Epidyolex listed on the PBS for rare form of epilepsy

In a historic move, from today CBD oil Epidyolex will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for patients with Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said around 116 patients each year would benefit from the PBS listing, which reduces the price to $41.30 per script, down from an estimated $24,000 per year for those wanting to access treatment.

Manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals, Epidyolex is only the second medicinal cannabis drug after nabiximols (trade name Sativex, for treating spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis) to be registered for supply in Australia, and the first one to be subsidised via the PBS.

Dravet Syndrome is a rare, genetic epileptic encephalopathy causing seizures which don’t respond well to standard medications. The disorder begins in the first year of life in otherwise healthy infants. Around 80% of sufferers have a gene mutation that causes problems in the way ion channels in the brain work.