SCULPTRA Update: PBS-subsidised lipo treatment a step closer

People with severe facial lipoatrophy caused by HIV treatments are closer to being able to access subsidised treatment with poly-lactic acid under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme [1][Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs. (PBS).

A resubmission in March by sanofi-aventis, the company who manufactures the product under the name Sculptra, resulted in a positive recommendation by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to list the facial filler.

‘This is only one step in the process,’ advises John Daye, NAPWA’s treatments spokesperson. ‘Costing and referral arrangements are yet to be decided. But we are
hopeful Sculptra will become listed this year.’