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MEDIA RELEASE Minister for Health and Ageing

Tony Abbott MHR

8 November 2006 ABB149/06

PBAC advice on GARDASIL

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has not recommended the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV), marketed by CSL as GARDASIL®, for listing on the National Immunisation Program at this time.

GARDASIL® is potentially a very significant vaccine. It is open to CSL to bring a fresh application. Obviously, the Government would very sympathetically consider any positive recommendation that the PBAC might ultimately make.

PBAC has advised that there was a lack of information in CSL’s application on how long the vaccine remains effective, whether a booster would be needed and if so, how to determine the right target group for the follow up. The PBAC was also not provided with enough information on the long term effects of the vaccine on the incidence of cervical cancer.

The PBAC also found that it is not cost effective for taxpayers at this time to fund GARDASIL® on the National Immunisation Program at the price proposed by CSL

The Government respects the PBAC's integrity and process. The PBAC provides independent expert advice on this listing of drugs and vaccines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and National Immunisation Program.

Media Contact: Claire Kimball, 0413 486 926