Infliximab may soon be subsidised in Australia

The Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has recommended that Infliximab (Remicade) be subsidised for the treatment of Crohn's disease (it's already subsidised for other conditions):

The PBAC recommended the listing of infliximab for the treatment of patients with severe Crohn’s disease (Crohn’s Disease Activity Index ≥ 300) or patients with an ileostomy or colectomy due to Crohn’s disease on the basis of a high but acceptable cost-effectiveness ratio compared to placebo. Acceptable cost-effectiveness was demonstrated at a dose of 5 mg/kg infliximab for three doses (weeks 0, 2 and 6) and when continuation of treatment beyond three doses was determined by remission (CDAI ≤ 150) at approximately 12 weeks from the commencement of treatment.

As noted by the Sydney Morning Herald it still has to be approved by the government. If they do so, then the cost per injection will be reduced from $4000 to a much more manageable $30.