Endoactive

Endometriosis treatment subsidy breaks 30-year drought (1)

Almost one million Australians affected by “invisible disease2” 

1 December 2024 – Australians living with endometriosis (endo), a common and chronic condition that can cause crippling pain and infertility,2 will soon have access to the first treatment to be subsidised for their condition by the Federal Government in more than three decades.1

From 1 December, VISANNE (dienogest) will be available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for Australians living with endometriosis.1

Professor Jason Abbott, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from the University of NSW joined EndoActive and Bayer in welcoming the new subsidy, pointing to an increase of more than 40 per cent in hospital admissions due to endometriosis in the last decade.3

“Subsidised access to this medicine will be very welcome news for a large number of women living with this invisible disease,” said Professor Abbott.

“There is no cure for endometriosis, and it can last for decades. Affordable access to treatment options to help control symptoms is extremely important for a patient's quality of life.

“Even after surgery, patients will require medication to help manage symptoms4 that could otherwise substantially affect their life, including reduced participation in school, work and social activities,”5 he said.

Endometriosis is a debilitating condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb and in other parts of the body, often affecting the reproductive organs, bowel and bladder.6,7 It causes inflammation, scarring, and painful adhesions that join together pelvic organs that are normally separate.6

“Endometriosis results in more than 40,000 hospital admissions each year, and leaves hundreds of thousands of other patients regularly reeling in pain,”3 said Professor Abbott.

VISANNE, a daily tablet which contains the progestogen hormone dienogest, works to prevent ovulation and menstruation, thereby shrinking and suppressing the growth of the abnormal tissue. 8,9

The new treatment subsidy will reduce the cost of VISANNE from more than $80010 per year to around $90 (pension and concession card holders) or $380 (general patients) per year.11

Despite endometriosis impacting an estimated one-in-seven women and teens,12 it can take more than six years on average to secure a diagnosis, if a diagnosis ever eventuates.6  

Lesley Freedman, Co-founder of EndoActive with her daughter Syl Freedman, who was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 21 after experiencing chronic pelvic pain for 10 years, explained that delays in diagnosis are often due to a lack of awareness among those affected and healthcare professionals, as well as a tendency to dismiss issues relating to women’s reproductive health.

“Misconceptions about endometriosis being only period pain or related to a person’s pain threshold greatly undermine the experiences of people with this condition,” said Freedman.

“Endometriosis can be an incredibly painful condition. Many patients also deal with heavy periods, fatigue, fertility challenges, and a range of other symptoms,” she said.

Around 30 per cent of women undergoing IVF suffer endometriosis and half of all patients with endometriosis experience infertility.13

Commenting on the new funding announcement, Co-Founder of EndoActive Syl Freedman said: “This is wonderful news for endo patients. We commend the Federal Government for supporting Australians living with endo”.

“Endo is a debilitating condition that can impact every facet of life; employment, family, intimate relationships, physical and mental health. Affordable and equal access to treatment options is incredibly important.

“Endo remains taboo and continues to be shrouded in mystery. Although awareness has been improving, there are still significant gaps. We need ongoing education and support to ensure women are not continuing to suffer in silence,” she added.  

Manoj Saxena, CEO of Bayer ANZ and Country Division Head for the Pharmaceutical Division, said: “Efforts by organisations like EndoActive have been pivotal in raising awareness of endometriosis and putting the disease at the top of the government’s agenda with recent investments into pelvic pain clinics and longer gynaecology consultations”.

“Bayer commends the government for prioritising women’s health in Australia. The PBS listing of Visanne is an important step towards addressing inequalities in women’s health access and Bayer is proud to have played a role. We remain committed to partnering with patient groups and government to meet reproductive health needs,” said Mr Saxena.

All medicines may have side-effects. The most common side-effects which may be associated with VISANNE include headache, breast discomfort, depressed mood and acne.8,9 VISANNE should not be used during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or in those with a clotting disorder, a history of blood clots or cardiovascular disease.8,9

Individuals with further questions or concerns should consult their doctor who is best placed to advise on their condition and suitable treatment options.


About EndoActive
EndoActive’s mission is awareness, information and advocacy for women, girls and people assigned female at birth with endometriosis. We aim to promote early intervention and more informed treatment of endometriosis. We’re an independent, Not For Profit Health Promotion Charity, founded in 2014 by mother and daughter Lesley & Sylvia (Syl) Freedman. Lesley and Syl are passionate about gathering evidence-based research so that people with endometriosis and their families don’t have to experience the lack of information they faced when Syl was first diagnosed at 21, having suffered symptoms from age 11. For cultural reasons relating to menstruation, endometriosis was rarely featured in public discourse or in the media, until recently. We’re proud to have helped break that silence by raising the profile of endometriosis in the media and through our two groundbreaking conferences on the condition. Our committee includes nurses, a company director, a pathologist, a teacher, a statistician, two documentary filmmakers and people with endo.

About Bayer in Australia
Bayer is a life sciences company with a 150-year history and core competencies in the areas of health and agriculture. We have been present in Australia since 1925 and today our company is working to bring science to address some of the greatest challenges of our time – from climate change to caring for growing and ageing populations to improving food security and productivity. Over 60 years ago, Bayer launched its first oral contraceptive to Australian women. Bayer continues to focus on Women’s Health in the areas of contraception, endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, menopause and pregnancy nutrition.

At Bayer, we have the fundamental belief that empowering girls and women, and providing them access to family planning, are central for sustainable development and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This is also in line with our mission ‘’Health for All, Hunger for None’’. Family planning plays a crucial role in reducing poverty and hunger, improving the health and well-being of communities, ensuring high-quality education and economic growth, and sparking institutional and ecological changes that move toward fairness and equality.

Media Contacts:

  • Rebecca Anable (0404 019 323) or John Morton (0416 184 044) at Ethical Strategies
  • Amy Appleton (0497 863 707) at Bayer
  • Lesley Freedman (0419 630 997) or Syl Freedman (0401 208 070) at EndoActive


From 1 December 2024

 

VISANNE® is listed on the PBS for the treatment of endometriosis.
Refer to the PBS schedule for more information www.pbs.gov.au. 

 

References

  1. Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits. From 1 December 2024, available at: https://www.pbs.gov.au/pbs/
  2. Endometriosis Australia. Your Guide to Endometriosis. Last accessed October 2024.
  3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Reports and Data: Endometriosis Hospitalisations, 2023. Last accessed October 2024.
  4. Australian clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of endometriosis, 2021, RANZCOG Melbourne Australia.
  5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Endometriosis impact, 2023. Last accessed October 2024. 
  6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Endometriosis, 2023. Last accessed October 2024.
  7. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Post-Market Review Section Report: Stocktake of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidised medicines available for endometriosis and related conditions, and comparison of current Australian pharmacological treatment guidelines, 2022.  
  8. Bayer Australia. VISANNE Consumer Medicine Information. 2020.
  9. Bayer Australia. VISANNE Product Information. 2016.
  10. Australia. Data on File – Private Prescription Cost of VISANNE. 2024.
  11. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. About the PBS. 2024. Last accessed October 2024.
  12. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. How Common is Endometriosis, 2023. Last accessed October 2024.
  13. Endometriosis Australia. Endometriosis and Infertility. 2024. Last accessed October 2024.


Forward-Looking Statements 
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.


Bayer Australia Pty Ltd, ABN 22 000 1 38 714, 875 Pacific Highway, Pymble NSW 2073. 
Ph: (02) 9391 6000. Date of Preparation: November 2024. COR-VIS-AU-0006-1