Tykerb, produced by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), is a new treatment for women with HER2 positive secondary breast cancer, for whom Herceptin is no longer a viable treatment option. Tykerb is expensive, at a cost of $4,000 per month, beyond the financial reach of many women who need it.
GSK applied to the June 2007 meeting of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to have Tykerb listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This would enable women to access Tykerb at minimal cost through the PBS. Unfortunately GSK's application was rejected.
However GSK reapplied to the November meeting of the PBAC again seeking listing of Tykerb on the PBS. BCNA wrote to the PBAC in mid-October in support of Tykerb, outlining the limited treatment options available for women with secondary breast cancer, and detailing the financial implications for women should Tykerb fail to be listed. The PBAC deferred making a decision on Tykerb however, to their following meeting in March 2008.
GSK were providing Tykerb to women at no cost through the Tykerb Access Program (TAP Stage 1) until 30 November 2007. Under the new TAP Stage 2 arrangement introduced on December 1 and referred to as ‘cost-sharing' by GSK, women are required to pay for the first four months treatment at a cost of $16,000. Women for whom Tykerb is shown to be effective after the first four months would then continue to have access to Tykerb at no cost. Women enrolled before 1 December 2007 continue to receive Tykerb at no cost under the original TAP 1 arrangements.
BCNA was deeply concerned about the introduction of TAP Stage 2, as it effectively meant that only wealthy women could access this treatment. We also questioned how genuine a cost sharing arrangement it was, as women must bear the full cost of treatment for the first four months. BCNA spoke directly to GSK representatives about our concerns. We also wrote to GSK's General Manager in mid-November, outlining the impact these changes would have on women. We urged GSK to extend TAP Stage 1 until Tykerb was available on the PBS.
BCNA has also advocated to government to consider listing Tykerb on the ‘Late stage metastatic breast cancer (Herceptin)' program. This is the avenue through which Herceptin is funded for women with secondary breast cancer and is a special program which sits outside the PBS. We raised this possibility with the then Minister for Health Tony Abbott, and Shadow Minister for Health Nicola Roxon.
BCNA has been active in the media, raising the issues associated with Tykerb throughout November and December 2007. We have had good media coverage across the country through newspapers, radio and television.
BCNA was incredibly disappointed that GSK responded to our letter clearly stating that they would move to TAP Stage 2 as of 1 December 2007. We had been genuinely surprised that GSK's previous public commitment to achieving cost effective treatment options for women was waning. BCNA does not support the system where only wealthy families could access the best treatment and support for breast cancer.
As a result of the early than expected decision made by PBAC on 11 January 2008, to recommend Tykerb to be listed on the PBS, BCNA wrote again to GSK. We once again urged them to provide Tykerb to women at no cost until it is available through the PBS.
We were therefore delighted that GSK responded at the end of January saying they would reinstate the subsidy program which will cover the cost of Tykerb for women until it is listed on the PBS.
What Can Women Do?
BCNA is keen to hear from women who are currently experiencing difficulties accessing Tykerb. We can be contacted on our toll free number 1800 500 258, or email
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Last updated February 6, 2008
