Leo Pharma’s Daivonex Cream Delisted from PBS

LEO Pharma, in consultation with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) removed Daivonex® cream (calcipotriol 50μg/g), for the topical treatment of chronic stable plaque type psoriasis vulgaris in adults, from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 1 June 2015.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease1 that affects about half a million Australians2. The condition often appears as red raised plaques with a silvery scale and can occur at any age1. While psoriasis is generally not life-threatening it can have a major impact on physical, psychological and social wellbeing3.

Most cases of psoriasis can be managed with topical treatment using vitamin D, corticosteroids or a combination of these active ingredients1. These days topical treatments are available in a variety of formulations such as creams, ointments or gels, to meet the individual patient’s preferences4.

While Daivonex® cream remains an effective treatment for chronic stable plaque type psoriasis vulgaris in adults; it is no longer available on the PBS. Newer and more effective therapies, including LEO Pharma Patient Solutions, Daivobet® 50/500 gel and ointment5-10, are available on the PBS. These products conveniently combine calcipotriol (50μg/g) (the same active ingredient that is in Daivonex® cream) and betamethasone as dipropionate (500μg/g) in a single once daily product that have superior efficacy due to their dual mode of action and the optimised vehicle in which they have been developed5-10.

Explaining the decision, LEO Pharma General Manager Jacob Anker Rasmussen said, “As a company, we are committed to the research and development of new and effective psoriasis treatments and ensuring they are available to clinicians and patients as soon as possible. To maintain this commitment, we need to periodically review our portfolio.

“The availability of newer products has caused a continual decline in the use of Daivonex® cream and the now low patient population using this product has unfortunately resulted in low production volumes. Due to the low demand, Daivonex® cream is no longer viable at the current PBS price,” he concluded.

Daivonex® cream continues to be available to those patients who wish to continue treatment on a private prescription at an expected price of $45.00*.

For those patients for whom an alternative LEO Pharma Patient Solution is not appropriate, other products are available on the PBS to prescribers.

LEO Pharma will disseminate information to patients supplied with the pack of Daivonex® cream at the point of dispensing, informing them of the PBS delisting from 1 June 2015. LEO Pharma will also provide support to patients and healthcare professionals through the LEO Pharma QualityCare™ Patient Support Service during AEST business hours to answer any questions or concerns they may have.

Prescribers or healthcare professionals with any questions are encouraged to speak to their local LEO Pharma representative or contact LEO Pharma’s QualityCare™ Patient Support Service on 1800 094 104 (during AEST business hours) or via email at qualitycare.au@leo-pharma.com.

For more information visit: www.leo-pharma.com.au.

References:
1. Menter A. et al. Fast Facts: Psoriasis. 2008:8,12,19.
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey: Summary of Results 2007-2008 (Reissue)
3. Dauden E, et al. JEADV 2014, 28 (Suppl. 2), 22–32.
4. http://www.leo-pharma.com/Home/Therapeutic-areas/Dermatology/Healthcare-professionals/Psoriasis.aspx
5. Mason AR, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;3:CD005028
6. Kaufmann R et al. Dermatology 2002; 205(4):389-93.
7. LEO Pharma. Daivobet® 50/500 ointment. Australian Product Information. Updated 30 June 2013.
8. LEO Pharma. Daivobet® 50/500 gel. Australian Product Information. Updated 22 March 2013.
9. Simonsen L, et al. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2004;30:1095–102.
10. Jemec GBE, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008;59:455-63.
*indicative cost at online pharmacies at time of print and subject to change