Cilta-cel approved for public funding

Multiple Myeloma

The Snowdome Foundation is delighted to learn that ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), a revolutionary Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell treatment, will now be a reality for patients with refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma who have had four prior lines of treatment.

The Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) reviews new medical services to advise the Australian Government if the services should receive public funding. Their advice is based on how safe, effective, and affordable the service is, using the best evidence available.

In July 2022 and again in November 2023, an application from Johnson & Johnson for the public funding of cilta-cel was reviewed by MSAC. Initially the application was rejected and then MSAC deferred its decision.

In June 2024, MSAC recommended to the Australian Government to publicly fund the cilta-cel treatment for multiple myeloma patients who have previously undergone four lines of treatment.

Whist MSAC supported cilta-cel, there are some items that require further negotiation to be undertaken between Johnson & Johnson and the Government before it can be fully accessed by Australian patients.

Johnson & Johnson are working with Federal and State Governments to navigate the complexities of bringing this highly specialised therapy to Australian patients. At this stage, they are unable to estimate the time these milestones will take to complete, but they are prioritising these activities.

There is still much to achieve however, Snowdome was pleased to have played a role in advocating for this outcome, and we would like to applaud the hundreds of patients, clinicians, researchers and media who provided submissions which lead to a positive recommendation from MSAC.  We look forward to bringing you more updates as they become available.

* Geoff Nyssen (pictured) had to travel to the US to receive CAR T-cell treatment. Australian patients will now be able to receive this treatment without the need to travel overseas.

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About Snowdome Foundation: Snowdome has a singular vision to give every Australian blood cancer patient the best opportunity for a cure. We do this by funding world-best, Australian and international translational research, accelerating patient access to next-generation treatments so that those diagnosed with blood cancer can live longer, better lives.