Combined immunotherapy ipilimumab and nivolumab is now available on the PBS for all advanced melanoma patients.

We are delighted with today’s announcement that combined immunotherapy ipilimumab and nivolumab is now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for all advanced melanoma patients.

Previously, it was only available on the PBS for a subset of patients.

‘Today’s PBS listing means subsidised treatment is now also available for high-risk melanoma patients whose disease recurs after having adjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy,’ Co-Medical Director of Melanoma Institute Australia Professor Long AO said.

‘This is a significant milestone for not only these patients and their families, but also for clinicians around the country who now have more options for patients. Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world, and subsidised access to this treatment will undoubtedly save lives.’

Melanoma Institute Australia clinicians had been integral in trialling this combined immunotherapy treatment and also gathering the new evidence to demonstrate that these drugs work in this group of patients, now included in the expanded indication on the PBS.

See more on 7 News Sydney story below. Our thanks to Natalie Leggott for bravely sharing her story.