HUNTER residents with severe eosinophilic asthma will benefit from a new at-home medicine administration device being listed from June 1 on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, saving them trips to clinics for treatment.
Patients will receive a government reimbursement for the pre-filled auto-injector pen, which will allow them to administer a specific dose of the medicine NUCALA, or mepolizumab.
Hunter Medical Research Institute clinical researcher and respiratory physician Professor Peter Gibson, who helped develop NUCALA, said ensuring flexible treatment options "is an important step in reducing the burden of this disease".
"At a time when Australians have been self-isolating and spending more time at home, this new at-home administration option is especially significant," he said.
"It may help facilitate greater continuity of treatment and protect vulnerable patients as they will not necessarily have to visit a clinic to access their regular treatment."
NUCALA helps reduce the frequency of asthma flare-ups and the dose of oral steroids.
