Exciting progress has been made for the NMOSD community with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommending ravulizumab (Ultomiris®) for PBS listing. This marks a historic milestone as the first treatment specifically for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) to be recommended for inclusion on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
NMOSD is a group of autoimmune conditions affecting the optic nerves, spinal cord, and specific areas of the brain. While it can initially be mistaken for MS, it requires different treatment approaches. This recommendation is a crucial first step towards making this innovative treatment more accessible and affordable for Australians living with NMOSD.
The treatment has shown promising results in clinical trials, significantly reducing relapses and mobility-related disability in people with NMOSD. Currently, there are no NMOSD-specific treatments available on the PBS, making this recommendation particularly significant for the community.
Read the full story on the MS Australia website to learn more about how ravulizumab works and what this development means for people living with NMOSD. Read article here.
For more information about our available support services, please contact our MS Assist team.