Xolair PBS for CSU

THE first and only medicine approved to treat severe Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) will be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) tomorrow, 01 Sep.

The PBS listing of the biologic medicine Xolair (omalizumab) is for adults and adolescents (12 years of age and above) with severe CSU who remain symptomatic despite standard therapy.

Campbelltown Hospital Immunology and Allergy unit head Professor Connie Katelaris welcomed the listing saying, “There has been a significant treatment gap for those living with antihistamine-resistant CSU”.

“Xolair offers patients an effective method of managing CSU as an alternative to corticosteroid use,” she added.