized access to a critical cancer drug.
- Drug cost rises to $8,000 monthly from subsidized access.
- Patient is rationing medication due to unaffordable costs.
Clinton James, a 42-year-old father of three from the NSW South Coast, has been diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). His life-saving medication, Retevmo, which targets specific genetic mutations, is no longer subsidized, presenting him with an $8,000 monthly cost. This drug has been instrumental in stopping his cancer's progression and enhancing his quality of life since 2024.
Previously, Retevmo was available through a pharmaceutical company's access program while awaiting Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing for MTC patients, anticipated by March 2025. Now, Mr. James is rationing his remaining medication, aware that stopping treatment means the cancer will likely return aggressively. He has advocated for broader PBS access for MTC patients, highlighting the disparity with lung cancer patients who access the same drug for a nominal fee.
Mr. James and his mother met with political representatives in Canberra, expressing optimism for a positive outcome regarding PBS listing. An independent body, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, is scheduled to review the drug's PBS listing application next week. Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been initiated to help cover the exorbitant monthly medication costs.
