Dinutuximab Beta Recommended for Refractory and Relapsed High-Risk Neuroblastoma

Major Milestone Achieved: MSAC Recommends Dinutuximab Beta for Refractory and Relapsed High-Risk Neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma Australia is delighted to share a significant development in the fight against high-risk neuroblastoma. The Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) has released its Public Summary Document (PSD), officially recommending Dinutuximab beta (Qarziba®) in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of primary relapsed or refractory high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNBL) under the Highly Specialised Therapies (HST) program.

This recommendation is a crucial first step in ensuring long-term, equitable access to this life-saving treatment for Australian children battling this aggressive cancer. MSAC’s endorsement follows an extensive review of the clinical evidence, cost-effectiveness, and total cost of the therapy.

After considering the strength of the available evidence in relation to comparative safety, clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and total cost, MSAC supported the public funding of dinutuximab beta (DB; Qarziba®) as a Highly Specialised Therapy (HST) through the National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA) Addendum for primary relapsed or refractory (RR) high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNBL).

– MSAC Public Summary Document

You can access the full summary on the MSAC website here.

This incredible achievement is the result of over two years of dedicated work, advocacy, and collaboration. It would not have been possible without the input of families affected by neuroblastoma and the strong community of supporters who helped bring this issue to the forefront.

Recordati Rare Diseases (the Australia treatment sponsor) will now begin negotiations with the Australian Government and state and territory health departments to finalise a deed of agreement that will define the public funding framework.

We will continue to keep our community updated as this process progresses. Thank you to everyone who made this milestone possible, especially those families who completed the MSAC survey in February of this year.