Post-market Review of Opiate Dependence Treatment Program (ODTP) Medicines

On 24 March 2021, the Department of Health announced it would conduct a post-market review of the medicines available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Opiate Dependence Treatment Program (ODTP).

The impact of opioid medicines on the Australian community, together with rising health costs related to pain management, are factors that have assisted to keep the issue on the national agenda, while leading to the impetus for increased opioid regulation.

There are currently three medicines available for the treatment of opioid dependence under the PBS ODTP: buprenorphine (tablets and modified release injections); buprenorphine with naloxone (films); and methadone (oral liquid).

The ODTP post-market review is being carried out under the Australian Government’s post-market monitoring program, which aims to ensure the continued safe, cost-effective, and quality use of medicines listed on the PBS.

This review presents Painaustralia with an opportunity to contribute to a review of the current program arrangements to ensure that Australians who accept opioid treatment for opioid dependency continue to have access to medicines to help treat their opioid dependence.

Painaustralia’s submission will help the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee consider important issues such as barriers to access and the future delivery of opioid dependence treatment.

Painaustralia welcomes input from our members to inform our submission. Please contact Ilan Sternfein (Ilan.Sternfein@painaustralia.org.au) to provide comments. 

Details about the review can be found here.